Finals and a slow laptop with a bad battery.

Enjoy.

Sorry guys no chapter there won't be a chapter until next weekend. Finals drained all the energy out of me.

Chapter 10: A Lead to Follow

Abby was in danger? "When and where did you get separated?" Rail calmly asked.

"I-It wasn't that long ago; like I said, we were heading back with the relic. Abby used her semblance to fly us above the forest... something attacked us, and we crashed. Since Abby was carrying me, she probably landed some distance away."

"Assuming her aura took the brunt of the damage from her fall, and she has enough energy to move, she might be looking for you as well. Or she went back to the ruins where everyone else will be going, to ask for help." Rail cupped his hand to his chin.

The tall teen shook his head, "Fat chance of that since we got ambushed by this huge horde of Grimm." His revelation had all of them shocked.

"C'mon, I know some Grimm can get smart and all, but there ain't nothin' out here but weaklings," Ulivia argued.

"Not true, Ike and I encountered two particularly strong Grimm that the professors would never allow to roam so close to Beacon," Carly remarked. "If something is amiss with the Grimm, whatever attacked you could be pursuing your partner as we speak. Though, we can't count out that she may be injured and unable to move."

"What if Abby went back to where the professors are?" This time it was Ike, voicing his own thoughts. "Even if she came back without her partner, but if she explained what's going on, then they can't hold that against her."

Amid their discussion, Alter suddenly turned and sprinted away, disappearing into the dense collection of trees. "Alter! Hey! Where are you going?" Ike shouted at his retreating form. Not a second later, without a word, Tomoe took off after him. "Man, what's their deal?"

"Dunno, but I'm following him. It sure as hell beats standin' around here." Ulivia's grin was feral as she followed the direction Alter and Tomoe went. She stopped short and turned, jogging in place. "Oh yeah, make sure you survive this. I still plan on collecting when I win our bet. See ya around, shrimp! Hey, Rail, hurry up, or I'm leavin' you behind." Rail sighed, nodded at the remaining bunch, and gave chase to his partner. Ike and Abby's partner would've followed but for Carly's voice.

"Wait." They both rounded on her question in their eyes. "I know you each have your reasons for wanting to save Abby, but if Alter and the others end up in a fight. In your current conditions, you two would just get in the way. Instead of being a potential liability to them, we should head to the ruins and get a relic of our own. That way, we have the requirements needed to pass initiation, and we may find Abby on the off chance she returned to the ruins." Locking eyes with Abby's partner at her last words. He looked conflicted and was about to argue but decided against it.

"You're right. I'll just have to trust them and leave it in their hands. In the meantime, I'll take you to where the relics are; hopefully, Abbey is there too."

"If not, I promise we'll look for her while we head back."

[=]

Twigs and leaves crunched under Alter's shoes as he hurried to Abby's location. He had never been great at sensing aura, Raven had taught him, and even she said she had recently got the hang of it. So, it took Alter a bit of concentration to lock on to Abby's aura amongst all the others in the Emerald Forest. Her aura was soft, comforting, and warm, but at the moment, it was weak. She was moving, so that was a relief. What concerned him, though, was what Abby's partner had said. Abby and her partner had been attacked, presumably while they were flying. It very likely could've been an airborne Grimm, but there was no way both of them ended up falling into the forest without being snatched up. Which meant that something must have leaped up from the forest and knocked the pair out of the sky. Carly was right in believing that whatever assaulted them could still be hunting Abby. What's more, if a Grimm that strong was here, not only Abby but everyone in the forest was in danger. On that thought, Alter's brow drew down his lips a thin line as he increased his pace.

[=]

Abby's eyes shakily opened. Her whole body ached as she slowly sat up, rubbing her head and taking in her surroundings. She questioned how she fell unconscious until she gasped in remembrance of the events prior. Nash, where was Nash? Abby anxiously looked around, but there was no sight of him. A multitude of thoughts ran through her mind; among them were concern for Nash's wellbeing and what her next move would be. Her conclusion was to get a better view of where she landed. Her semblance's signature wings of light emerged from Abby's back. Since her aura was low, the wings were much smaller and would only allow her to hover. It also drained her aura quickly, so this would be her last chance to use it. Floating up and past the canopy, Abby surveyed the landscape. It was challenging to get a pinpoint estimate of her location since; her wings wouldn't take her any higher. She spotted the cliffs, but it was odd if her memory served her right, they should've been closer. Wanting to conserve her aura, she descended back to the forest floor; Abby didn't know how long it had since she was knocked out. If Nash hadn't found her yet, then he could've been hurt, or the thing that attacked them might be after Nash. She admitted those were the worst-case scenarios, and there was a high chance he just hadn't discovered her yet. Either way, Abby had to move, and with the cliffs being the only place she knew the location of Abby chose to head there since that was where the professors were.

