Kuro's POV
To say Goodwitch class was a breeze was a fathomable understatement. I took a step back from the incoming fist, nearly losing my balance as a result. Somehow I was put up against Yang and boy she wasn't holding anything back. I had many things on her, but her durability and attack power was a nuisance. Mix those in with the fact I hold some sort of fear from her looks, I was in a bad position.
She came to me once more, and I easily stepped to the side then jumped back. She had signs she was going to attack, she would take a deep breath the other was her shoulder movements, brawlers shoulders indicated what they would use regarding their hands. In this situation my semblance was useless, but I was in the dark like she was to me. "I'm going to warn y-you if I use my semblance you'll lose your arm." My stutter didn't help.
"Sure." It was short and she charged once more, the difference this time being she used her shotgun gauntlets to propel herself forward. Minimal time. No, zero time. Her fist entered my abdomen and my mouth gaped open, it felt like a thousand bulls ramming into me. She was indeed a true brawler, the fist that hit me switched to the top of my head and held me up by my hair; her other hand giving my cheek a warm greeting.
As I rolled across the stage I couldn't help but let my anger rise. Using the momentum I rolled up and stared the female down, she wasn't Raven I had to remember that. My hand swiped at the hilt of Shi and out came the blade. I glossed over the aura percentage, I was down by a whopping 30%. Yang had a full tank while I sat at 70 I'd need to play carefully. No, I needed to throw the match; but the Professor was watching us like a hawk.
She boosted herself forward once more, it was quick thinking that led me to push to the side; and she followed suit with one of her gauntlets shooting to the side breaking the forward momentum but allowing her to catch up. She threw an overhead which I narrowly ducked under seriously what were they feeding these kids? She followed up with an elbow strike down, but I wasn't in that spot anymore. I was on the side of her, my blade coming to collect her head.
The moment seemed sweet, even as she used her cheating weapon to fire away from me. Unfortunately, I caught a piece of her hair. Down came to a couple of yellow strands, and time stopped for the female her hair having a sort of burning effect? I found myself looking into bright red orbs, and for a moment it was a split image. My heart stopped. The distance between us a bare image, her fist hit my jaw my body going into the air and she followed through with a jab.
Everyone watched as the unconscious body rolled off the stage.
When I came to I was reluctant to see a badly injured Cardin lying across from me. Didn't he go before me? Kianna did put him here. I almost forgot.
30 minutes ago
Kianna stood on the stage eyeing the disrespectful male, to me it looked like she has been waiting for such a moment.
"You see her symbol?" Leo pointed at the markings on her back, which caught my eye. Did everyone have some symbols? What did it mean?
I couldn't help but trace over the symbol with my eyes to anyone looking at me it would've looked like I was fawning over the mysterious female.
It was a Celtic knot in the shape of a crescent moon, with a long feather. The mist-white feather complimented the silvery-grey moon but not her outfit as a whole.
The rules were explained, Kianna's heels sat firmly against the floor. While Cardin looked slightly nervous.
The fight began and it took my full attention.
A twin set of slim falchions glistened as the light ran over the metal, Kianna knew she'd enjoy this and maybe she put in a request for a spar but who would know? Cardin took the initiative and charged forward one foot after another. The heavy mace was bought upwards then slammed down onto the ground, but in that amount of time, Kia easily moved out of the way.
Kia unleashed hell onto the male, a forward slash, and what complimented that was a downwards slice. Cardin wielding such a heavy weapon let him open, but he tanked the hits even if it hurt. I couldn't help but predict how this fight would end.
Cardin swung his weapon only for the female to move back, only this time he let go of the weapon and lunged at the female his larger hand gripping onto her neck. For someone he likes that is harsh. The thought left my head as he lifted her off her feet.
Kia attempted to control her breathing under his grip, her airways were closing any longer and she'd lose. With her right hand, she bought up her weapon in an awkward manner, yet it was enough for the male to let her go smirking.
She found it hard to breathe; fingerprints marked her neck like a hickey her chest pumping in and out. This wasn't her preferred fighting style; it was in his favor. Her grip on Twilight Oath reinforced as she stood, her short bangs and ponytail at a standstill. It was only for that brief moment, but I felt it; her urge to win.
