Block Two: AQUA Part Two
—
Beacon Academy, one of the four great Huntsman Academies that help train the next generation of Huntsman and Huntresses.
One of these future Huntsmen comes in the form of Team AQUA who at the moment is seen in a classroom.
Shing! Clank! Shing!*
A classroom where one progresses their combat prowess through experience and adrenaline filled fights.
Whoosh! Bang!*
"Agh!" Our story starts with one of the members of the esteemed team, Apollyon is what she was called.
SHING!*
To her teammates who've known her for the past two years she says she named herself, when asked all she would say it was a nickname of sorts.
"Why would you make a nickname your name?" One Quinn Cridone would ask. "Why do you ask a lot of questions?" Would be her reply.
BANG! WHOOSH!"
Yet with all of the trouble that they give each other...
BANG! Argh!*
Even Apollyon wouldn't trade them for the world.
"Sigh..." Apollyon sighed as she finally beaten her opponent. It took time, effort, and most of all skill, just as she was trained by her Master/Guardian.
"The match is over, because of Low Aura Levels the winner of the match goes to Apollyon..." And just like her team she was the best of the best, the once in a generation type of prodigies who are destined to become great Huntresses and Huntsman, but unlike her team.
"April!" She couldn't quite get over the fact April was her last name. As the crowd of bystanders clapped in politeness, her teammates from AQUA were far from polite.
"Let's Gooo~ April!"
"Good Job Apollyon!"
"Good one on ya Poly!"
The remaining team of AQUA called out, as Apollyon and her nameless opponent reach their teacher for an evaluation.
Normally the teacher first talked with the loser of the match so in that time Apollyon started to think on things, especially during her time in Beacon.
In her time working with team AQUA not much has changed, especially since she wasn't well know in well...any community so far.
In fact the only reason why she even came to Beacon was because of a last minute decision, when her Master sent her away, "As long as you hold the last name April, the Headmaster will help you." Her Master said once.
It was a last ditch plan and Apollyon followed it to the letter. She knew her Master was being hunted and it was only a matter of time till they found them both.
But Apollyon trusted her Master, for she trained her, raised her all on her own all those years ago, for what reason even she didn't know, Apollyon believed it to be kindness.
But there was always that feeling in the back of her mind...
"Ms. April!"
"Yes, Ma'am?!" Apollyon stood tall as she heard her name called as such, considering the person talking to her.
"*Sigh*...Your evaluation, I understand you don't like your last name much but please pay attention when I call for you." The instructor said.
"Yes Ma'am." This was at the point that Apollyon's attention lulled, only nodding and agreeing because even she knew the mistakes she made when it happened.
With the amount of times and how strict her Master trained her, even she couldn't forget the moves and stances she was supposed to do.
Despite her Master's strange Semblance and Aura she never used them if necessary, and even then she had picked up the way of the sword Apollyon was taught when she herself was but a kid.
Although her Village was lost, she never forgot the pain and anguish it came with it, her Master saved her...but at what cost?
"Apollyon April! Would you rather listen to your evaluation in detention?!" The instructor said with a raised voice. "No Ma'am!" Apollyon replied a bit fearful, again caught from her not paying attention.
Suddenly the class bell rung, signifying that it was almost time for lunch when it came to the second years. As everyone of the combat class started to leave, Apollyon's teammates stayed behind.
The Instructor sighed, "Alright, I'll send the evaluation by scroll message, it would be in your best interest to read it and incorporate it into your fighting style when you have the chance. Now off to lunch." The instructor looked at her data pad.
"Yes Ma'am!" Apollyon left the room with her team and the instructor stayed behind to organize some files. Minutes pass and the door to the arena open, the individual was none other than...
"Headmaster Ozpin?"
—
The Cafeteria, the place where many can go and grab a bite to eat, either it be breakfast, lunch, or dinner for both students and staff alike. Within the student body attending lunch one particular team named AQUA had a spot next to a window.
At this little spot, the leader Aqua Marine who was talking about the upcoming test to his partner Quinn, which o others it looked like he was uninterested but the ones close to him knew he listened closely.
Apollyon looked at her teammates not far from the table while holding a tray of food. When thinking more about it she couldn't help but study her...Friends?
Aqua who's hair was spiky and colored just like his namesake. Quinn who wore a cowboy hat all the time over his short light-reddish hair who Umber swears it's almost pink.
"April! You're not paying attention to me!" Umber says with a pout. "Umber..." Apollyon says threateningly. "Hmph! What's so important that..." Umber stopped and looked to where her partner was looking at.
Then there is Apollyon's partner Umber Brown, whose hair is as short as Quinn's but brown. Unlike Quinn though is that she was shorter than him and is as energetic and proud as can be.
