He kept swinging his blades, each one slipping free from his grip. He kept looking for it, only for the Ursa to appear, as always in his blind spot. He turned to stare, frozen in terror. The flash of bone and shadow crossed his vision, causing him to shoot upright in a cold sweat. He swore that he had heard them. Standing up, he looked out his window to the woods, but saw nothing. Struggling to catch his breath, he looked at the cooled fires of the forge and began to stir up the coals a little before feeding more fuel in. Watching the flames, he felt his nerves settle a little. He pulled a chunk of metal out of the chest near the furnace and placed it inside so it could heat. He needed to work some of this tension out. How long was this going to happen? How long before it stopped? When he finally came back to the world around him, the metal strap was glowing. Putting on his blackout goggles, he pulled it out and began hammering away, his problems seeming to fade away with each swing. Drowned out with the loud sound of metal striking metal, imagining each swing making contact with the bone mask of a Grimm. Eventually, it was all he could see and all that seemed to matter. It wasn't until he heard a scream of panic from outside that he was pulled out of his trance.
He ran for the door, grabbing his coat and the heavy blade underneath in one hand. As he ran out, he saw a young boy hiding on the other side of a bush as a curious Beowulf walked towards it. It looked young, missing a lot of the plating he had come to expect from the others. As it was about to lash out at the boy's hiding place, its claws met with cold steel, its hand falling to the ground and disappearing into black smoke as the beast pulled back in confusion. Kaen slipped his coat on and sighed, "Gelo, you really should be in bed." His hazel eyes continued to flicker orange in the night, feeling his shoulder knit after that throw. As the flaming energy began to escape his shoulders, he mousy brown hair began to shine with the same flames. The grass beneath his feet tore up as he put himself quickly between the Beowulf and the child. "Really should have stayed in the woods, buddy." The beast lashed out at Kaen, nothing but blind violence in its eyes. Kaen side stepped the blow, his over flowing energy knocking the claw to the side as he grabbed the handle and swung the door-like cleaver at the beast. As the heavy blade passed clean through its shadowy flesh and sunk deep into the field beside it, he faced away, his wings of flame seeming to disintegrate whatever would have remained of the beast.
He walked over to the thirteen year old escapee and sighed, "You alright, Gelo?" When the boy gave a slow and fearful nod, Kaen just smiled down at him and held out his hand to help the boy stand up. He eventually walked the boy back to his home, getting a hug in thanks from the mother, and returned to his shelter. The metal he had been working had cooled, but the furnace burned as hot as ever. So, after a lingering look at the bronze blade hung upon the wall, he put the piece back in after putting on his goggles and waited for it. As he stared into that fire he nodded to himself. That piece would make for an excellent bracelet. He was sure Gelo would love it.
A series of shots dead center of the lined up targets was all it took. It was a good thing these shades hid just how proud Olive was of that, because it would have made this next part impossible to sell. "You really think you are all that, catboy? Just because you beat my score? You are still nothing! Faunas aren't welcome in Vale and they sure as spit ain't welcome at Beacon."
Oilve made a point to cough a little, "Sorry, I was trying to choke down your bullshit, but I just can't swallow it." A smirk appeared briefly that only seemed to rile the boy into taking a swing. Olive slid effortlessly between his legs, releasing a trail of loose wire in the process. With a backflip and a mid-air twirl that was only possible with the enhanced balance from a faunas tail, the boy was wrapped in the razor wire. Olive gave a slight chuckle before pushing one of the cartridges into the glove, causing the wires to come alive with electricity like a full body taser. Releasing the boy from the wires, Olive laughed, adjusting the lapels of the suit and dusting off the slacks. "Well, that was a rather shocking response. Wouldn't you agree?" Olive turned to see a small gathering of female students gaping in awe and admiration of this stylishly dressed faunas. Not bad. Leave them with a memory. With a smirk and a snap, Olive turned to walk out, "I look forward to getting my acceptance letter in the mail, instructor." Leaving the testing grounds, Olive let out a sigh, starting the walk back to the hotel. "Where the hell are you, Peri?"
The streets of Vale were pretty quiet, but it was probably just everyone was either at work or school. Still, since coming here, there hasn't been one table or demonstration from the White Fang. This wasn't how it used to be. It was never this quiet. Picking up a local paper, one of the stories was about a dust shop that had recently been hit, but no word as to the who. Still, from the description of the caper it sounded like the rumors going around. There was no way. The White Fang were heroes, showing those stupid humans that Faunas were more than equal to them and demanding to be treated as such. A force for peace, not... whatever this was.
