Author message: Hello everyone, I hope you like this chapter. Deviljho's Hatred gets thanks for helping me in this chapter.
WORDS STYLE:
Flashback
Thinking
[Tv/Intercom]
SHOUTING
TwIsTeD
Cover Art: By Seshirukun
Chapter 4: The Beginning of a Team
"Ah! The words originated from one Branwen who was placing bracelets on her arms when in fact they were deactivated forearm gauntlets that reflected the light off of them. "finally get to wear these babies again!" Her smile dies when her gaze is laid upon Ruby who was talking to Oscar. The blonde visibly frowns before her eyes met Ruby's and immediately she breaks it, continuing on her way after closing her locker. This didn't go unnoticed by Weiss who watched from the corner of her eye at the sudden mood change and simply directs her gaze at the confused Ruby.
"Ridiculous!" The shout gained the air's attention to see another blonde passing by her, holding a map and appearing to be lost. "There's no way I put my gear in locker 636 yesterday! I would've remembered having to count that high! Why does this have to happen today?"
His words of sadness could be heard by many which Weiss just sighs upon hearing this while Yang was annoyed.
"I bet most of these first-years only came because this is where the 'Hero' first made his appearance," Her thoughts were while walking towards the direction they needed to go, a scowl forming on her face. "disappointing."
Yang just couldn't conceal what she felt, seeing many as just tourists and not fighters at all, only a few caught her eye such as one red-head who she knew for a fact was famous for a few reasons.
"Wait a second," Ruby began to feel suspicious, that being the large group of students on the Beacon Cliff, overlooking a forest while standing on silver tiles. "didn't mom say something about silver tiles?"
As she continued trying to recall it, she felt that it was connected to something bad yet couldn't recall what, unlike Yang who was on her right, smiling with her arms crossed, she was staring at Glynda who stood in front of them.
"Now, you all—" He couldn't finish the moment one Branwen spoke.
"We already get that, can't we start things yet?" Her words were nothing but a carefree tone yet Glynda wasn't having any of that.
"Ms. Branwen," As she spoke, her expression showed great annoyance, "you have not even begun the initiation test and you have already disrespected many so far during your stay here, I advice you to watch your tone." This only got a 'tch' from Yang.
"I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of 'teams'. Well, allow me to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates... today." When Glynda said that, the group appeared not so surprised, unlike one Rose who was smiling at finding out this was a way to make friends, her gaze drifting over to Oscar while silently hoping it isn't someone she can get along with.
"These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon." Yang appeared to show annoyance at being forced to tag with perhaps a weakling while Blake glances at Velvet. "So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well."
"That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years." as he said that, while Ruby voiced her shock the Headmistress looked at Yang and tapped her glasses, gaining a loud sigh as she took the sunglasses off with annoyance spread across her face.
"After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest—yes Mr. Arc?" Her words aimed at one of the blondes who had a hand raised.
"Well um..." He looked around to see everyone was staring at him. "Which ways north?"
"..."
"Never mind."
Everyone just stares at the embarrassed Jaune yet a couple of them didn't know where exactly North was until Glynda pointed in the direction to her right.
"That is North..." Glynda ignored the relief looks on some student's faces. "now as I was saying, you will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to kill... or you will die."
Unlike the nervous laugh originating from Jaune, Yang on the other hand showed overconfidence.
"You will be monitored and graded through the duration of your initiation, but my instructors will not intervene." The Headmistress's eyes focus on the forest while he spoke the next part. "Due to unfortunate events that took place last time, we placed a Huntsman and Huntress in the forest in case any of your lives are endangered. 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?"
Yet again, Jaune raised his shaking hand Glynda wasn't very thrilled at seeing that.
"Yeah, um, Ma'am?"
"Good! She said loudly, ignoring Jaune's attempt to get help. "Now, take your positions."
"Take our positions?" Ruby muttered as she looks around to see almost everyone preparing themselves for something, except Jaune who wasn't striking a pose.
"Wait—" Ruby stops as she heard clicking from below her and with that she immediately grabs her weapon, fumbling with it just before tightly gripping it as the silver tile sent her flying with a yelp being her main way to reaction, appearing to lose control as she was spinning in the air uncomfortably just as her mother did during her initiation, becoming some kind of family tradition.
"That," Spoke the red-haired and horned man watching from a distance away on a tree branch. "doesn't look good."
