As the day continued and the night grew closer the three of them began to head back towards the mess hall. Xanthia had been talking almost the entire time with Olivia chiming in whenever she could. Nero stayed silent, mostly due to the fact that he hadn't got a chance to speak at all. He wasn't discouraged though, he was use to not speaking, and it gave him time to observe his new teammates. This was the first time in his life that he'd had to get to know a new team. His thoughts began to drift, but not for long. Xanthia's stomach rumbled loudly, causing the others to look at her in surprise.
"Wow I guess I'm really hungry," she said with a giggle.
"They should be servin' supper soon," Olivia said. "At lease I hope."
"Food? Yes," Xanthia replied happily, almost immediately taking off towards the dining hall. Olivia and Nero couldn't help but chuckle as they followed.
"So Yin, quite some partner ya got there," Olivia commented.
"Yeah she's something alright," he said with a hint of sarcasm.
"Is it true that ya were the only person who wanted ta be her partner?"
"Not exactly, she asked and I said yes... it's not like I took pity on her."
"...Yer no' exactly a team player are ya?"
"Let's just say I don't exactly make friends well."
"Well ya got me and Xanthia... that counts for somethin'."
"I suppose."
"Look at it this way, yer gonna be stuck with me, her, and some other bampot for the next four years, so you might try gettin' use to it."
"...I'll give it a week before at least one of you wants me dead."
Olivia chuckled as they entered the dining hall. It didn't take them long to find Xanthia behind a large plate of food. She waved happily, gesturing for them to come sit with her. They walked over with Nero sitting down across from her. She looked down at the table and giggled as she swallowed the bite she was chewing.
"Oh you guys probably should get food first huh," she asked.
"I'm good," Nero said.
"Oh no ya don't we're getting food now," Olivia retorted "I won't have one of my teammates goin' hungry." She grabbed his arm and dragged him to the buffet where they both got sizable plates, and filled them up, returning to Xanthia quickly. They sat in relative silence for most of the meal, except for Xanthia, who continued to say whatever came to her mind. Nero looked around, studying various students that he recognized from his research before coming to Beacon. He was about to get up when another student slammed into his back, almost knocking him into his food. Getting up, he turned around to see who it was, to see Jaune laying on the ground.
"Sorry about th—," Jaune began to say before looking up to see who he had hit. Nero glanced down at him before looking up to see someone cackling with laughter. He was a tall boy with light brown swept back hair, wearing what looked like knight armor with a bird emblazoned on the chest.
"Hey, asshole," Nero shouted at him, "watch where you throw your trash next time." The boy scoffed and walked away. Olivia helped Jaune up making sure he was ok before shooting an angry look at Nero.
"There's no need ta be rude Yin," she said, "it's not like he chose ta bump into ya, ya dobber."
"That's the second time today he's bumped into someone," he said, the irritation prevalent in his voice. The encounter on the ship hadn't exactly left a good impression on either of them.
"So? Maybe he's just a klutz," she said as nicely as she could. Olivia didn't like talking bad about anyone, always trying to find something good in everyone.
"Hey," Jaune exclaimed, "I just haven't had much practice falling down is all."
Nero shook his head, getting up and walking away. His teammates watched a bit surprised, not expecting someone like him to just walk away.
"And where do ya think yer goin'," she asked, hands on her hips.
"I'm allergic to stupid," He said without looking back. Olivia rolled her eyes, choosing to ignore his rudeness as she turned back to Jaune.
"Ya sure yer alright?"
"Yeah yeah," Jaune replied with a chuckle, "Nothing's hurt… except maybe my pride." He rubbed the back of his neck as he muttered the last part. She looked at him with sympathy. The boy obviously had a lot to learn, but there was something she like about him. Probably the sword he carried he carried on his hip, not everyone wielded a simple weapon. "So, my name's Jaune. You uh… looking for a team? Cause if you are there might be some room on Team Jaune for you." He leaned in a bit closer, trying his best to smirk and sound charming, which just made her chuckle.
"Sorry lady killer, I've already got a team of my own," she said as she patted him on the shoulder. Jaune slumped down a bit in disappointment. "Don' worry though I'm sure you'll find a good team of your own. Just gotta keep tryin'."
"You really think so," he asked, perking up a bit.