Coming to the hotel room, Olive took her shades off first, revealing her emerald green eyes to the florescent lights, causing her to wince a little at how harsh they were. Running her hands through her muted green hair, she flicked her tail in annoyance before loosening her tie and throwing herself onto the hotel bed. She really needed to go take a shower, but all she could bring herself to do was stare at the picture of her family they gave her before she left. In it stood her parents and herself standing next to her adopted brother, his light blue hair and knowing smirk the only thing she had to comfort her tonight. She stared at the ceiling and grumbled, "When I find you, I'm kicking your ass." Just as she got comfortable, she heard some commotion in the alleyway. With a sigh, she tore off her tie and threw her shades back on. "Alright, who is stirring this crap up?" She looked outside and even through her shades she could spot the white masks of the White Fang. Her face lost almost all emotion, eyes unable to look away from them as she saw them closing in on a human in the alleyway.
The human girl looked up in desperation shouting for help. The thugs spotted Olive's ears and laughed at the woman, not expecting Olive's ears to pick it up, "You really think a faunas will come to your rescue? Against us? Please..." Without a moment's hesitation, Olive cleared the window, jumping between the walls to slow her fall as she slid down before landing in the alley. They turned with smiles, "So... want to help us show this human who we are?"
Olive tugged at the cuffs of her gloves, "I'll show her exactly what it means to be a faunas." The thugs laughter seemed to fade as they swore they saw something let out a faint sparkle of moonlight. "And when I'm done, you are going to tell me what I want to know."
A forward thrust aimed for the heart. An easy parry, or perhaps she should dodge. Amaranthine tightened her grip on her practice weapon. Stay focused. You are the Lady of Winter Blossoms and a swordswoman of House Salvia! You can't afford to be distracted. She closed her eyes briefly to recenter herself as she could feel the headache set, dodging low and taking a wild swing at her brother's side, only to feel a strike hit her shoulder and nothing hit her own practice weapon.
The lithe brother laughed, "Come on, Ams. You can't really expect me to commit to an attack until those eyes of yours close." She winced her eyes closed again, this time in embarrassment, "Alright, Princess, lay off of yourself. Burg and I are just used to sparring you. Beacon won't know what hit it. Oh, and make sure to wear your weighted kimono everywhere over your uniform. You'll thank me."
"Sure thing, Lav." She stood up, dusting off the training pads a little, "I'm just... I want this but-"
The booming voice of her eldest brother cut her off, his deep red hair perfectly styled, "And that is enough, Amy." He walked over with a reassuring smile and lifted her in a hug, "You always worry too much." She smiled softly at him and got a hearty laugh in return. He spoke firmly but kindly, "Amaranthine, are you sure this is who you want to be? Are you sure you want to go become a huntress? To be like she was?" Amy looked down for a moment but then nodded firmly. "Then you will be fine. Just remember what dad always says. Once you set your mind to a task..." He paused, clearly waiting for his still suspended sister to respond.
Lav followed up, "No matter how impossible others claim it to be..."
She smiled weakly and muttered the rest, squeaking as Burg hugged her harder. "STOP THAT! I'm sorry!" She said quickly, "See it through to the end without hesitation." Burg nodded and put her back down. She looked at her siblings and smiled big only to see her father standing larger than life in the hallway. The siblings all turned and bowed in respect.
He spoke with a clear and sharp tone, "Burgandy, you are to make your way to the entry hall and greet the clan leaders. Keep them appeased until my arrival." Burgandy nodded and left the hall after one more quick hug of his sister. He spoke up again, "Lavender, the parents of one of the local families have come asking about your intentions for their daughter." Lavender was about to speak but was silenced with an unwavering gaze, "I don't care how you live your life, but I do care if those acts compromise the confidence of the people. Settle this matter, immediately." Lav looked away with a hint of shame but nodded and left the room. Finally, he looked at his daughter. "Amaranthine, your mother requests your presence for tea before you depart. Go to your chambers and change." She tilted her head in curiosity, but found herself scared back into obedience with the same look her brother got. A stare that seemed to see everything she was with crystal clarity. Still, her father responded, "You will see why when you arrive in your room." He gave a gentle nod and said, "Dismissed." She nodded and ran to her room, not wanting to test his patience. When she made her way across the estate and slid the door open she stared in disbelief at the garb that rested fully folded on her bed. As she went to pick it up, she heard her father's voice. "I'm sure you recognize the design. By wearing that, you will be officially accepting one more title. Maiden of the Eastern Lotus."
She turned to him while holding it and jumped at him, giving him the biggest hug she could. "Just like Grandma. Thank you."
He broke his cold demeanor to return the hug, a look of gentle warmth covering his face, "You have always been our little Winter Blossom. She would be proud of you." Amy began to cry into his shoulder and he let her do so for a time before eventually releasing the hug, "Save some tears for your mother. She would be devastated if you couldn't shed at least one at your parting." Amy broke the hug and nodded, pushing him out of the doorway so she could close it and get changed. Upon getting the traditional combat dress on, she tugged a bit at the shoulders, allowing the layered plating to settle properly. Looking herself over in the mirror and seeing the symbol of her noble house embroidered on the left of her chest she beamed with pride, turning to see it was on her back as well. After a few moments she remembered her mother and rushed to go see her.