His attention was on the first to have been launched, Ruby who was spinning in the air as she flew and glided in the air tho she couldn't be blamed since she graduated a couple of years before she was supposed to and most likely learn any landing strategy, crashing was her only option. Without another word being said, Adam hurried as he was placed closer to where the springs were aimed to send a student, allowing him to react quickly in case someone was going to crash.
"This is why," Muttered one Adam Taurus, who was making his way quickly through the forest towards the uncontrollably spinning Ruby. "we need to remove the landing strategy for the freshman."
As he ran, high in the air Ruby was gripping her weapon tightly, afraid to let go as she held onto it and watching this scene was one smiling Yang who found Ruby's situation to be very amusing, wondering if she would die from this before Ruby finally snaps out of it, grabbing her goggles and pulling them down over her eyes as she proceeds to react. Upon coming close to the trees her scythe turned into a gun that she shoots, slowing her down enough with her weapon turning to scythe once again.
"Here goes!" The blade of her weapon catches the branch of a tree in her blade yet it simply cuts through the branch with ease, gaining a blink of surprise before she starts falling downwards at a slower pace but not slow enough as she starts hitting branches, losing her weapon along the way just as below her, stood Adam that was searching for her.
"Where did she go?" His tone was clear confusion as he was looking around, having seen her entered the forest through the trees and expecting her to have landed before he got to her, that was until he heard rustling from above.
"Watch ooooooooo—" As he heard that he instinctively moved to the right to dodge one Rose slamming into the ground with most of the pain being negated by her already bruised aura.
"Ow..." As she said it, she looks up to see Adam staring down at her, this caused the girl to give an uncomfortable laugh while scratching the back of her head.
"S-Sorry Adam!" She finally said. "I didn't mean to wait! Where's crescent—"
Only stopping after her weapon, Crescent Rose fell, its blade stabbing into the earth between her legs, causing both to go wide-eyed and silent as Adam knew even with her aura, it would hurt like a bitch.
Slowly, Ruby looks up now fidgeting and appearing to expect to be yelled at, but all she got was a sigh from Adam who grabbed the scythe by its handle and pulled it out just as Ruby stood up fast.
"Did Summer train you before you entered the academy?" He asked the question while handing her back her weapon.
"How did you know my mom's name?" Her gaze said it all, suspicious as well as alerted when she heard that but Adam just turns away.
"She's from the famous Team STRQ, the best team Beacon ever had as well as there are pictures of them around this school. Not to mention you have the same last name and you look a lot like your mother only furthers it." Hearing the reasons, Ruby looks away embarrassed as she's heard quite a few times how she looks just like her mother, wanting to facepalm herself at how obvious it was, and with that, she spoke.
"We didn't work much on landing strategy-but I'm not weak!" She puts on a more determined look. "Mom and Dad taught me, I can handle this!" As she said that, Adam just stared at her.
(She tends to not like being viewed as weak.)
Adam could only recall the face of his Teacher who showed him a picture of a kid Ruby covered in dirt and looking defiant from being cleaned by Summer. This memory caused him to crack a smile that Ruby noticed and puffs her cheeks out.
"I had to wait until I got to Signal to start training with weapons, thanks to Uncle Qrow I was able to use Crescent Rose."
"Uncle? I didn't know he was related to you?"
"He's technically not, I just like calling him Uncle Qrow since he's acted like an Uncle to me since I was little. He's a role model for me…"
Adam just turns away, thinking about Yang and Ruby if one of them has an idea if the other knows their siblings due to the changes being possible. Recalling that it's quite a secret that Summer is married to Naruto, not wanting enemies to know about them so instead of moving to the city such as Atlas where they would have protection and don't have to hide, she preferred the open area which the family lived on and open land in Patch with Naruto making visits to them. Adam was left at times in Atlas with a friend and in turn meeting Winter while Naruto went home to visit his family for a couple of weeks.
"I wonder if it's true…does that mean
Summer may or may not have known Raven had a child with her...?" Even now he was still shocked, as he recalled the stories with his Sensei. Meeting Raven who went Solo for some time away from the Tribe, going to Menagerie to help for an extended period to retake the entire island from the Grimm, heading to Atlas where he met Willow Schnee and became close friends before once again meeting Summer in Vale where they dated and got married.