Picking up Dream Crafter, she began her trek back but paused. It had been faint, but she had heard something like a branch snapping. Her eyes darted left and right, grip tightening around her wand so hard her knuckles turned white. Abby's heart beat rapidly, but she made sure to control her breathing as it was no use to panic in this situation. When she couldn't locate the cause of the sound by sight, she forced on listening intently. Abby strained her ears as she tried to pick any more noticeable sounds but was met with only silence. Wait? Silence? When had the birds stopped chirping?

As if sensing her realization, she heard a large thud from behind her. Driven by instincts Abby dove forward as the spot she had just been standing on was torn apart. She rolled to her feet and turned to face what had snuck up on her. A Beowolf loomed over her, growling savagely, its red eyes blazing with hatred and rage. Abby pointed Dream Crafter at the beast, the orb on top glowing briefly before it winked out. Her eyes dilated in fright; her wand was still recharging after using that devastating move earlier. The Beowolf lunged, claws poised to rend the flesh from her bones, but Abby wasn't completely defenseless. Grasping the shaft of her weapon, she cracked it against the side of the Grimm's snout. The wolfish creature recoiled, stumbling back in a daze. Abby took the opportunity and bolted, crashing through branches and bushes. The monster behind her roared in anger and tore after her. Knowing that the Grimm would catch her soon, she chose to risk it, glowing wings akin to fairies in children's stories materialized. 'I'll have about twenty seconds at best. I have to make them count!' Once again, they were small, but her fairy wings granted her faster flight. She only needed to distance herself enough to be able to escape on foot. Running out of aura no longer matter since the Beowolf would most likely break it what little remained very quickly. Abby was losing it as she could no longer hear it chasing after her, but she was unfortunately not in the clear. She was blindsided as a new Beowolf appeared on her right. Abby was flung back by the force, bouncing along the ground until she emerged from the treeline, stopping on a grassy slope that led to an open field and a lower section of the forest. The second Beowolf arrived shortly after circling her battered body. Her pain was numbed by the suffocating fear of what was about to happen. She tried to crawl away, but the creature of darkness stamped down on her legs with one of its hind ones. She screamed in agony as it slowly and methodically reached down and wrapped a clawed hand around Abby's throat and lifted her up, so they were eye level. Tears welled up in her eyes as it choked the life out of her salivating as if it enjoyed listening to her pained gasps. 'Help me.'

Through Abby's hazy vision, she saw a shape burst from the trees. A sword flashed as it severed the monster's limb, simultaneously scooping her up in a one-armed cradle.

"Sorry." A familiar calm, deep voice soothed. As Abby's vision cleared, she couldn't believe her eyes as she stared up at the shining blue orbs of Alter. Fresh tears fell as Abby's voice caught in her throat. "I should've got here sooner, but it's alright now." She could only hear his voice; everything else was drowned out even as the Grimm wailed in agony. The furious beast clamped down on its pain and eyed the back of the one who had caused it to hurt so. It trampled towards them in its rage, believing that the two were unaware. Alter's eyes slid to the side; he turned, jumping at the Beowulf and decapitating it in one swift motion while still carrying Abby. They landed as the now headless Grimm faded into black smoke. Alter looked down at her eyes full of concern, silently asking if she was okay. Abby smiled weakly and nodded, whipping her tears away. Alter lowered Abby to her feet with great care and only let go when he saw she was able to stand.

"Thank you," she stepped into Alter, hugging him tightly. She jumped back a moment later, blushing furiously at what she just did. "Sorry!" Abby blurted out in embarrassment, wringing her hands together. A moment later, they heard footsteps as a girl Abby had never seen before appeared from the brush, followed by Ulivia and Rail.