"Of course," Olivia said. "Plus I think that cute girl over there has been eyein' ya." She gestured to a girl in a short white dress, with a matching ponytail. He looked over, blushing a bit when he saw her. "Go get her." Jaune nodded and headed over without saying another word. She looked back to Xanthia was licking her plate, stopping immediately when she noticed, Olivia smiling at her. "I guess ya liked it?" Xanthia nodded blushing a bit. "Come on, let's go get our lockers."
The two girls walked to one of the offices and picked up their locker assignments, then headed back to the dining hall. With a quick look around they were a bit concerned when they didn't see Nero.
"I wonder where he went," Xanthia said, "what if he went out to find buried treasure without us!" She looked up to Olivia and pretended to make a sad face, complete with exaggerated pouty lip.
"I'm sure the dobber is around here somewhere," she said with a chuckle, then muttered, "wouldn't put it past 'em though."
"Well, I-I'll see if I can find him," Xanthia said, "You can go ahead and find your locker." Olivia was a bit surprised at her offer, but appreciated it.
"Alright, if yer sure," she said, handing the two slips of paper that had their locker numbers on them. Xanthia nodded, watching as Olivia left to the locker room. She then looked around nervously and found a place where she wouldn't be seen, pulling out her scroll. She started to make a call when Nero popped up behind her, startling her and causing her to drop it.
"There you are," he said, "Thought you two would have stayed in the mess hall." Xanthia quickly retrieved her scroll putting it back in her pocket.
"Oh hey there Yin," she said, "Y-yeah we went to get out lockers." She smiled excitedly, handing him his own slip of paper.
"Thanks," he said looking down at his number, Locker #117. "...Where's Olivia?"
"She's probably in her locker putting her stuff away," Xanthia said pausing for a moment, "I mean she's not IN her locker that'd be weird she's putting her things in her locker like her sword and her... clothes? No, I don't think she'd do that then she'd be walking around naked. That'd be really weird."
"Yeah then my breasts would be all exposed," Olivia said, jumping up behind them, "not to mention everyone would see the weird birthmark on my bum." They both eyed her with a look of confusion.
"A little TMI there Olivia," Xanthia said, "or is it FBI... ONI?"
"It's TMI Xanthia," Nero said before she could continue, "and I really don't need a mental image of your ass Olivia."
"Well no one was askin' ya ta picture my arse," she shot back, her cheeks turning red.
"Trust me it wasn't a choice," he said crossing his arms. Olivia scowled at him.
"I'm not even into guys anyway," she said jabbing him in the shoulder.
"What a shocker," he retorted, "Come on Xanthia, let's go put our shit away." She nodded and followed him to a large room with walls lined with lockers that were taller then they were. Olivia shook her head and went to grab sleeping bags for her team, that all the students would be using for the night to come.
"Do you need help finding your locker," Nero inquired, glancing over at Xanthia.
"No silly I think I know my numbers," she replied looking down at her slip of paper, turning it over a few times until she nodded in satisfaction. She walked off in search of the locker that matched her number, her expression contorted in confusion.
"...Give it here," he said with a heavy sigh. She handed him her number with a sly look on her face as if she was proud of herself. He looked down at the number, raised an eyebrow, then eyed her suspiciously. "Your locker number is 116..." She nodded happily. "You planned this didn't you?" Again she nodded.
"Yup, they're over here," she said as she grabbed his hand and dragged him over to their lockers. "ta da! and Olivia's is next to yours so you'll be in the middle of a cute sandwich." He shook his head and took out his scroll, syncing it with his locker. As he put his duffel bag in, Xanthia peeked over his shoulder. "So whatcha got in the bag huh?"
"Personal items don't touch them," Nero said.
"Oooh we got a mystery on our hands," Xanthia said excitedly. He unintentionally slammed the locker shut causing her to jump.
"No you don't," he said, "what's in that bag is very dangerous... you could get yourself killed or worse."
"I was just kidding," she stammered as she fidgeted with her fingers, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you mad..." Nero sighed and patted her on the shoulder.
"It's fine," he said. She smiled, her cheeks heating up as she opened her arms.
"Hug?"