"I'll just keep watch of you until you find your partner, but" His tone appeared to be relaxed again while he was turning around, surprising Ruby. "Why did you want to become a Huntress?" His gaze turns back to meet her win yet instead of surprise her expression turned calm and determined.
When she heard that, she showed a surprised expression before it calmed and give him a reason he wasn't expecting.
"Because I have a dream." The sudden change in tone had gained the Faunus's attention. "Child or not, dim-witted or not...I don't care what anyone calls me because I know what I wanna be and that's to become a hero who saves everyone, like in the storybooks, like my Dad."
Surprise, that was all that was shown on Adam's face as he soon enough smiles.
"That's a pretty good reason. The goal you have is that of a True Huntress." It was after saying that the red-hooded girl blushes at the praise she was receiving and looks down in embarrassment.
"T-Thank you."
With a nod, the two start moving finally with Adam leading the way as they moved in a hurry to not stay by themselves for too long but as Adam guided her through the trees until Ruby reacted before he could, her feet skidding against the grass as she came to a stop before Adam did which gained his attention to see the girl's gaze had hardened, much unlike a girl her age. It was then that they both heard a rustle behind them, causing Adam to turn immediately yet what jumps out was a rabbit, one bouncing away in a hurry which Adam began to relax but not Ruby.
"It's afraid." Was all she sounds as a Beowolf already in mid-leap jumps out of the bush at Ruby who instantly cleaves it in two much times the Huntsman's surprise.
"That was mediocre at best."
The new voice had caused both to look up where they first saw yellow hair, followed by a single blonde landing between them, turning to look at Adam and ignoring Ruby completely.
"Well, if it isn't the bad boy Huntsman." The tone of Yang's was carefree, not bothered in the slightest as she made her way towards the student of her father. "Could it be you were hunting 'me'?" Her red eyes were focused on the bandaged guy standing before her, quite in a good mood at finding him here yet pays no attention to Ruby.
"H-Hi—" Ruby stopped at seeing she wasn't even looking at her while she spoke over the girl.
"So what brings you out here?" Her tone like Ruby's was that of curiosity as well. "I doubt it's because Glynda thinks someone is gonna die already."
"I am just a precaution, so just continue your test." It was after saying that, he turns away just as Yang felt annoyed that he was already gonna leave and quickly moved to get in front of him, to stop him.
"Already eager to leave, and here I thought you wouldn't mind spending time with me?" She puts on a seductive smile in a sense tho wasn't very good at it which Adam spoke up.
"I have a job to do Branwen," His single gaze hardened. "I don't have time to waste."
Yang just smiles, a student of her father should be as such tho disappointed at him not jumping at the chance to get with her, unlike most guys who would jump at the chance before she knocked them on their asses without even care due to even presuming they had a chance.
Adam made his way to leave, that was until he heard it they heard it and that being a very high-pitched girlish scream echoing through the entire forest that surprised them before suddenly going silent. Adam moved towards the scream despite not being given a heads up by his superiors yet he wasn't alone doing so.
"Why are you following me?!"
"What do you mean, I just so happen to have the same destination in mind."
That was the explanation Yang had for why she was chasing after him with Ruby wanting to get Yang as her teammate, running through the forest full speed behind Adam tho the blonde was the slowest one, Ruby doing a very good job at keeping up with Adam who had one hand on his weapon.
"Multiple Grimm up ahead, about three." Ruby suddenly announces, taking Yang by surprise as she watched him jump over bushes and quickly slashed at Grimm's faces, couples having their heads cleaved off of their necks.
"Amazing."
Thought the Rose who was smiling at the fluent yet brutal attacks Adam made with his weapon yet the two with her were more focused on how she knew the Grimm's position and how many of them. It was then that he suddenly came to a stop the moment they started approaching a clearing, getting behind a bush which the two girls followed suit, kneeling behind Adam who shocked his scroll to see there was no signal at all.
"There are armed hostiles up ahead." As he spoke, he was seeing armed men at the entrance of a large dark cave, they had machinery lifting large crates and entering the cave. To the left of the cave, what he spots was one Jaune Arc tied up and gagged, sitting on the outside of the cave and unarmed.
With this sight, Adam visibly sighs at seeing they have a hostage and jolts upon hearing movement and turns incredibly fast as Blush reverts to a gun that was directed behind them, finding none other than Pyrrha with her hands raised.
"Hello."
"I can't even find Velvet."