"I see you've already taken care of things here." The new girl said, approaching Abby. "Are you alright? Nice to meet you. I'm Tomoe Shiranui, Alter's partner." Abby's first thought was how beautiful Tomoe was that she seemed ethereal. Not only that, but she was Alter's partner? If that were so, then why was he looking at Tomoe with such unease. How could such an unbelievably pretty and nice girl cause Alter such discomfort?

"Abby, I'm glad you're safe. Your partner was anxious too. Once we get back, he'll be happy to see you." Rail smiled. So Nash was okay? That was great.

"Aw man, I thought I'd get to fight somethin'," Ulivia complained. A vicious howl answered Ulivia's grievance.

"Oh, no." Abby started to tremble, hugging herself.

"What's wrong?" Inquired Alter.

"T-This roar, I heard it before when Nash and I were at the abandoned temple ruins. I-It's a call. We need to run. A horde of Grimm is coming!" As if on cue, a stampede of Grimm charged out from the lower section of forest occupying most of the clearing. A collection of Grimm, from Beowolves, Ursa, Boarbatusks, King Taijitu, Creeps, and Death Stalkers, it was like a small army. It was clear that there would be no running from this.

[=]

"I'm going," Glynda said to Ozpin with finality, already walking away. "I don't care what you say. I will not sit here and let children fight such a massive horde."

"No, you're right. Let's go. I'll tell Bart and Peter to secretly escort any students still in the forest. The situation has drastically changed, but if we cause a fuss, then the negativity will surely grow and potentially attract more Grimm." His face wrinkled in a grimace, "I pray that Mr. Starverse and the others can hold out long enough for us to get there."

[=]

"I think the Ace of Diamonds fits us perfectly. How bout' it, Carly?" Said girl silently shrugged at Ike's question. She didn't see a reason for his enthusiasm for such a trivial matter. Though there was no reason to think about it too hard either, she would have to put up with it for the next four years. That being said, it didn't sound so bad. There wouldn't be any dull moments, at least. "Now, let's head back and have a look around for Abby too. Most likely, she's already at the cliffs with the pro-" A distant roar cut him off. It was far enough away, so Ike and Carly dropped their guards, but Nash stood rooted to the ground. "Good thing we aren't close by. I wouldn't want to be near whatever made that sound… hey, Nash, what's up? You don't look so good. Ike's observation was spot on, the color from Nash's face was drained, and droplets of sweat cascaded down his brow, making him look absolutely sick.

"That's not good. That howl just now. It was the same one Abby, and I heard before a big pack of Grimm ran up on us. Oh crap, Abby!"

"Now, hold on." Nash was stopped as Ike placed a hand on his shoulder. "Remember, right now you and me aren't fit to fight, so can't just go running around like a headless chicken. We don't even know if Abby is even over there. On the chance she is, I'm sure Alter will be able to protect her."

Carly nodded, "I agree; from what I've seen, he seems very capable."

"I know we're asking you a lot by putting your faith in someone you don't know, but trust me, I have a feeling with Alter there everything's gonna be fine."

[=]

The ravenous mass of Grimm hadn't moved since arriving. That was rather odd when they outnumbered the group of five students greatly. It would make the most sense for the monsters to just swarm them, which was how big groups like this usually did. Instead, they just stared up at them, watching and waiting for what had to be the most one-sided standoff ever.

"So, I'll take the hundred on the right, and you guys can get what's leftover." A grinning Ulivia uttered.

"I don't think you should be so chipper about this, Ulivia."

"Aw, c'mon Rail, don't tell me you're scared. This ain't the time to be such a baby."

"Maybe I am scared, but I never said I wouldn't fight. I just think we need to take this more seriously. I believe we need a plan to combat such a large gathering."

"Here's one for ya, kill them all before they kill us. Easy."

"You make it sound so simple. This is the biggest horde I've ever seen or heard anyone has faced. And don't you find anything strange about the way they're acting? We can't just brazenly rush off and-" Rail ducked as Tomoe abruptly jumped over his head. She slid down the grassy slope and charged headlong into the sea of dark creatures. Her sword flicked out as she danced and twirled about, slicing the monsters apart. The Grimm had no time to react and couldn't get close without getting an appendage severed.

"Hell yeah! She has the right idea!" Reaching behind her back Ulivia brandished a relatively large red and silver sword. It had a triangular-shaped blade like a chef's knife that had serrated segments down the edge. The blade was attached to a square-like guard extended on the edged side since that part of the blade ended by the handle. It appeared capable of transforming and did as Ulivia changed it into an automatic assault rifle and skid down, firing into the crowd of Grimm. She shifted her weapon back into a sword and dived into the fray, and began hacking away with a manic smile.