Kianna wobbled for a moment before readying herself for the bigger student and Cardin took her invitation picking up his mace, the male came once more with the same strategy in mind. He swung his weapon downwards once again midway letting go to grab ahold, unlike last time she was prepared.
The female took a step back and his hand came at her, using the edge of her blade to push it to the side. Her leg came forward and her back titled to the side, her other foot off the ground and in the air rounding. Cardin wasn't fast enough to block to kick; as a result, it hit his face stunning him.
Kianna used her speed to her advantage, the curved blades began the onslaught. I was memorized my eyes were glued on the display, maybe if the battle was in a different setting it would've been over faster.
The Professor called the match, but it didn't stop her. She kept going and his aura soon hit zero and blood was drawn. The blade she usually kept clean dripping with warm liquid. Her body outlined a light purple before she was pushed back into the wall, her heart was moving like a sports car.
Cardin was quickly escorted to the infirmary and as Kianna regained herself she felt the weight of Glynda's gaze.
Present Time
Cardin was wrapped in gauzes, well his leg was the rest of his body was simply pampered with bandaids and a heating pad. Lifting up, I winced it felt as if I had a hangover. Did Yang mess me up that bad? Closing my eyes I vividly recalled those bright red eyes, the fury lying behind them. My fear. I truly am pitiful. "Man...I really need to work on myself." I found myself mumbling to no one.
"Indeed, cause as it stands you are in a hole yourself." The familiar voice forced a chill down my spine, my eyes went towards Ozpin. How long has he been here?
"No, need to look bewildered. I was called in by Ms. Goodwitch to watch over you two while she continues class."
With nothing else to be said, I pushed the idea of getting caught down I wouldn't be able to rest knowing he was in the same space as me. "Making quite the name for thy self so early in the year good choice."
"Pardon?" It flew past my head, had my name really been floating around so much to warrant supervision?
"The group of students that cause trouble just for the fun of it, I had the pleasantries to ask your team about the rumors, and even they agreed." It had to be a misconception, I was keeping a low profile, right?
"Excuse the formality but you have caught my eye; many first years caught my eye." The dull tone and unreadable face made it hard for me to plant my next choice of words.
"Mr. Violet, what do you think of the black sheep?"
"The sheep different from the rest, but managing to blend in. Despite, the different color wool it's still a sheep at heart." I couldn't second guess my choices now, I was going in blind and to be frank, I knew I wouldn't be able to lead the conversation.
"The black sheep is amidst all the other sheep but proves to outshine the rest, it may act and look like a regular sheep but it's quite easy to tell how different it is." Where was this going? "The black sheep tries to blend in with everyone else, only to turn them into black sheep or turns on them." Should I abort? If I chose to I would need to live somewhere off the map at least long enough for me to find some way out of Raven's radar. "Among the sheep rest a black sheep, but in this case many black sheep some slightly darker than others." Ozpin made his way to the exit, "Please, try to keep Cardin and yourself out of trouble; I bid you farewell."
Siding with Cardin was not the best idea, I knew this but it felt nice having someone follow me. I needed to cut ties and rekindle whatever relationship with my team, but that meant coming to terms with Yang. Agh, this is so problematic! Cardin was the main source of attention, but the male was stubborn if I said I didn't want to hang anymore he'd pester me into giving him a valid reason. I needed him to slip up, I needed to take a page out of Raven's book. I could potentially kill two birds with one stone if this worked.
Kianna's POV
The professor forced me to linger around after class, and it was quite obvious what was about to betide. My peers left the room many giving me an uncomfortable yet sorrowful glance, they knew what was to come.
"I suppose you know why I withheld you?" Her tone was something I grew accustomed to over the years it wasn't the first and it wouldn't be the last time someone would do this. I shook my head to keep the ball rolling.
"Your actions today will be marked on your records and I expect a written apology sometime this week to Mr. Winchester." I wanted to protest against the natural beauty but any words would land me deeper, experience was a key foundation. "I understand it was a spar, and I shouldn't have let him put his hands around your neck, but it was within the rules as for that I apologize."