"Which took some time getting used to..." Thinks Apollyon. Going back to the two watching their teammates, Umber gains a sly and smug face, which her partner picks up on with a blush.
"Umber!" is said with a small growl, "April." Is said with a reply, Apollyon walks ahead not looking back, hoping to sit down with her team. Umber starts to laugh in a light hearted tone.
"W-wait, wait! April! Hold up, I'm sorry!" Umber says trying to catch her breath, now with her partner the two reach the lunch table and they all start to talk amongst each other.
"You know Apollyon, it looked like you weren't all there today. Something on your mind?" Quinn asks dryly. "It's...nothing. I just got lost in thought, that's all."
"About what? If it's serious you can tell us now if you want." Aqua says, whispering the last part of the sentence. "Yeah Poly, if it's as bad as it seems you can tell us." Umber says with a somber look.
"It's..." Apollyon, the slightly tall, silver hair, silver eyed girl hesitated for a second. In the amount of time she had known her three teammates, in her opinion, "They weren't half bad."
"..." Looking around and seeing students leaving lunch early did she voice her concerns. "Are we...Friends?" The question raised the eyebrows of her teammates. "Come again?" Aqua asks.
"Friends. Growing up in the frontier I only had my Master to teach me. She was the only one to raise me. She never spoke about family or friends, only that she needed to train me." Apollyon admitted.
"You've...never had a friend before?" Umber asks sadly. "No, in fact, I don't know what a friend is like and ever since we've been teammates, I've been wary of you all. I still don't know if I can trust you."
—
When thinking on it, these moments were important to be wary about, especially since all she knew was when she was in the frontier.
Mainly because her Master made one thing clear as she trained her, "No one will be there to help you out here. The Grimm will always be there to hunt you, the people will be there to use you. You have no hope for living in this world if you can't fight back."
Apollyon often saw it as unfair, despite themselves being people what would that make them? She would ask her master.
"Survivors...We are survivors, we fight so that we can see the next day. Like the wolves of old. When I found you in that burning village still alive, I knew what you were. A Wolf, a Wolf that'll do anything she can to survive."
Apollyon would accept these words as the years went by, when she would train so like her master, they can both see the next day together. It never came to be when the people hunting them came.
Her master made it known that she will not be there one day, that when it is her time to fight and die, that the next thing to happen is for her to go to Beacon Academy.
"With the last name April the headmaster will trust you, he will continue your training where I cannot. Despite that don't think you can trust him either, he's a sly and manipulative man with goals of his own." Her master once said.
—
Snap! Snap! Snap!* "Apollyon, you still there?" Umber snapped her finger in front of her partner's face, essentially bringing back Apollyon's attention.
"I'm sorry...It's just..." "Hey now it's alright, I get it." Aqua said relaxing. "Growing up in the frontier ain't all sunshine and rainbows."
"I can attest to that, at least Sanus close to Vale ain't that bad. What part of Remnant were you living in?" Quinn asks.
"It was in Anima, we were always on the move. So we never stayed in one place too long." Apollyon said.
"I see..." Umber said with a solemn look, "Anima is the most dangerous when it comes to the frontier. So many reports of Bandits, towns being destroyed, Grimm, I'm sorry you had to live through that."
"Don't take this personally, but it ain't no wonder why you're the way you are. Barely anyone can make it in the frontier, that ones that do are the lucky ones, or the bandits." Quinn says with a serious face.
"Look, I don't know what it's like living in the frontier so I can't really say much, but no one deserves to live like that." Aqua says.
"Yeah! Even if they did, we'll be the ones to help!" Umber yelled with a grin, a fist raised to the sky. "Stick with me partner, and I'll show you how it's done!"
"What am I? Chopped liver? You ain't saving nobody without me you hear?" Quinn says, as if challenging Umber. "Whether you like it or not Apollyon, you're stuck with me!"
"Don't forget about me! What kind of Leader am I if I can't help my team right?"
Apollyon was surprised by her team's sudden bout of support. "I don't know what you have planned there Apollyon, but you ain't doing it without us!"
"Yeah! What kind of friends would we be huh?" Umber said looking at her partner, who was now looking away with a frown. "Do...do you really mean it?" Apollyon would say.
"Of course, you scratch our back, we scratch yours no strings attached." Quinn said. "You may not trust us now, but I'll promise you this, before we graduate I'll be the one to ask you "Do you trust me?" And you'll say..." Umber finished and looked to Apollyon with hope.
"...No?" Umber suddenly looked defeated. "Eh it was worth a shot." Umber shrugged. "Not "No" silly, yes! I'll be able to make you say yes to that question. Just you wait!"