Was the only thought of Blake who was walking by herself past trees to find the fellow Faunus partner but only stops when he unbandaged ear twitches.
"Who's there?!" With that simple demand, she turns all the way just as an Ursa leaping out. Blake's eyes widen and moved to guard herself as it charges at her yet its body goes limp, revealing Weiss standing behind it with Rapier in hand much to Faunus's surprise as they just stare at each other.
"…" No words were said before Blake turns away with a complicated expression just like Weiss with her own but their eyes narrow as more rustling was heard from the bushes around them which they prepared themselves.
It was now four of them, Adam, Ruby, Yang, and Pyrrha who were kneeling behind a bush and trees as they discussed the plan to save Jaune, Yang wanted to go guns blazing yet it was immediately shut down while sneaking from Ruby was also shut down, the only choice is a good distraction which would be Adam but before they could implement the plan, they heard an argument of sorts from within the cave.
"Every second we spend here is another second wasted." The tone sounded it was being spoken through from a speaker yet still sounded serious.
"I believe less movement is the best course of action as we stay hidden for them to pass." The other voice sounded the same as the speaker yet sounded more relaxed.
Two individuals were seen exiting the cave next to each other, both wearing tactical visors on their helmet and wore militaristic-looking full-body black suits with yellow platings on the upper body, arms, and legs. Their armor looked smooth but had sharp edges while their helmet consisted of a helmet with a yellow visor that seemed to be lighting up for what was on the inside.
One man finally decided to make an odd decision or a stupid one by removing his helmet, revealing a face that could be seen as petite looking. He had grey eyes and striking white hair with multiple colors mixed into it with the hair in the back of his head reaching his back, having hanged out of the helmet. He locks the helmet to his side as he didn't want to wear it.
"And what if they arrive now?" His fingers point at Jaune who looked alert. "He's among a group of students that were just launched in the air, more are around and will soon find this area like he just did. If we're caught, we will only have a single hostage." Yet even when told this, the man simply smiles calmly.
"This was the best kind of area out in a Grimm-infested forest tho from the looks, it seems something changed in how they would do initiations." His tone was smooth and gentle, yet the soldier could be seen as very annoyed.
"I'm not the one that will be dealing with the superiors once they find out your mistake?!" Hearing such a thing, the other students just stayed completely focused on the conversation with Adam staring intently at this, it was loud enough for them to hear but what they saw caused them to freeze in utter shock.
"Shall we continue this after dealing with the pests?"
With those simple words, immediately the man reaches up from behind his head and grabs something. Pulling it out to reveal a vintage sniper rifle painted with animals on it and having a bayonet attaches to it. He had pointed it directly at where they were located before pulling the trigger and that fired a single round, a device that splits apart with multiple flying objects flying with smoke trails, it wasn't a bullet it fired, it was a device that split up into multiple projectiles, miniature missiles.
"EVAAAAADE!"
With that one word, Adam turns fast as he grabs Ruby around the waist as he jumps just as Yang and Pyrrha did the same by jumping back. What happens next were multiple flashes just as explosions erupted right after, sending debris, trees, and dirt everywhere. Upon seeing this, the soldier was shocked before looking back at the smiling man.
"Ahahahah, you should stay more alert when it comes to your surroundings. Thankfully, you have partnered with me again."
With that said, his sigh leaves the man as the two turns towards the forest with armed men exiting out of the cave, all the while Jaune was freaking out.
There was an unnatural silence between the Faunus and the Schnee, tho they walked together towards a single direction, the two hardly even spoke a single word upon meeting eyes.
"What should I say, after that luggage incident I can tell she hates me like the others."
Weiss just kept her mouth shut, trying to think of something, anything that could help the situation they were in and fix what has happened between them.
"What did you mean when you said you stopped considering him your father?" That simple question caused Weiss to freeze as her eyes widened all the way, looking back at Blake who was staring at her with her very own conflicted expression. This only caused her to look away while rubbing her arm, a look of discomfort on her face.
"It's as I said...outside my family, I may be known as his daughter but in truth, I stopped viewing him as one." After she finished, she gave out a breath while Blake just stares at her, wondering what she has gone through. It was then that they heard a loud explosion in the distance followed by smoke, both turning the direction of that before they make eye contact, in an instant, the two ran off towards the explosion.