Nero eyed her for a moment before reluctantly embracing her, if only for a quick moment. As he let go a large fluffy sleeping bag hit him in the face, knocking him back a bit.
"Heads up," Olivia said as she handed Xanthia an identical bag, she wore a caramel colored tank-top and dark brown short shorts. Nero opened his locker and retrieved a simple black t-shirt and pants then began changing right there in front of the two girls. Xanthia blushed heavily, watching him remove his jacket. Olivia sighed and pulled her away before he could remove his pants, seeing that her nose had started to bleed.
"Fuckin' pervert," she muttered. Xanthia bit her lip as she thought about him, her heart racing.
"I-I'll be right back," she said, running off. Olivia got a concerned look on her face before slamming it into her palm, leaving a small red mark on her forehead.
"I hope it's not going to be four years of this shit," she said to herself as she set up her sleeping bag, "What does she even see in him?"
"Maybe it's my charm," Nero said, causing her to jump a bit. She turned to see him wearing a simple black t-shirt and pants. Olivia huffed and gave him a stern look.
"A Beowulf has more charm than you," she spat, "I haven' seen you be anythin' but a jerk. You ev'n stripped in front of us!" Olivia began to raise her voice a bit, gaining the attention of a few other students.
"It's not like I was completely naked," he said setting up his sleeping bag near hers, "plus I'm nice to Xanthia."
"Xanthia's... she's naïve," she said, "she trusts a bit too easy and... she's not exactly the sharpest sword in the armory, I—"
"Y-you think I'm s-stupid," Xanthia asked standing behind her, dressed in a loose fitting shirt with a bunny face on it and almost neon pink pants, fidgeting with her fingers.
"Oh no honey, I didn' mean that," she said as softly as she could, "I... I just think yer a bet too trustin'... I mean you trusted him right away." Nero rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms.
"He's been nice to me," she stammered, "I don't really have a reason not to."
"That's still no' a reason," she said, "He could still be—"
"She's right Xanthia," Nero interjected. The girls looked at him confused. "I've only told you about my parents. You don't know anything about me. I could be a horrible teammate, or—" Someone interrupted by clearing their throat behind him. Turning around he saw Glynda Goodwitch standing with her arms crossed and a very stern look on her face.
"Mister N—... young man, male students will be sleeping over there," she said gesturing to a large group of boys on the other side of the room.
"What? You don't trust me," he asked. This only got him a more intense look for her. Nero rolled his eyes as he picked up his sleeping bag and began walking.
"If I were you two I would consider finding a new teammate," Glynda whispered before exiting the room. Xanthia began fidgeting with her fingers as she looked down at the ground. Olivia looked at Goodwitch a bit confused before patting Xanthia on the head.
"It's ok sweety," she said as softly as she could, "Ms. Goodwitch can be a bit harsh sometimes but she's just making sure everyone is following the rules."
"It's not that," Xanthia mumbled, "am... am I the only one who likes Yin? E-everybody else hates him before they even get to know him."
"Well... ya see somethin' in him that no one else does," Olivia said, "but since he is still part of our team I'll do my best ta see what ya see."
"Thanks, Olivia," she said.
On the other side of the room, Nero set up his sleeping bag against the wall, away from the other students. He glanced over when he heard some of the guys snickering at something. What he saw was kind of horrifying. Jaune strolled over to him, dressed in powder-blue onesie complete with feet.
"Hey man I wanted to say I'm—," he began to say. Nero held up his hand, signaling him to stop talking.
"What... the actual hell... are you wearing," he asked in a grumbling tone.
"My pajamas?" Jaune asked looking down at himself, "they were a gift from my mom. I kinda feel obligated to wear 'em." Nero pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a heavy sigh. "What? Are you saying you wouldn't wear a gift from your mother?"
"She's dead Vomit Boy," Nero said.
"Oh man, I'm sorry I didn't know I—"
"Go away before I punch you."
"Alright man no need to get violent," Jaune mumbled as he walked away.
Nero shook his head as he returned to his sleeping bag. He sat for a while, observing the other students as his mind began to drift to his old life, and to Bianca. The conversation from that morning played in his head. A couple of things she'd said stuck out more than the rest. "I… I needed you." "It's no fun doing this without you." Normally she was sarcastic, not showing her true emotions unless they were alone. 'Could she have feelings for me?' He thought to himself, immediately shaking his head to get rid of the thought. 'Could be Beacon itself... or Ozpin. He does have Amaura's scroll, somehow. Maybe she knows something I don't. What if—' His thoughts when a small piece of crumpled paper hit him in the head.
