AN: This took longer than I thought it would. Sorry.
Hope you enjoy.
-Lambda
PS-It seems I literally have to go through all of my docs and reapply the Bold and Italic text in the chapters... I hate how tedious it is... You know what might make it worth it? If you peeps reviewed for me. I don't care if it's a criticism or praise or just literally saying 'Neat'(don't do that)... Just, please... My neck hurts for some reason...
Chapter 2: Lighting the Beacon
Alicia's POV
I stare at the white haired man sitting across the table from me, mostly ignoring the blond haired woman studying me like a rather interesting parasite next to him.
"So then, Headmaster Ozpin, why do you have any interest in little old me?" I ask curiously, raising a thin eyebrow. The man smiles as he responds.
"One of my former students brought you to my attention," he replies calmly. "He commented on your exceptional ability to manipulate your Aura. As I'm sure you know, such a skill is rare in the majority of Hunters, and I'm interested in getting my students a proper Aura master as a teacher." I let out a hum, picking up my cup of tea as I close my eyes.
I allow the drink to settle over my tongue, enjoying the bitter taste for a few moments.
Qrow, I'd bet, I think in annoyance. I didn't pay attention to who might've been watching me while I fought last week. And I even thought I'd heard something. Last time I dismiss my instincts out of turn. I set down my cup as I swallow the liquid in my mouth.
"I am hardly a master, Headmaster," I reply as I open my eyes. "That would be my master. Believe me, I'm nothing in comparison to her." Ozpin stares at me, looking quite intrigued. "That being said, I have incredible Aura reserves, so I might be able to stand in the ring with her for a few minutes." Glynda opens her mouth to speak.
"Would you happen to know where your teacher is?" She asks politely. I shake my head.
"Even if I did, I wouldn't tell you," I admit with a small smirk. "She hates Huntsmen, mostly because so many of them have absolutely no idea how to properly utilize Aura or even think that they can use it more effectively. She said Huntsmen only ever bother using it defensively or through their Semblance, and with my experience, I am inclined to agree." She only taught me on one of her whims.
By the gods, her whims could be so annoying.
Glynda frowns sternly, lightly glaring at me.
"We teach our students how to properly use their Aura's, and no Beacon graduate would lack in their ability with their Aura," she states fiercely. I let out a chuckle at that.
"If that were the case, we wouldn't be here," I comment, waving at the cozy atmosphere of the tea house we are currently in. "I am certain both of you believe that my skill with Aura trumps your own, or you wouldn't have an interest in me."
"Quite," Ozpin replies smoothly, cutting Glynda off with a light glare. "We would like to raise the standards of our students, if only so that more of them will come back from missions at the end of the day." I meet the old wizards eyes.
I don't like him. I don't like how he lies and manipulates the truth to blind his followers.
…
But I understand why he does it.
"Well then, why don't we talk the specifics of the position you're offering me," I say. Ozpin smiles before launching into a small tirade.
"As our students lack skill with Aura Manipulation, you would be teaching all the first years and any other more senior students that apply for your class," he responds easily. "Our student count is always low, as we are one of the toughest Huntsmen schools on Remnant. To live up to this, most years only consist of only one hundred and twenty students." I blink in surprise, but disguise it behind my teacup.
The show certainly didn't showcase that, I think in annoyance.
"You would be teaching classes of forty students," he continues. "I imagine you will have perhaps two full classes from the upper years and three from the first years." I nod, letting out a thoughtful hum. "Of course, you'll need to submit a general curriculum plan before the school year begins."
"So long as you understand it will be subject to change at any moment," I retort. "Learning to manipulate one's Aura is not a swift process, and I do not know what level the students will be starting from." At Ozpin's curious look I elaborate. "Aura Manipulation can be learned as you fight. As you may know, most people learn at least the most basic of Aura attacks in combat." I take another sip of my tea and close my eyes. "However, these techniques are often unrefined and wasteful. That being said, those that can utilize their Aura in more than a straightforward defense or Semblance oriented way are far ahead of their peers." I reopen my eyes to find both Professors looking quite intrigued. "I am an oddity in that my Aura has always stood out to me, much like wearing armor, however most people have difficulty sensing it, even when they know it's there."
"Is that so?" Professor Goodwitch asks, pushing her glasses further up the bridge of her nose. "So then, would you want to create a more advanced class out of those who are ahead of the rest?"
I think about it for a moment, before nodding. It'll probably be a lot of paperwork, which I wouldn't be surprised if I had to do the lion's share of, but it would make saving their lives much easier.