The masked soldiers simply pour out of the cave, armed to the teeth with guns as they made their way past the militaristic and well-dressed leaders, standing in front of them as they aimed.
"Eagle," As the other spoke, the other simply smiles with a gentle expression that meant peace while putting his helmet back on with his hair still hanging out. "don't screw up again."
"Ahahaha, now, now, my friend Dragon. We have intruders and fighting amongst ourselves would be poor in choice." Despite the situation he was in, the man continued to speak with a smile upon his face while Dragon just stares at him beneath his helmet.
"Enough!" Dragon's sudden shout caused the guards to stop and look at him. "We have already been found out, only a matter of time before more arrive so take what we need and leave immediately!"
Without even another word, the guards let their weapons pointed towards the ground as they run past the two towards the cave, quickly grabbing small objects such as large paper scrolls, suitcases, and devices as fast as they can. While they were grabbing what they need as they left, the two men just stared at the forest where few trees were on fire with debris everywhere.
"Oops, guess they're now hiding."
Despite his words, Dragon simply taps his helmet which the visor lights up, his head turning in the direction where Adam was against a tree next to a wide-eyed Ruby who gripped Crescent rose while near them was Yang and Pyrrha doing the same.
"You three, make your way back to the cliff and warn Glynda immediately." As he spoke, he prepared himself as he begins crouching while gripping the hilt of Wilt. "I'll hold them off, this is not up a debate."
It was with those words, he jumps out from where he was hiding. Gaining their attention as they followed him do a roll before he leaps directly for them, more so for Dragon who seemed to be tracking them with his helmet. Yet the man didn't react but instead press a button on the helmet to deactivate the tracking. Adam moves swiftly for the man, not letting any time go to waste as he draws Wilt from brush and swings yet he was met was a surprise upon Eagle blocking it by outstretching his weapon, his gaze being seen in the visit that had cleared to skis himself sporting a usual calm demeanor despite the attacker before his very eyes.
With a simple 'tch' being released from his lips, his feet hit the ground, and proceeds to jump back while drawing out brush in order to begin letting loose a round of bullets at Eagle yet with ease he fluently moves in a way to successfully dodge each round fired at him before he ends up closing the distance by a sudden dash of speed at Adam who puts brush away and swung at the man who was then surprised as he was pushed back by the sudden combination of afterimages coming from Adam, each delivering a strike he successfully blocked yet still was pushed back.
While this was happening, Adam had already sheathed his sword with the red clothing on his body appearing to glow red once again with his hair followed by black and red bolts of lightning coming off of him as he swung down, delivering a red wave of energy at Eagle who simply smiles as he jumps out of the way, letting it head straight for Dragon who made quick head movements, likely in surprised at Eagle's actions yet much to the shock of Adam he just thrusts his hands forwards before ripping them apart, severing the energy attack in two as it passes by him.
"Oops, that was my fault, Dragon."
"Next time you pull something like that, I won't just let it go."
While they had this small back and forth, Adam was staring at the two as he wondered what their semblances were due to Dragon having ripped his attack in two. Yet his planning on what to do next was cut short when he heard a branch snap behind him followed by the two men turning in his direction.
"Seems to me you'll be needing help."
Almost instantly as he heard the voice, Adam turned in shock to see the proudly smiling Yang just standing there in the open with her arms crossed, staring at the two which immediately Adam turns to her.
"YANG, THIS IS NO TIME TO BE GETTING INVOLVED! I AM ORDERING YOU TO RETURN TO THE Headmistress, IMMEDIATELY!" Adam's tone was very serious yet the blonde simply smiles, putting his words in the trash as she directed her red eyes upon her target.
"Hey you, the guy with the robot voice; Dragon right?" That question gained head movements as he just turns his head directly towards her, her smug smile stuck to her face before watching her thrust her left fist into the palm of her hand.
"How about we fight, I don't see any weapons on you so you must be a hands-on kinda guy?" Her question gained even greater annoyance from the redhead.
"Ya—" He stops upon Eagle getting in front of him, giving an easy-going laugh as he stood before the Faunus.
"Let's not interfere, I am quite curious about how things will turn out." His words only gained an attack from Adam who very quickly swipes at the man yet his blade met the blade of his gun, responding even faster than a second upon his movement which surprised the Faunus. While this was happening, Dragon was staring at the blonde Branwen cracking her knuckles. In the end, a sigh could be heard from the individual who starts to move.