"Bullseye," he heard a voice whisper. Nero looked over angrily to see Xanthia waving. He sighed, giving her small wave and smile. She pointed at the piece of paper, gesturing for him to open it. The letter read 'Hey are you asleep yet?' He stared at her for a moment, unsure of the appropriate response. Nero grabbed his scroll and held it up for her to see. The squirrel faunus nodded as she grabbed her own scroll. She looked at it a bit confused before grabbing a piece of paper and writing something down. He rolled his eyes as the crumpled note flew his way, this time landing right next to him. He picked it up to read 'What's your #?' Nero wrote 2187-LAMUERTE and threw it back. Moments later his scroll beeped, letting him know he'd received a message.
—So are you asleep yet?— 1337-SQUIRREL
—Are you seriously asking that? twice?— 2187-LAMUERTE
—Yep— 1337-SQUIRREL
—No, I'm not asleep yet... I'm skydiving— 2187-LAMUERTE
—Well that's a weird thing to be doing this time of night— 1337-SQUIRREL
Nero stared at his screen for a moment, pinching the bridge of his nose.
—I can't tell if you're being serious or not— 2187-LAMUERTE
—I'm just kidding but it is hard to sound scrumptious over test— 1337-SQUIRREL
—Spaghetti oven taco— 1337-SQUIRREL
—Sassafras offer tape— 1337-SQUIRREL
Xanthia let out a squeak of frustration, causing Nero to look over at her.
—forklift auto cucumber!— 1337-SQUIRREL
—Go to sleep Xanthia— 2187-LAMUERTE
—...Hockey— 1337-SQUIRREL
He chuckled as they both tucked their scrolls away and laid down. The young criminal tried to let his mind drift once again, but decided it was better to rest for the night, knowing he would need it for the day to come.
Early the next morning Nero woke to the sound of a very energetic girl declaring that it was indeed morning. He looked over and much to his surprise, saw that it wasn't Xanthia. However, she wasn't far behind as she sprinted over and came to a literal screeching halt right in from of him.
"Hey Yin," she said, a joyous tone in her voice, "are you ready to fight monsters and be awesome?!"
"Right after I take a piss sure," he mumbled, still half asleep. She waved as he left, skipping back to Olivia, who had only then gotten up. She sat up and stretched, moaning lightly.
"Morning sleepy head," Xanthia said.
"Mornin' Xanny," Olivia said through a yawn, "sleep well?"
"Yeah I had this really weird dream though," she replied, "me and Yin were trying to get a train through a small tunnel with my name on it. What do you think that means?"
"Probably that you just really like trains," she said blushing a bit, "I wouldn't think too much about it."
"What about trains," Nero asked, walking up behind them already dressed in his clothes from the previous day.
"Oh uh nothin'," Olivia said nervously, "she had a strange dream about trains. Come on Xanny let's go get ready." Nero shrugged as they walked off to get changed into their battle gear. He pulled out one of his guns and began to tinker with the large cylinder in the middle, removing it and putting it in his jacket. Taking out an identical cylinder he clicked into place, which caused the barrel at the front to slide back allowing the one below it to extend forward.
"Impressive weapon ya got there." He heard a voice say. Nero looked up to see a boy a bit shorter than him wearing a dark green long coat with gold bronze armor around the chest and shoulders, with matching gauntlets. His blond hair was short, shaggy, and swept to one side which complemented his emerald eyes well.
"Thanks... and you are," Nero asked.
"Oh I'm Inigo, Inigo Monty," he said extending his hand.
"Yin Daiyu," he replied, shaking his hand.
"So what kinda weapon is that?"
"Slug shotgun on top, .44 magnum on bottom, and it's also a hammer." He shifted the gun into its melee form.
"Guess you're more of an up close and personal type huh? I'm more of a long range guy myself." Inigo reached behind and pulled out a sniper rifle looking weapon, with a blade underneath the barrel.