"Yes, that would probably be for the best," I reply. "Though, I can't imagine shuffling the students around will be small work." Ozpin merely chuckles, while Glynda let's out a sigh, rubbing the bridge of her nose.
"Don't worry about that, Ms. Chrome, we will take care of the details," Ozpin assures me. "Simply make sure that your students learn the skill properly." I nod in reply. "Now, let us discuss the matter of your pay." I take another sip of my tea, staring at the man. "We're willing to pay you one-hundred thirty thousand Lien per year for your services." I let out a hum, slightly surprised.
Well, that's only the pay of a few A class missions. Still, for a teaching job, I'd be willing to wager it's a nice salary, I think as I close my eyes. Even if I had no money, I could live comfortably off of that. Might as well inquire what benefits I get.
"Do you proved healthcare or will I need to take care of that?" I ask.
"You will be provided access to Beacon's infirmary, which is equipped to deal with the majority of illnesses or injuries you could incur out in the field," Glynda replies stoically. "We will also cover a portion of medical costs if you are injured beyond Beacon's reach." I allow one of my eyebrows to raise at this.
A portion? That's at all comforting, I think blandly. Oh well, I doubt I'll actually need it for injuries. I'm just a little concerned over the illness part.
I let out a thoughtful hum before nodding.
"Very well," I state. "I'll accept, though I reserve the right to teach my students as roughly as need be."
"Very well," Ozpin replies with a small smile, pushing a piece of paper and a pen across the table. I pick it up and skim through it, making sure there aren't any annoying clauses that could bite me later. "Please simply sign your name, and we'll begin."
I sigh, though I can't find any restrictions aside from what could be expected. Mainly, promising not to kill the students, faculty, etc. After a moment, I sign the paper and hand it back, before commenting on something I'd noticed, but found rather irrelevant.
"Why are the two of you channeling your Aura's?" I ask as I fold my hands in my lap, causing Goodwitch to stiffen as Ozpin blinks, seeming surprised.
"Channeling our Aura's?" He begins with a charming smile. "I'm sure we don't-."
"Please stop lying, Ozpin," I interject, frowning. Ozpin stares at me, blinking. "I know the feeling of Huntsmen channeling Aura. At rest, a Hunters Aura feels like a gentle pressure emitting from them. When channeled, it turns into a force as easily felt as a slap." I eye the two with annoyance. "Similar to the three Hunters walking outside, who aren't prepared for immediate extreme combat. Their Aura will protect them and power their Semblances, but is not ready to be projected into their bodies, like the two of you." I switch my gaze over to Goodwitch. "So I ask again, why are you channeling your Aura's? It isn't as though I'm here for a fight."
The two stare at me for a moment, before Ozpin's Aura fades, calming in a moment. That, is unsettling. Even I can't cease channeling my Aura so quickly.
"Our apologies, must've been a force of habit," he states. My dubious stare showcases how fooled I am as Goodwitch finally stops channeling her own Aura, taking much longer than Ozpin. "In any event, I welcome you to Beacon's staff, and hope our relationship will only prosper."
I let out a hum, and nod.
"Good day then. I'll get back to you with a course outline within a week or two. Until Beacon, farewell," I state as I place a few Lien on the table and rise, preparing to leave.
"Ms. Chrome?" Goodwitch calls, seeming a tad, off. I look over at the woman. "It is normal procedure for Professors to report to Beacon at least one month before the new term begins." I nod and wave as I leave.
"See ya in two months then."
"Good day, Ms. Chrome."
I walk out and let out a snort after turning the corner of a street.
Ozpin will be a pain to deal with, I think blandly.
Three Days Later…
I stare at the notebook before me, chewing on the eraser of my pencil.
I know that curriculums should be pretty basic stuff, but how on earth am I supposed to predict the difference in learning curve between an Aura Sensitive person and an Aura Inept? I think, trying to calculate the differences as I shift upon the rock beneath me. If only that old bitch was still around in order to give me a bit of advice, but seeing as she up and vanished on me, all of this falls upon my poor overworked brain.
After several minutes, I decide to give Aura Inept's a few weeks of spare time to master each technique. After finishing the timetable, I work on which technique's I plan to teach first.