"I have bigger things to deal with, so I'll make this quick."
Her smile soon falters a little, instead of charging for her or waiting for her to make the first move. What she sees is the man simply entering a boxing stance, his feet creating a pendulum effect by bouncing a little back and forth.
"Make this quick?" Her words were laced with a noticeably annoyed tone. "Are you already doubting me?"
"It isn't doubted, I know you can't beat me."
That simple response held no emotion but a simple question being answered, causing the one blonde to launch herself right at Dragon full speed. She pulled her right arm back the moment she launched, planning on knocking his ass down with one punch which was sent right at him the moment one of her feet met the ground in front of Dragon.
Her fist was directed right for Dragon's face behind the helmet yet he reacted at that very moment, turning his upper body to the right, the motion has his body left shoulder to knock away her punch before it could make contact, causing her body to start moving past him from her momentum by with eyes slowly widening as her gauntlet lets out a single round, slowing her down just a little before a single hand grabs her by her hair, with a single pull her body was forced backward and with that moment a fist was followed. In that instant, a single body was sent through the air, dazed as it hits the ground with a loud thud, followed by a roll.
Seeing this, Adam was very much surprised but not at the fight itself but the after-effects yet he couldn't get involved due to Eagle keeping him busy, unleashing a barrage of thrusts with his weapon accurately to the point it's causing Adam to move in ways his body isn't used to, forcing him to take steps back as he was having trouble.
"Fuck, that hurt."
With those words, a groan was heard from one particular blonde who started lifting her body. "I didn't expect—" Yang's clear annoyance and slight surprise was as silenced when she saw something dripping, looking down she saw droplets of red hitting the patch of dirt before the taste in her mouth hit her, immediately touching her mouth and pulling it away, she found blood much to her shock.
"Wait, but my Aura was up; how did he~~" Her voice died with her eyes widening, and looks back up to find Dragon standing over her, cracking his knuckles.
"I don't have all day, stand up."
Those simple words caused Yang's eyes to widen as she saw an exact image of her mother in the place of Dragon. Anger began to boil from the girl whose hair was ablaze as she stands up in full charge, bringing up her arms to attack yet instead it was cut short by the sudden barrage of fast jabs that stopped her in her place with wide eyes.
"It wasn't a fluke, my Aura is working?!"
Confusion, was the only expression on her face as she brought her arms up due to the barrage once again continuing, forcing her to simply block as her only defense due to never dealing with someone like him.
"HOW THE HELL ARE YOU HURTING ME?!" Her demand was simply ignored as she tenses up again but it was faint, instead, she got an uppercut directly to the ribs, resulting in wide eyes as a pained yell was forced down yet her expression spoke volumes to Dragon.
"Isn't it obvious?"
The blonde tried to gain distance but was stopped by a single foot, his own atop of hers to prevent retreat. Immediately Yang prepared for an attack, only for an unexpected kick that slams into her leg, gaining excruciating pain from the strong strike, once again her aura not being able to protect her body as he dealt physical damage, leaving a large bruise where it connected.
Upon feeling her aching leg, Yang grits her teeth in anger as she recalled the training she went through.
"DAMMIT!" As she screamed, her hair seemed to have gone ablaze at that moment as she did a sudden dash towards Dragon who immediately backed while bringing his arms up.
"Disappointing."
It was with this single word Dragon had uttered as the girl began wildly throwing punches at him, her anger leading to her punches not carrying the accuracy needed to land a hit against her opponent who moved fluently yet quickly as he continued his hopping. After seconds, he turned the tables with his strikes leaving their marks.
He continued punching her, some directly into her face, leaving bruises behind from his jabs, she didn't stop but began to eventually slow down from the countless strikes to her face that he kept repeatedly delivering to her and some to her abdomen, angering her more at the fact she's losing due to the massive gap between them and because of it, she became infuriated.
"I WON'T LOSE!" As she screamed that, blood covering her teeth she charged, bringing her arms up to block frontal attacks just enough for her to get close enough to grab him. Yet her plan was instantly shattered, in the moments upon her closing in on him, Dragon had swung his right arm past Yang's arms, delivering a devastating hook to her temple, the after-effects were instant as her vision became hazy right before she was struck in the face with a loud crack as her nose broke. That single punch caused her to start stumbling back, in a daze.
"Wha~~" Yang was cut off as Dragon's fist again came barreling into her face, slamming into her left cheek.