"Wait a minute!" Rail followed, the lines on his mechanical gauntlets turned red. He opened his hands and launched a barrage of concentrated energy orbs of fire. Alter stayed, observing the Grimm's movements.

"U-Um, aren't you going to go?" Abby asked him.

"It's odd, throughout initiation we've had bizarre Grimm encounters. Two Ursa Major that shouldn't have been here attacked Ike and Carly. The Grimm creating an ambush at the ruins, something so strong it can jump higher than the forest canopy, and twice, a call that gathered Grimm to one spot."

"Oh, before I ended up here, two Beowolves chased me, but it seemed planned out."

Alter nodded, "Grimm usually don't act this organized on their own. I believe that they're being led by a stronger one. His eyes narrowed, "But how could a single Grimm be powerful enough to lead such a massive number filled with other strong individuals?" He muttered quietly to himself. Alter assumed that he had to find the alpha of the army. If he defeated it, then the intelligent ones would retreat, and the remaining would follow. He scanned the battlefield, searching for any particular Grimm that stood out from the rest. He watched as Tomoe sprung off the head of an Ursa and sliced through the gaping maw of a King Taijitu. Still, in mid-air, the second head lunged, attempting to swallow her whole. Tomoe spun like a top; the snake Grimm had no hope as it was split in half in a shower of blood. She floated down and continued her onslaught; she sidestepped the stinger of a Deathstalker, which implied a Beowolf behind her. She sliced off the tail and stabbed her blade into its mandibles.

Rail used his armored gauntlets and boots in combination with some form of martial arts. His right fist blazed with fire, and his left crackled with lightning as he punched holes through their bodies. A Boarbatusk rolled like a spiked wheel; Rail kicked it away, a gust of wind exploding from the impact. It landed into a nearby group of others, knocking them down; he stretched out his left hand and shot a ball of lightning into the pile. Rail elbowed an Ursa that tried getting a drop on him in the ribs. The monster bear buckled over his arm, spinning around Rail raised his right leg and delivered a devastating roundhouse kick to the side of its head.

Ulivia was much less graceful than the others; she chopped apart anything that dared approached her. In one instance, a large Ursa blocked her sword with its armored arm, the jagged edge digging into the bone-like plates and becoming stuck. The demon raised its other arm and swung down; Ulivia smiled. Just before the claws of the Ursa could reach her, its head was lopped off. As her sword was freed, she turned around to a charging Creep; Ulivia sliced it in half with a powerful overhead swing. Another Creep attacked from her left, but it too was cut in two without Ulivia even moving.

The three of them had made a good dent in the horde, but many were still left. If the leader wasn't dealt with, they would be overwhelmed. Alter was still unable to locate it, though it became easier with their numbers clearing up. After a couple more minutes, he zeroed in on something. Towards the back stood a huge Beowolf covered in bony spikes. What really clued him in was the red and black smoke coating its body. 'It's just like the one from before,' An image of the strange Geist he fought days ago flashed through his mind. There was no doubt it was what ambushed Abby and her partner and the culprit behind all the Grimm's unnatural behavior. "There!"

"Huh?" Abby looked to see what Alter had said, but he was already gone.

Alter landed in a sprint, his black sword-swinging left and right as he cut a path to the back of the pack. Tomoe disengaged from her foe and ran alongside him. "What are you doing?"

"I'm going after the leader. Keep the rest off me."

"Very well," she jumped back into the mob. Rail and Ulivia caught on to what Alter was planning and up their effort in dispatch the Grimm. Noticing his approach, Alpha Beowolf swung its hand, releasing a claw-shaped shock wave that shredded the ground. Alter vaulted over it and launched a horizontal slash that was blocked. The two clashed in an exchange of blows, Overlight's black blade meeting Beowolf's claws. Alter ducked under a swipe, stepped inside its guard, and slashed the beast from its right hip to the left shoulder. He was met with resistance from the Grimm's tough skin resulting in a shallow cut.