I could teach them Aura Blast and Aura Injection first. They're both basic enough that they'd be easy to learn, and practical for most combat or rescue purposes. Of course, It is likely most prudent of me to teach them how to counter Aura Injection first. I nod and start filling out more of the paper before me. I'll ask Ms. Goodwitch to help demonstrate why they need to learn to protect themselves before teaching any of the major destructive Aura paths. After the anti-Aura Injection has been taught, perhaps the next best thing is neutralizing their Aura signatures and Aura transferring. My hand scribbles a few notes in the margins of the papers, as some noise drifts towards me along the wind.
The sound of a hyper cheerful woman beating the hell out of some bandits. I sigh and rub my temples as I look in the direction Silvia took the would be thieves. Most of the view is blocked by trees and some bushes, but I can sometimes hear the screams of her prey.
I turn back to my notebook and continue contemplating.
After Aura Transfers, perhaps Aura Channeling? No, that's too advanced for a first year class. I doubt they'd even have completely learned Aura Transfer by the Vytal Festival, I think in annoyance. But maybe I could teach them Aura Blast. Even if they fail at it, the pushback is merciful enough that they might not lose a limb if they screw it up. I doubt I'd be able to teach them anything else in a single school year, so I'll limit the base plan to this, and slightly modify it for the Aura Inepts and Sensitives.
I feel hands cover my eyes and have to resist a groan as Silvia's chin rests on my head.
"So, now that I've taken care of them, do you want to continue our walk?" She asks cheerily. I sigh in response.
"Sure," I reply as I snap my notebook shut. Silvia laughs and removes her hands from my person, allowing me to grab the bag sitting next to me. I shove my notebook inside, before slinging it onto my back. After securing it, I rub my arms, feeling slightly insecure, not for the first time this walk, that I don't have my cloak on.
Unfortunately, Silvia forced me to take it off and sent it to a dry cleaner. It was, frustrating.
"You still look so annoyed, Alicia," the woman laughs, walking along the path we are on. "It's only for a few days, and then you'll have it right back! Easy peasy!" I give her a baleful glare, only enhanced by my inhuman eyes.
Naturally, Silvia decides to irk me more by reaching up and pinching one of my cheeks. I continue to glare at her with even more ferocity when she refuses to desist.
"You just have the most pinchable scaley cheeks!" She states happily, jumping back as I try to whack her. She giggles and retakes her place beside me, skipping and humming now.
"I happen to not like it when you pinch my cheeks," I growl, rubbing where she'd touched. "It's uncomfortable, especially when you go for the scales."
"You didn't mind last night," she retorts, shooting me a wink. I let out another sigh as I rub my forehead.
"Pinching them when I'm asleep doesn't count," I reply calmly. I didn't actually sleep last night because of thoughts on my mind, but it's the thought that counts.
Don't rise to her, don't do it, I tell myself.
"I was really kinda nipping them, and you certainly weren't sleeping, but-!" She dodges out of the way of my fist, as my face starts to burn.
What the hell did you spike me with last night? I think, enraged and embarrassed.
"What the hell, Sil!" I shout as I pursue her, trying to grab the slippery little git. She remains one step ahead of me, even though I'm significantly taller, all the way down the path and out of the woods, looking none the worse from dodging all my punches. Once we exit the forest, I draw the revolver off my waist, taking swift aim, and plant a bullet right between her shoulder blades.
Or at least, I would have if she had not grabbed the damn thing and thrown it back at my forehead. I stagger from the unexpected hit and tumble to the ground, ending spread eagle on my back as my forehead smarts.
I glare up at the golden eyed woman who is leaning over my head with the most impish grin possible.
"Guns are cheating, you know what that means," she sings, causing me to freeze, as the look in her eyes turns predatory.
God, if you are real, please save me, I beg desperately as I begin channeling my Aura to my legs, heart, and lungs.
"Silvia, I know we've had our differences, but-," I bolt in the middle of my sentence, heading straight for the hills.
I manage to make it a fair way, in fact, I run about two and a half kilometers before Silvia tackles me. We go down in a pile of limbs and curses, going airborne for a few moments. Ultimately, I land heavily on my stomach, all the wind forced out of me from the weight of the woman on my back.
"Hey, hey Alicia," she says as her arms wrap around my neck. "Is here comfy? Cuz I think here is comfy." She snuggles into the back of my neck, making me groan in annoyance. "I like here. So don't move, or I'll skin you. I don't have a snakeskin jacket, but I can get one made."
God, why have you forsaken me? I think in despair as my left leg starts to ache, even as Silvia begins snoring. There is no god watching out for me.
Several Months Later
I stare at the students walking off of the airship, noting all of the new fresh meat. Naturally, most of them won't make it, but the fact that they're here means a lot, even to me. Beacon may not be hyped too much in the show, from what little I can remember from the first five volumes, but its reputation and its graduates are all exceptional, though few stand out from the general Beacon crowd.