Apollyon was now being pointed at by her partner who had a look of determination, and in response, the long sword user could only smile. "You can try...partner."
"I'll ask you that question too you know. Even if you did say no I'll still be there." Quinn said, "Do...do you mean it?" Apollyon unconsciously fiddles with her thumbs while looking away with a blush.
Something that Umber sees, and is now grinning mischievously. Suddenly the bell rings, signifying that Lunch time for the second years would be over soon.
"Alright, as much as I want to say my piece, which I'm sad that I can't. We better get going. Those papers ain't going to do themselves." Aqua declares.
Umber and Quinn groan, while Apollyon sighs. As they stand to put away their trays, the second "A" in team Aqua is stopped by the leader, who has something to say.
"Although it'll take some time getting used to it, just know that you do have friends in the form of your team. Don't forget that."
"Ok...I will." Apollyon says. "That's all I ask."
As the four leave the cafeteria, Apollyon can't helped but smile, knowing that her team...her friends are there with her, it was a nice feeling. A feeling she's glad to finally understand.
That night, when it was time for bed, when she wished for a dream to assure herself that they were friends, all she could do was think.
—
["...Are we Friends?" As Apollyon spoke these words, it really did put things into perspective for everyone in team Aqua. For one thing when they first started to attend classes together not once did Apollyon start any conversation.
In fact she only said one thing rarely and it was battle related. She always wore a scowl when they first met, as if she rather be anywhere than there in that moment.
She seemed cold, not willing to do anything with her team, going as far as to hide in inconspicuous places around Beacon. Even when she was found she would find another spot in her free time.
Umber once called Apollyon a feral house cat, which got her a jab in the stomach from said "House Cat." To Apollyon none of this really made sense.
Despite the threats she gave them to hopefully stay away, the constant avoidance of the three, every time her partner was the one to look for her.
With these failed attempts, Quinn himself tried alongside Aqua, with Quinn being the most successful, Apollyon would always stay away a certain distance, and would promise pain if her spot was found.
She would say to Quinn that "Unless you want to get hurt, I would recommend you don't tell the rest where I am."
Hoping to be left alone it would always fail, mainly because Quinn would reply. "Sure, but I'm sticking with you in exchange."
"I am not agreeing with that." Apollyon would say, "You already did." And Quinn would relax with his hat covering his face. The first few times she would leave right after, but as it kept happening...
"What's your motive?" She would ask. "No motive."
"Everyone has a motive, especially when they keep looking for me."
"...You've caught me, I do have a motive."
Apollyon was ready to hurt her teammate, consequences be damned. With a scowl she angrily asked Quinn one simple question. "What. Is. it?!"
"To make sure you're safe..." the answer, surprised Apollyon, especially since it was said so casually with Quinn relaxed, and to Apollyon it seemed like he didn't really have no ulterior motives.
"You best stay at a distance you hear?" She would say. "Sure thing." Is what he replied tiredly.
Apollyon's eye twitched at this statement. "This doesn't make us friends you know." She would say.
"You said as much when we first met you know." And soon, nothing was said from the two as they both relaxed.
More days would pass and soon enough, Apollyon was the first to speak her mind. "Why exactly are you here?" "To make sure you're safe."
"I can protect myself you know."
"I know you can, but this time it's different you know." Quinn would say seriously, his hat over his face as he laid down. "How is this time different?" She would ask.
"It's different this time round cause you ain't safe from loneliness you know." "Loneliness?" Apollyon would think.
"Hmph, really? Loneliness? What do you think I am? A child?" She would say, as if calling Quinn idiotic for thinking of such a ridiculous thing.
"Am I wrong?" The red head would ask. Apollyon hesitated for a moment, and as she thought about the question more. She found herself not willing to answer it, with a pout she looked away from Quinn.
"Not. A. Word." Was all that she could say.
—
Weeks would pass as the two found themselves enjoying each other's company. Aqua and Umber would always ask about their whereabouts and both wouldn't say.
With half the team apart because of the two bonding it came in the form of its own challenges, especially since one barely had if not no amount of education at all.
With a couple papers failing, and with the idea of expulsion being planted in her head by a certain Quinn, she was convinced she needed her teams help.
Which they happily did as the two halves finally met once more. Yes the two regularly chilled in their secret spot here an there when they could, and soon enough the first year of Beacon Academy passed for team Aqua.
With Apollyon having passing grades.
And right after the school year one thing of note was summer vacation, unlike Apollyon team Aqua all had families that they could visit, they all could take a break from living in the dorms for a few months.
All except for Apollyon, she did say she didn't care that they were able to go and visit family. She often said it was fine for them to leave her be for a few months, that it wouldn't matter.