With that said I was free, and as fast as my slim legs could move I made it back to the changing room. I had one more class which meant school clothing was appropriate, it didn't take long for me to discard the items that covered my figure. The hard part was mainly letting my wings free, a curse, and a blessing some say.
Before I could switch into the regular attire, a flash went off behind me. Two voices laughed out, scroll in hand. "This was a nice plan! Can't believe Cardin thought of this!" Sky exclaimed shaking the scroll.
"W-what?" I was exposed, two hungry men stood in the same room as me with a scroll out no doubt having my picture. It was embarrassing, the white sports bra and laced underwear weren't for the world to see.
"Oi, K-I-A-N-N-A if you want this deleted you need to comply kay?" Sky's greedy grin explained it all, and at the moment I thought about it. Before I could get a word out, Dove pushed me back his cold palm pushed against my shoulder. What was going to happen?
I wasn't helpless, but at this moment it felt like this. Before I could try to fight my way out, Kuro came through the door was he in on this? Now my odds were slightly draining so was the color in my face.
"Delete the picture." His voice no his words shocked me, wasn't he friends with them? Why would he tell them to delete the picture, I tried to move but Dove's weight was hard to shake.
"Why man? You saw what she did to Cardin! He wanted this to be done, he sent me a message on my scroll!" Sky tried to show him the messages but the male simply pushed it to the side, I couldn't get a good look at Kuro but I could tell from the deadly silence he wasn't playing.
"L-let her go and let's go..." Dove listened on contact and left with a shaken Sky. I didn't know how but from looks alone Kuro scared him. I stood exposed to him, but that was the least of my problems at the moment.
"How did you know?" My voice was softer than usual, I blamed those vile men.
"I read Cardin's message and rushed here as fast as I could, the nurses didn't even clear me yet." His voice, his tone, everything about him screamed for me to run and stay away from him but his actions proved otherwise.
"How can I believe you?" My hands covered my body the best I could, but he wasn't looking at me with that hungry look he was looking at me like he was messing with me. You can tell someone's intentions from their eyes. The eyes are a window to the soul, and his look clouded, I spat the thought away before shaking my head.
"You can't you'll have to trust me." Kuro had her where he wanted: exposed, questioning, and walking on thin ice. It was perfect. He needed her wrapped around his finger; she was the toughest cookie out of the bunch if he got her trust then everyone else would prove easier.
"I don't trust you." My voice was firm, I always trusted my gut and I wouldn't stop now. "I need a good reason to trust you. This isn't enough, I need to know you." What was his deal with trust?
It was for a moment but I witnessed it, the look that scared the two males off. I was scared of the man standing in front of me, he looked at me like I was nothing mere trash that was meant to be used and disposed of. I knew at that moment; that my partner was someone that had to watch if not for my safety but for my team.
"I'll work on that. From this point onwards, I won't socialize with Cardin and focus on our friendship." His eyes changed quickly, no he overall changed. Was this his true self or was that his true self? Who was Kuro? Curiosity had always been the downfall of me it controls my actions getting me into unwanted trouble.
Stillness washed over us, the class was being held but here we were. "You should head to class." I didn't let it sink in that the male was looking at me half nude, I wouldn't let it sink in. I'll force myself to forget one way or another. It didn't take long for him to walk out of the room leaving me to dress up, I didn't head to class immediately I needed time for myself. Wasn't Beacon suppose to be a good experience? Did, she go through this? My breathing hitched and my honey-amber and fern-green watered, my long lashes soaking up the wetness. I didn't want to come off weak cause I wasn't, I have seen and been through enough things in my lifetime to say otherwise. Tear's broke through the barrier, my body shook my walls were crumbling how would Uncle Sora react if he saw me? Probably give some cheesy quotes and tell me everything will be better; something cliche.