"YA~n~g~~~~~~~"
Nothing else could be heard as the Branwen lost consciousness, falling on her back with blood leaking from her mouth and nose. There was no struggle to stop as Yang's body goes limp just as his fist pulls back to reveal the battered Yang's face, half her face appearing more injured from that last strike.
"YANG!"
Yet despite his yell, he couldn't get close due to Eagle's constant involvement with his fluent motions as he kept getting in front of him. With the grit of his teeth, Adam charged forward, blade a blur as he struck faster and faster at Eagle who simply smirked as he spun round and round Adam, body contorting at the last moment to avoid every strike he tried to deal yet to no-hit. Even when using his shadows in a way that would conceal themselves behind one another, Eagle predicted each strike and successfully countered before doing a particular dodge that had him in midair, middling. Adam took her chance to strike him at that moment but failed when the older individual was able to block despite how difficult it should have been, doing so that seemed impossible to the Faunus who watched him simply stand up straight, fixing his jacket.
"Ahahaha, isn't this quite fun?"
Adam just grits his teeth as he directed his head towards Yang, glaring at Dragon who had a foot against her face, moving it to see if she was still conscious.
"As expected—" Immediately he stops speaking as his arms instinctively moved up to defend a sudden strike by a shield, the sudden surprise causing him to step a few steps back before blocking serval rounds. Looking past his arms to watch as the shield flew back to the hand of a certain red-haired fellow student of Yang and another hooded girl, both standing in front of him with determined expressions. With this distraction, Adam took his chance after he picked up a handful of dirt and dashed for Eagle who turns with a smile before his face turns to shock at the sudden dirt being thrown at his face, causing him to instinctively flinch with Adam taking his chance as he moved his second hand to his already midair blade that was charging up but before impact could be made, Eagle opened his eyes and the last-second reaction was made.
Sparks flew as Adam became shocked upon his blade meeting that of the gun of Eagle who moved out of the way the moment the weapon broke like a wave of energy passed by him. The Faunus immediately jumps back to avoid a couple of bullets flying at him from Eagle's side gun.
"His reaction speed...?!" Adam thought while Dragon simply sighs while shuffling in one of his pockets, taking out a device of sorts which both became prepared.
"We have better things to do than deal with this now."
Adam charged forwards towards Dragon yet blocked a few bullets that were aimed at Jaune as fast as he could before Dragon kicks Yang right into the man who caught her, this moment he was left open as Dragon was already before him, his leg mid-swing for his face and it was about to land it's marked till suddenly a weapons ribbon wraps around his leg, stopping him just as a glyph appears under him, changing the gravity itself.
"Adam!" Shouted the heiress who had arrived with Blake, both of their eyes upon Dragon while Adam was laying Yang down, looking up in anger while Pyrrha took this as her one chance to free Jaune who up till nap was panicking a hell of a lot at what he was witnessing before his eyes.
"All of you, get out of here!"
"Adam, we can all work together—"
"WEISS! THAT'S AN ORDER—"
It was at this moment, Dragon has had enough as he suddenly dashed for both girls with Eagle behind, shocking Weiss who was in a stance the entire time to prevent Dragon from moving while Blake was pulled towards him after he grabbed the ribbon. By the time Pyrrha turned after freeing Jaune's arms, she saw both girls being slammed hard into the ground while Ruby blocked shots from Eagle. Adam was about to give chase until the man presses the device, resulting in the cave exploding, sending debris flying as everyone covered themselves but were blown back by the explosion, turning the area from peaceful green to a burning area of the forest.
Adam was the first to get up, teeth-gritting in clear anger what had transpired before he bends down and picks Yang up.
"IS EVERYONE ELSE OK?!"
His question immediately got answers as he saw Pyrrha standing up, helping Jaune standing up as they were the closest to the explosion while Blake and Weiss did the same, despite them showing clear signs of pain after getting the air knocked out of them. Adam just looks in the direction, past the burning trees where Dragon went off too. When he turned his head he COULD see Ruby staring off in the direction do the men.
"Follow me!" With that simple order, he begins to run with Yang still unconscious in his arms while the others followed suit after him as they ran past burning trees.
The two men as quickly passed the trees, one listening to the other silently.