She silently called herself a liar for saying such things. When the time came, when the last bullhead left, it was a surprise when Quinn showed himself in his usual spot.
Then out of nowhere, Umber appeared in the secret spot with a yawn, and laid down as well. "What are you guys doing here?" Apollyon said in surprise.
With a smile both simply said "To keep you safe". Apollyon would question it, she should've questioned it...But she didn't, and all she could say was, "Thanks."
Although she appreciated Quinn and Umber staying behind, she wondered where the "Leader" was.
"Him? Aqua should be here with snacks soon." Umber would say dryly. "Didn't we buy a lot of snacks for today?" "Yeah."
"Shouldn't you be helping him?" Quinn would ask. "Shouldn't you?" Umber said, challenging the Leader's partner, in that moment Quinn paused, shrugged, and laid down.
Quite a bit of distance away, Aqua was seen carrying a box full of heavy snacks, all the while climbing up a large set of stairs, wondering why the secret hideout would be at the rooftop of a school building.
"I...I can't stop now!" Aqua said with some difficulty because of the heavy box. "For team Aqua! For Apollyon! To keep her safe..." That day Apollyon found a small amount of respect for her team.
While also finding out her favorite type of snack, considering that was the first time she ever tasted Chocolate, and couldn't get enough of it. ]
That night Apollyon had a peaceful sleep, because her wish came true, her question answered because yes, she and team Aqua, are friends.
—
"But sir...It's too early, they're just kids!"
"They are second years, practically young adults."
"Really, really, young adults. They haven't even graduated yet!"
"Even so, an opportunity shows itself."
"An opportunity? Yes she may be a Silver-eyed warrior, but she's still too young to unlock it, let alone control it!"
"That's not all you know."
Sigh~* "Yes of course, the name "April", why exactly did you let her in? She doesn't even have a proper education. Yes she does have proper fighting skills but, excuse me, that's worth nothing without knowledge."
"Be that as it may, April is a very important name, especially if it belongs to a young girl like her, there's only one person I know with the name April. And she went missing years ago."
"Why would one missing person mean so much to you?"
"...Tell me, why exactly do we protect the Maidens?"
"Sir?"
"Indulge me, why do we protect the Maidens, and why is it important if one is missing."
"...No...You don't mean-"
"I do. It's possible she has a power not yet shown, and I'm not talking about her eyes."
"...Why? Why her?"
"...I ask myself the same question, why exactly would "Spring" do such a thing. Which is why we need her as an ally as soon as we can."
"...I don't exactly agree with you Ozpin."
"I don't hear you disagreeing either."
"Fine, I'll allow this, if not for their sakes than at least for the world."
"Don't worry, I'll let them know next year when they're ready. When they've grown more mature."
"How sure are you that they'll mature in a year?"
"About as sure that you'll give them missions just above their clearance."
"Ozpin! That's Suicide!"
"It's a gamble yes."
"A very dangerous gamble! There are lives at stake if you allow this!"
"Please Glynda, trust me."
"...You're lucky we're in such a dangerous position or I wouldn't be allowing this." Glynda Goodwitch said, leaving Headmaster Ozpin's office angered.
"I know what I'm doing." Ozpin said with confidence.
"You better be, or consider yourself alone when dealing with the consequences." Glynda says, entering the elevator and leaving through it.
"I wish it never comes to that, but l wouldn't have it any other way." Ozpin says, turning his chair to face the large window in his office. Now unsure of what the future holds.
—
(A/N: Forgive me for the wonky update schedule, and the no reviews from last chapter, I got busy and lazy for that one. That's on me, in an act of peace, have this long Block Chapter and review answers.
As usual, reviews are my livelihood for this story and a like and follow are always a bonus as well. )
Reviews:
franco1234: I'm glad that you like the idea for the Block Chapters which I hope to keep doing, improving the story with it. As for Jaune doubling as a Black Prior, I have my own idea for such a thing, don't worry, and thanks for the idea.
246vili: It brings me major joy to see such huge reviews, and it gives me hope that I'm (hopefully) doing something right. Anyway...
1. I'm glad you think my story is good! Thank you for the kind words.
2. Yes, the team Aqua Chapters will have their locations start when Apollyon went to Beacon. As for that guess of yours...I like the way you're thinking ;)
3. Yes, in a future chapter the time difference will be explained, as for the possibility for it, I have my own plans to explain it more throughly as well as enjoyable as you can see here in this chapter, which I hope is acceptable and good. And yes, I wholeheartedly agree and hope that it will be a great explanation as I've planned it to be. Even now I as I write this chapter I hope it's as good as the others. Thank you for the words of encouragement.