Kuro leaned against the wall outside the changing room, the thick concrete walls made it hard for him to hear what she was doing. But he could've figured it out, all this was overwhelming and he wasn't making it any better. His fingertips tapped on the locket around his neck, doing this was for the greater good; he needed to use every disposable item bought for him. He didn't need friends, he wasn't here for that. But maybe he'd attempt to be friendly towards the female, she was his partner after all. Would he break soon? Under the pressure from Raven and Ozpin; only time could tell.
I gathered myself and put on my facade, hiding my real emotions were a key component in all this. It left everyone guessing, maybe Kuro was good and my sense of trust was backward?
Verdant's POV
It occurred to me Beacon was not going to be sunshine and rainbows like I hoped, that didn't stop me from helping people. The news of Sirvard hating the different races was news to me but that would explain her outward distaste for me being appointed leader. I couldn't pry into her life she'd probably snap at me, which meant I was left with one option having her open up naturally. So when would that happened, she was a straightforward gal and whatever stemmed from this natural hate wasn't going to leave anytime soon. Maybe I could ask for help from other students? Though, who was she close to besides Binda? Did she even know Binda was a Faunus? My legs began to shake causing my heels to tap against the ground, I was at a roadblock. She held a distaste for us like Weiss did that mean those two would strike some sort of likelihood?
I relaxed on the bench; I didn't head to class it wasn't mandatory at least the first day wasn't. Waves of sunlight came through the windows giving light to my features, bringing my hands up I messed around with my platinum blond hair. Think think think! It seems I wasn't the only one that sought to ditch class, Blake came up to where I was seated and took it upon herself to get comfy.
"You seem stress, trouble in paradise?" Her voice didn't do much besides point out the obvious.
"Just thinking."
"About Sirvard's reveal? Welcome to the club Weiss is the same but not as bad she doesn't make it known." That was enough to calm me down slightly.
"I'm just trying to find some common ground where she could explain to us why she ya know." My voice cracked in-between words which caused me to turn a light tint of red. Luckily Blake didn't notice or chose not to say anything.
"Probably the White Fang or some sort of organization...I'm not gaslighting them but the White Fang isn't exactly human friendly, their methods are alarming but get the job done." The small things matter, so when her ear twitched I felt this was a soft spot.
"If that is the case I won't be of much help; I may not agree with how they do things, but it does seem to help in some way." I wasn't sure where this was going honestly, the White Fang was a serious topic among many but not me. "If you seem so interested in this topic I suggest talking to Kianna or Nyx about the White Fang, they have ample information for you."
"I'm fine." Her voice wavered and it caught my attention, but I did not press on.
"Why do you think Weiss hates Faunus? You yourself are one and she hasn't figured it out?"
She cleared her throat before answering my question with diligence, "The little things, whenever she sees one she hesitates to speak; that's about all." It sounded as if she was fabricating the hate in her own mind.
"What if she is simply baffled at the sight? Doesn't mean hate nor nothing of that subject." How could I speak for either of them in the end, I didn't know much inside her head.
"That never crossed my mind." With a new perspective into play Blake pouted, a rare scene was unfolding in front of me well, and Blake hardly spoke so I found it surprising when she began talking willing to me. "I hope you figure out some way to avoid the upcoming destruction that's fallen into your care." She stood and left it and passing her was Grady; he was more or less scary.
"Where's Kuro?" There he went speaking like I'm under him, I hardly knew the male but he was trouble at least from natural instincts he was trouble.
"I don't know ma..." Before I could finish the male was gone, whatever was on his mind I prayed that Kuro didn't get in unwanted trouble, unlike Grady he was nice.
A couple of minutes passed, and I sat in the same spot by now I fully committed to ditching class as leaving would be pointless. If I wanted to be great like my ancestors I needed to figure something out and soon, times were probably easier then. The thought floated around my head before settling down in my subconscious.
Class subsided and students came rushing out footsteps echoing out with each unpatterned step. My team joined me at the table each of them having some sort of exhausted expression, "What happened?"
"A bunch of nothing," Roy responded before placing his head down on the table. As usual, Sirvard was quiet while Binda looked uncomfortable it seemed her words were already having an effect. A distraction needed to happen now.