Also, don't judge my memory, it has been ten years since I saw even Volume 6.
Why am I thinking as though people can read my mind again?
I stare at the students, noting each and every one of them, specifically a few that are prodigious, even by Beacon applicant standards.
Cardin Winchester, I think, staring at the tall orange haired boy. He's laughing at a joke one of his more forgettable friends made as he walks along. Son of Rufus Winchester, a former Huntsman, and three time champion of the Valean Aspiring Huntsman Tournament. He's a bit brash overall, but a good fighter with a knack for battle tactics. My eyes drift over to a tall redhead. Pyrrha Nikos, daughter of Lyra and Samuel Nikos, two experienced Hunters, and four time champion of Mistral Regional Tournament. She'll be one to watch as much as Cardin. I glance around for other potentials as I note their Auras as well. Hm, there are Ruby and Yang, looks like Weiss as well, Blake slinking off in the shadows, Nora talking Ren's ears off. Where's Jaune, though?
I keep looking, finding myself somewhat confused.
If I'm not recalling wrong, his Aura reserves are more than decent, I shouldn't have any problems plucking him out of the crowd, I think as a blonde pukes into a trashcan. I glance past him, before my eyes are drawn to a few others whose Aura reserves are quite impressive. I study them, noting the girls blue hair, as well as her friends green hair. Who are those two? I wonder curiously. Mm, no matter.
I continue watching the crowd as they proceed to mostly disperse, still looking for Jaune. A few minutes pass before an explosion occurs, and my eyes land on Ruby and Weiss, only both seem quite, out of it. I sigh and approach the two that have been blown apart. Surprising, that an explosion of decent magnitude would separate them.
I approach Weiss first, offering her a hand.
"Are you alright, Ms. Schnee?" I ask as she takes my hand, discreetly pulsing a small bit of my own Aura through hers, searching for injuries. She hisses as she yanks her hand back after standing, seemingly in pain. I blink at that.
Aura Sensitive. I suppose it makes sense, given the Schnee Semblance, I think curiously while the white haired girl looks at me somewhat disdainfully.
"Thank you, Miss," she states coldly.
"Alicia Chrome," I reply, before turning to fetch Ruby. The girl has been pulled to her feet by a blond haired boy, gaining a nod from me while I look at her. "What happened, Ruby?"
She looks at me for a moment while I glare, before shifting on her feet a little.
"Uh, well, I got ran into by some girls luggage, and then she picked up a case, and then she shook around a Dust container, and then we exploded-!" Ruby begins, her voice beginning to accelerate nervously.
"You!" Weiss shouts, walking around me. "You could have blown us off the cliff!" I stare at the short white haired girl, ignoring the Aura of the person approaching us. "Well, what do you have to say for yourself?"
"I-I'm sorry!" Ruby stutters, pulling her hood over her head as she cringes. "I really didn't mean to!" I watch as a black haired girl with a bow on her head approaches the two, the blonde haired boy simply standing and trying to evade detection from Weiss.
"It's hardly your fault," the new person says, gaining Weiss's ire and a small hopeful look from the socially awkward redhead. "This Dust canister is clearly improperly sealed, so the fact that Ms. Schnee here was waving it about indicates a clear lack of concern for her improper procedures and a disregard for safety." Blake's yellow eyes stare at Weiss with disapproval. "Of course, if you'd had your Dust stored in prepared metal containers, there would not be cracks in the casing like there are in this glass one."
Weiss just growls and swipes the Dust from Blake's hand and walks off. Blake, for her part, smirks until she meets my eyes. I stare at her for a moment, before slowly and obviously dragging my eyes to her bow, then back. I raise a thin eyebrow as she shifts uncomfortably.
"The introductory speech is in the auditorium, that building," I inform them, pointing down the way. "Please make your way over and wait for further instructions." I look over the three as they leave, and notice something. "Wait." The three stop, with Blake and the blonde freezing while I stride up to them. They turn around just in time for me to step extremely into the blondes personal space, barely an inch between our faces as I stare at him.
"U-um, can I h-help you?" He asks, nervous. I narrow my eyes as I confirm what I thought, seizing his wrist.
"You two proceed on, I need to discuss something with this applicant," I order as I stride off, fury coating my steps, and leaking out as minor Aura bursts, cracking the ground with every step. The boy objects as I drag him, calling out for some help and then begging a bit for some help. I drag him into a nearby building and confirm nobody is watching before slamming him into the wall, glaring furiously at him as he yelps. "What is your name?"