Alter had to hop back as the monster countered. The two fighters eyed each other. The wolfish creature reached up, pressing a hand to its wound. When the Beowolf looked down at its bloody claw, it let out an enraged roar. It pounced on a nearby Ursa and bit down on the other Grimm's neck; the foursome watched in shock and horror as the Beowolf devoured the Ursa. Grimm cannibalism was never mentioned before; this might have been the first time anyone had ever witnessed such an event. As the Beowolf stood back up, the cut on its toro healed, closing up as if nothing happened. "It can regenerate by eating other Grimm? If that's the case, I won't hold back." His eyes and Overlight started shining blue, Alter bent his knees, and the ground cracked as he accelerated forward with blinding speed. Alter's sword flashed as streaks of blue appeared due to the absolute velocity he was attacking with.

Tomoe gasped and gazed at Alter's in complete shock, her mouth slightly agape. 'But that's… no he couldn't have. How does he know that technique, and where or who did he learn it from? There's just no way.' The Beowolf tried to block, but Alter's assault was overpowering, scoring numerous blows to every inch of its body. When it became too much, the demonic wolf leaped back, covered in blood. It growled in anger then bellowed furiously; the roar ceased all the fighting as the closer Grimm turned to smoke and flowed into the maddened Beowolf's jaws. The black and red vapor flared, and it continued roaring as it underwent a dramatic change; it grew in size, and its muscle bulged. The monster's claws, fangs, and spikes elongated. It finished its evolution as an extra of arms erupted from its sides underneath the originals. The Beowolf unleashed a vicious roar and lunged so fast it seemed to vanish. Reappearing, the creature dragged a set of claws through the ground before bringing them up in a ferocious uppercut. Alter blocked with the flat of Overlight's blade but was knocked back by the sheer strength behind the strike. He skidded back, his feet leaving a trail of dust stabbing his sword into the ground; he eventually stopped himself. The others stepped forward to assist him, but he held out a hand signaling for them to not get involved. Alter dodged from side to side as the transformed Beowolf called at him with all four of its arms; he ducked and spun around it, slashing the creatures back. The monster turned and slammed all of its limbs down. Alter jumped into the air as the ground shattered around the Grimm. As Alter descended, the Beowolf crossed its upper arms and blocked his downward slash. Flexing and forcing him back, it reached out, grabbed his sword, and flung him into the air. Jumping after him, Alter righted himself and dived to intercept, rearing Overlight back and the Grimm doing the same with a claw. They collided, causing a shockwave from their impact; sparks and wind flew as the two enemies sought to break through the other.

Alter noticed what looked like the Beowolf smiling in their aerial struggle, its other three arms tense and thrust forward. Of course, keeping his blade busy while using its other three hands to finish him was its plan. Alter's eyes widened in intensity; with all his strength, he forced the claw against his blade away just enough to elude the remaining others. However, part of his clothes was caught and ripped. They landed on their feet, the Beowolf lunging at him with all four arms; Alter waited and at the last minute slashed Overlight down its center. The Grimm paused, stepped back, and roared toward the sky, vanishing into black and red ash. All was silent as Tomoe, Rail, and Ulivia's started slack-jawed at Alter. Witnessing the alpha's defeat, the other Grimm began stirring up a ruckus, but they didn't attack; instead, they dispersed, fleeing into the forest.

"Students!" None of them who had uttered the word, they turned to Professors Ozpin and Goodwitch along with Abby making their way over. "Students, are you unharmed." A very concerned Ms. Goodwitch asked, looking over their bodies in search of injuries.

"We're fine for the most part," replied Rail. Ms. Goodwitch sighed in relief, a rare smile gracing her face.

"Alter!" Abby Rushed up to him, eyes sparkling with amazement. "You're incredible! I can't believe you defeated that Grimm all by yourself!"

"Uh."

"I must agree with Ms. Sparrow. That was a spectacular battle, simply stunning Mr. Starverse." Alter's eyes drifted over to the voice of professor Ozpin. "Ms. Goodwitch and I only caught the final moments, but it was truly a feast for the eyes. All of you did a magnificent job. Not only did you succeeded in saving Ms. Sparrow, but you held off a massive horde of Grimm and defeated a Newtype. A feat no first-year student should be able to achieve."

"The hell's a Newtype?" Ulivia perked up.

"Is it the cause of all this?" added Tomoe.

"Unfortunately, there is no time to answer your questions. Come, we must be going off now. You all have a ceremony to attend to."

Initiation Arc Over.

Next Chapter Dec 11th, 12th, or 13th