Roy kept his head down, waiting for the moment where the awkwardness ceased. Unlike his leader he was prepared for it, already knowing how to lead the soon-to-be fuming female.
Exhaling I stood, it was the first day that didn't mean we should let the sour atmosphere lead us. "How about we speak about ourselves? Like where we came from or our background?"
"I'll start." Roy took the lead while I sat, "I hail from Vale and I want the best for this team; if possible I will do whatever is needed to make sure nothing happens to it, you guys are possibly one of the few friends I have here if you count yourself as my friend." Well, it wasn't exactly what I was looking for but he delivered.
Binda went next and her friendly attitude was enough to make me smile, "I come from Menagerie where lots of Faunus stay, and I like this team very much; I don't want nothing to come between us in the long run...uh I always look on the bright side and despite my large appeal I am naturally friendly?" It seems somewhere down the line she began to diverge into looks.
I figured Sirvard would want to go last, out of the blue the gum-colored haired girl stood. "I am from Menagerie also, though I don't think we are from the same parts Binda. Even when I traveled I mainly stayed with an all-human group...and I enjoy the company of some of you guys." She didn't want to dwell too deeply into her living style nor her life yet; she adored the group so far but anything could change.
Last was me, I stood and gave everyone my charming bright grin, though it didn't do much. "My family is from Vale and I really like this team we have, I know we can do great things and grow stronger with each other; if something bothers you guys don't hesitate to talk to me! I am the leader and I will take responsibility for things." It came out better in my head, Sirvard didn't say a word but the look she gave me was enough to know she didn't care though the rest of them shook their heads.
No one's POV
Kuro glared at the two boys cowering in front of him, he called them to the locker room for a brief meeting, and to say it was going well was an understatement. "You sent the picture then deleted it?" His ruby eyes highlighted through his white bangs, and no words were said. The White Fang was right about one thing, in order to ensure something violence was the answer. Raven was an influence on him whether he liked it or not, he could only blame her for his next actions.
His shoe kissed Sky, the short male laid out on the marble floor. Kuro had it all planned out, he texted the two with Cardin's scroll; luckily with the medicine he was on, he wouldn't remember getting framed and then came to play white knight saving the female. He was attempting to gain her trust while cutting ties with the bullies, luckily for him, it worked at first. Then Sky opened his mouth about the picture and here they were. Dove watched as Kuro stepped on Sky's face.
"You guys are cowards; hiding behind Cardin." The male put his weight on the male's head and his aura outlined his body. "I'll give you this option when I need you I will call for you. For now, let's act like we never knew each other, but first who did you send it to?"
Sky sucked in his teeth his body shaking from fear, "C-CARDIN! W-we knew he had some sort of attraction to her so that picture would help with...getting her."
Kuro let a sigh part his lips before shaking his head, this was dangerous, but it would help in the long run. He raised his foot in the air before pushing it down on his head once more, he never wanted to be like this; he remembered times when he would enjoy Christmas with his family. He repeated his actions over and over again. He never asked to be like this, before he could unleash his pain onto the leaking teen Kuro backed up. His sister was pure, always standing up for what was right no matter the odds. He used to be pure but Raven corrupted him right? Didn't she do this to him? He found the energy to look at Sky the male was alive but his face needed serious work. "Remember this Dove, only the strong survive if you want to become a great warrior listen to me."
Years Ago
A young child watched from the hole in the tent as Raven unleashed her anger onto some of her subordinates, they were slacking off and messed up. After the minor treatment, she ushered them out in their poor state before telling the small child to come inside.
"Remember this Kuro...trust is everything." The female took a seat at her desk while Kuro watched his eyes on the ground.
Raven looked at the picture on the desk, before turning away to finish up what she was doing before. In the frame was a young Kuro pouting while Raven messed with his hair.
Slow chapter, but gives insight on underlying issues revolving around the teams. A small glimpse of Kuro and Raven, I promise you it's not all horrid parts there will be some wholesome ones. The new villains I foreshadowed, are fun to write honestly but that's for a different chapter; since it's Thanks Giving week I wish everyone the best if you celebrate it or not.