He stares at me in fear before answering.
"Jaune, Jaune Arc!" The boy states, shaking in fear. I pinch the bridge of my nose and let out a long sigh.
"You applied, to a Huntsmen school, for people who are clearly cuts far above everyone else, without Aura?" I ask, though I can already feel it, and some old memories of V1 are returning. It was such a small thing in the show that I honestly just forgot he came as a useless civvy.
"Uh, what?" He queries, my glare sharpening.
"Do you not even know what Aura is?" I ask, my voice sharp as a knife.
"Uh, of course, do you-!" He begins, before my fist implants itself in the wall next to his head.
Canon be damned, this is such egregious stupidity, I cannot allow it, I barely manage to think as I reel in a bit of my rage.
"Mother, fucker," I breathe furiously, glaring heatedly. "If I have my way, you will be on the first fucking airship out of this fucking school." His eyes widen in panic, opening his mouth to object. "SHUT UP!" He pales at my roar. "You came here without Aura, likely without training, with armor that barely fits, shoes not made for long travel or combat, clothes with will inhibit your movement, and you think you should stay? You'll get people killed, and I won't allow that."
I grab his wrist again and break into a sprint, dragging the boy onto my shoulder so he doesn't scrape along the ground. He objects, trying to escape my grip.
"W-wait, please!" He tries to beg, but I ignore him. "I can't just go home, I can't be a failure again!" I snort at his words, making my way into the building Oz is giving a speech in. I stride past the various applicants who are filing out, making my way past the stage, pursuing my quarry. I feel Ozpin and Glynda at the edge of my senses, and swiftly reach them, before dumping the boy on my shoulder before them.
He almost objects, but when he looks up to see both Ozpin and Glynda staring down at him, he freezes.
"He doesn't have Aura," I state, crossing my arms as I glare at Ozpin. He meets my gaze with some surprise, while Glynda looks nigh on horrified, before she glares at Ozpins head. The man takes a sip of his coffee before I continue. "We have to get him proper transportation back to his family, and well away from this place. He doesn't have the proper training or equipment to stand against the Grimm." Glynda sighs as she pushes her glasses up her nose, using her Semblance to lift Jaune to his feet with an undignified squawk.
"Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Ms. Chrome," Glynda says. "I will take care of this personally, so there is no need to worry about him." I nod in thanks, standing with Ozpin as Glynda drags a now despondent Jaune away. A moment after they vanish, I glare at Ozpin.
"What the hell was that?" I demand venomously. He doesn't even have the decency to look shocked at my words.
"Clearly an applicant that managed to fake their transcripts well enough that they got past out admissions," he replies calmly. I continue glaring as I cross my arms.
"Admissions to Beacon require an applicant to take a test in order to test that they have the requisite knowledge, which an applicant must take personally and provide proper ID for," I state. "There are few people with Semblances that can mimic a person's appearance, and all of the ones I know of who offer their services are far beyond the expenses of a potential student." He merely sips his coffee. "So how did he get in when he didn't even know what Aura is?"
"How should I know? I don't track every applicant," the man asks, causing me to frown.
"I'm watching you, Ozpin," I warn the man. "I will not tolerate you unnecessary risking people's lives." He opens his mouth, but I continue. "You can do what you want with risking yourself personally, but an Auraless civilian is a danger we cannot have in the field. Our actual Hunter applicants need to be able to protect themselves and their allies, not worry about a sheep in their midst."
I turn on my heel and stalk off, heading for the Emerald Forest.
I found a nice cave that is perfect for sleeping, seeing as I can't actually sleep on Beacon property without destroying a decent portion of it.
AN: Sup. Honestly, when writing this chapter, I had to delete about five pages when I realized it amounted to nothing but filler and uselessness. That was an annoying realization. Still, I don't want to write meaningless stuff that makes no sense.(though that's almost all of my stories, so what can I do…)
Hope you enjoyed it. I'll admit a piece of it is written on a whim(that being everything with Sylvia this chapter.), but I tried to make it quite entertaining. Also, for anyone wondering, yes, I did just axe Jaune from the current canon. Could he make a reappearance? Maybe.
I honestly was never a real fan of the guy and he seems quite replaceable to me. Also, with Alicia's personality, she would never allow Jaune to stay when all the odds are against him and could risk the lives of his fellow students to protect him.
Anyways, see ya next time.
-Lambda38