"This is Willow, she's also a sword." He shifted the grip back as part of the stock slid up and into the handle. The barrel telescoped in as part of the blade extended out, creating a long straight edge. "This is Wisp."
"Not bad. You any good with it?" Nero asked.
"Oh I'm not just good, I'm the best," he replied changing his weapon back into its sniper form. "I could hit a bullseye from 1,300 yards, with a scope I could do way better."
"Very impressive," Nero said, "you must have damn good eyesight to make a shot like that with iron sights."
"Peep sights actually," he said showing him the small ring on the top of the gun.
Before Nero could say anything Xanthia came running up behind them, and Olivia not far behind her. They were both dressed in their combat outfits from the previous day.
"Hey, Yin! Oh hello there," Xanthia exclaimed, waving at Inigo, "what's your name? Is that your weapon? It looks so cool! What's your sem—"
"Whoa there Xanny," Olivia said with a chuckle, "She gets a bit excited sometimes... well all the time. Anyway, I'm Olivia."
"I'm Xanthia," she said, restraining herself.
"It's nice to meet you two," Inigo said, "I'm Inigo, Inigo Monty. So do y'all three know each other?" Xanthia nodded happily as she wrapped her arms around her two taller friends.
"Yep we're a team," she said, "I mean it is just us so we need one more teammate, but we haven't found one yet." Inigo raised his eyebrow as a look of disappointment crossed his face.
"Give it a second," Nero said. Xanthia stared off into the distance for a moment before letting out a long gasp, pointing at Inigo.
"You should be our fourth team member," she blurted out.
"Well that sounds great," he said, "I mean I'll have to think about it since we don't know each other, but I'm sure initiation will lay everything out."
"Yeah," Nero said, "plus I want to see if you're as good as you say you are."
"Ha well I don't brag," he replied, "I state facts." Xanthia giggled while Olivia only gave a small smirk.
"We'll see," Nero muttered as an announcement came over the P.A. system.
"All first-year students please report to Beacon Cliff for initiation. Again all first-year students report to Beacon Cliff for initiation."
"Welp allons-y," Inigo said as he walked off, getting a look of confusion from the other three. They shrugged and made their way to the cliff.
Once there all the first year students took their place on small metal squares that had been lined up on the edge of the cliff that overlooked the forest. Inigo slowly looked over, noticing something strange about the students to his left.
"Hey Yin," he whispered lean over to Nero, "Do those guys look like they're, I don't know, covered in shadows or something?"
"The hell are you talking about," Nero asked.
"Maybe they're characters we haven't unlocked yet," Inigo said, "oh shh Ozpin's talking." The Headmaster and Professor Goodwitch stood to the right of all the students.
"For years, you have trained to become warriors, and today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest," Ozpin said.
"Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of 'teams'," Glynda said, "Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates... today."
"These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon," Ozpin continued, "So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well." Xanthia turned and waved to her friends. "That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years."
"See, I told you," a ginger girl said as she poked the boy next to her.
"After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path... or you will die." Xanthia's eyes widened as she stared at the headmaster.
"I don't wanna die," she muttered, getting the attention of her friend.
"Dunna worry sweety," Olivia said, "I'll protect ya."
"Thanks, Olivia," she replied as she smiled.
"You will be monitored and graded through the duration of your initiation, but our instructors will not intervene. You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pair must choose one and return to the top of the cliff. We will regard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?"
"Yeah um sir—," Jaune tried to say
"Good! now take your positions," Ozpin said. Each of the students took their stances, some crouched, others brandished their weapons, while the rest simply stood there.
"Um, sir? I got um... a question," Jaune said.
"Shut it Vomit Boy," Nero said, causing Glynda to glare at him. She tapped her scroll, activating the metal plates underneath each student launching them into the forest, starting with the student farthest from her.
"So this uh landing strategy," Jaune said, "wh-what is it? Are you like dropping us off or something?"
"No, you will be falling," Ozpin replied. The launches continued down the line, Vomit Boy looked over nervously.
"Oh I see uh did you like, hand out parachutes for us?"
"...No, you will be using your own landing strategy."
"Uh-huh yeah, So what exactly is a landing strategy?" Before he could get a response the plate underneath him launched him into the forest. Ozpin couldn't help but chuckle to himself as Jaune flew through the air screaming.