When she arrived in the ceremonial tea room, her mother greeted her, "I am not used to you running so late. The tea almost got cold." Amy bowed in apology before taking her place. Her mother looked over the uniform with a sort of distant sorrow. She asked, "My dear Amaranth. I know that look in your eye, but..." she hesitated for a moment and seemed to start again, "You are choosing the path of the warrior, but I've always known you to be a gentle soul. I want to make sure that I won't lose my daughter the same way we lost her."
Amy stared into her tea for a moment, looking into her own reflection. "Huntsmen and Huntresses only fight Grimm. They protect people. I'm not about to go around killing people. I just want to do what I can to keep our people safe. I may admire her, but I'm not..." She looked up at her mother with determination. "I will make you proud. I promise you."
Her mother looked down into her tea for a moment as well, taking a deep drink before nodding. Her silence almost bothered Amy more. Eventually, her mother pulled a weapon out from under the table. An elegant katana in a bamboo sheath. One her mother had used in her youth. She bowed her head slightly in motion for Amy to take it. As she did her mother spoke with poorly hidden hesitation, "I'm sure you still remember how it works." Amy tentatively pulled it free from the sheath and gave it a few elegant practice swings. "Your grandfather made it rather light and rather sharp. He wanted to be sure that even I could act if necessary."
Amy put it back in its sheath and strapped it to her hip, bowing with barely contained glee. "Thank you so much, mother. I promise I will do all I can to live up to our name."
Her mother seemed ready to say something, but then dropped quiet, turning away as she began to cry. "I love you, my dear Amaranthine. Do be careful." Amy hugged her tightly from behind and the two spent some time just crying together in that room.
The instructor was forward in his combat technique. Lacking subtlety. But that was almost certainly because he was confident. He had been tossing students around like they were the smallest puppies in the pen. Zoge continued to collect stones off the ground near the stands he was supposed to be waiting in tucking them into pockets on the inside lining of his cloak. He needed somewhat flat stones if he wanted predictable results. As it stood, a direct strike could end poorly for him. As he mapped the battle in his mind, he heard the instructor shout over to him, "Mister LaBlanc! If entrance exams are so boring for you, you could just go home! I don't want us wasting any of your precious time, do I?"
His response was cold but calculated, "The only time you are wasting is your own. Why waste all this time when half the prospects are lost causes?" He turned to face the now glaring instructor, "I mean no offense to you, but these children have one tenth my potential and ten times my time. So, if you would, please move me to the front of the cue so we can all stop wasting our time."
The instructor moved in close, leaning in to get closer to Zoge. His voice was deep and layered with a lot of pent up anger. Good. Zoge could use that. "I've seen kids like you before. Think you are something because you think you are smarter than everyone else."
Zoge nodded matter-of-factly, "Indeed, Sir Tarkus. Because in my state, my mind is all I have going for me. And from the distant look in your eye, you know that Huntsman are more than power, more than skill, and more than smarts." The instructor raised a brow at that use of his name, as no one had known he had been knighted. "I may not be strong, but my tactical planning and dexterity are second to none."
The warrior stood upright, "Alright. Show me." He walked back to the arena, drawing his weapon to draw a circle in the dirt. "If you can get me to leave this circle through cunning and tactics. And no, this isn't one of those 'ask nicely and I'll step out' moments. Someone with the game you are talking up should be able to do this." Zoge paused to analyze the situation carefully before the instructor shouted again, "You don't have time to analyze all the numbers on the field, Rookie! You have ten seconds or you fail!"
Zoge scoffed a bit at this, pulling one of the pebbles free from his cloak, the chambers at the wrist of his Palette Palm rotating before a black symbol appeared on the flat of the stone. Throwing it at the instructor, he closed the distance. The older warrior laughed at the weak attempt, deflecting it with his blade and spinning with the kickback from the gravity rune. He started to take swings down at the student-to-be as the grey cloaked boy seemed to circle him, possibly looking for an opening. Eventually, the ten seconds ran out and the instructor shook his head. "A real shame you talked up such a big game. It looks like you failed."
Zoge shook his head and pointed to the ground. Looking down, the instructor realized it had been a feint. The boy had used his cloak to erase the circle. "Can't be in a circle that isn't there. While you were focused on playing by the rules you set, I removed them entirely." He tapped his head. "I told you, my mind is all I have and I don't have time to waste playing these silly games."
Mr. Tarkus looked at the boy with fascination. "Alright, I suppose that works. But remember that Beacon is to train you how to face your problems, not bypass them. To be a hero, and not a smartass." The instructor went over to his desk and pulled out his scroll, tapping a few buttons. "Admission has been submitted. With one of the higher scores I'm allowed to give." Zoge gave a respectful salute in thanks, revealing his bandaged left arm and walked away before he could be asked about it. Finally out of everyone's line of sight, he gripped his left arm with his right. It had flared up under the emotional stress of being pressured for a plan. Still, the bandages, kept it in check and after a moment, it settled. Looking at it with deep concern, he eventually started on his way for the abandoned building he had been using as shelter. Soon, he could have a proper room.