"Now I have to contact the 'General' to alert him of the situation, he'll most likely have us disciplined..." The dragon seemed to stop as if he was more drawn into his thoughts, running towards the destination with Eagle next to him where their soldiers were directed towards in case something happened, running past trees and Grimm alike.
"You seem distracted, perhaps that blonde-haired girl you roughed up?" That question hanging in the air as the man spoke.
"It's nothing, she merely resembles someone I once knew but haven't seen in a long time."
"Hmmmmmm." Eagle seemed to let that sound linger in the air.
"Was it before or after you left Beacon, As he spoke those words, the man jolts. "Tai?" As he asked him that question, the one codenamed 'Dragon' just stared back at Eagle.
"None of your business."
"Rude."
"This...is indeed quite troubling." Muttered a single lady who had a nice cup of hot Tea sitting in front of her, her focus on what happened which was Adam standing tall before her, giving a detailed report to the Headmistress on what went on yesterday.
"This isn't a coincidence, Ma'am." Adam had placed his hands on the desk. "First, a Devil Grimm infiltrated the school and now a group of armed individuals was found in Emerald Forest, storing equipment before they blew it up to hide what it was."
The seriousness in his tone was only met by the calm of Glynda's.
"Mr. Taurus, I know you are worried but we cannot just cancel the Vytal Festival over every—" She was cut off by Adam abruptly turning away from him.
"Keeping this tournament open when things have begun to happen is a bad move, Glynda." He starts walking towards the elevator. "If we don't deal with this now, it'll come back as a larger issue." As he finished saying that, he was already in the elevator with the button being pushed and making eye contact with the lady who was not happy either about all that was happening so far just as the door closed before him. With him gone, Glynda stares at the photos that were taken by their cameras of the two soldiers and others in the forest before they were destroyed.
"The White Fang and Salem have begun to make a move towards this Academy...Ozpin…." After saying that, Glynda puts on a worried expression as she didn't like what is going to happen shortly.
The red-head Faunus was focused on a single destination in mind, walking through the hallway past students as he approached the medical-wing of the academy for a certain blonde that got a one-way ticket to Beacon's infirmary which thankfully had doctors on hand and staff so immediate help was brought to the injured.
*crash*
*break*
As he made his way through the halls, he was getting closer and closer to the loud sounds coming from a single room followed by shouting and shattering of glass which quickened his pace. Turning a corner he saw a nurse and doctor leaving the room in quite a hurry, to get away from the shouting and throwing of objects. Seeing enough just by the sight and sounds, Adam let himself in by entering the door without knocking, being greeted by a tray being thrown at him that he easily dodges with a simple head movement.
What do you want?" Her scowl increased. "Came to gloat about me getting my ass kicked easily, after all, I did the same to you." What he found was the girl standing in the center of a ruined room, one nearby table had been flipped which sent glass contents of a pitcher and cups onto the floor where it shattered along with other glasses that were laying on bedsides for the patients. Adam could see she wore some bandages around her face and some seen on her abdomen. Her teeth were being gritted together while her hair appeared to almost be ablaze. Adam simply makes his way and sits on the edge of one of the beds near her.
"I simply came to see how you were doing," He eyed her appearance more closely. "judging by your attitude it seems I had nothing to worry about as you had just woken up." The words he spoke had a different effect on the young Branwen.
"Ha! Funny, you act as your care but it's just because my old man was your master." Her arms crossed while looking away in annoyance. "Just save it and leave, I don't feel like having a heart to heart or some shit like that." As he listened to her, Adam just stared at her, contemplating whether or not to tell her what the mission he was given was yet in the end decides against it.
"The duty as a huntsman is to protect the students." He proceeds to stand up. "Yet, again I wasn't able to defeat the foes before me, so your not the only one who needs to grow stronger."
As he spoke, Yang hardly cared as she just didn't want to talk with her thoughts still heavy on her brutal defeat.
"The Team your part of, you were unconscious so you weren't at the assembly." This caused her eyes to widen as she had forgotten all about that before one bubbly girl came to mind.
"Team: RWBY..." The name itself caused Yang to stare at him questionably as he explains in more detail.
"As of today, Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Branwen. Starting tomorrow, you four will be a part of the same team." In reaction to this, she had a complicated expression but mostly annoyed than slight anger as she looks away, one of her teammates she doesn't want to associate with.
"Tch..." She looks away from the Huntsman. "Greeeeat, I get to have bubbly girl, a heiress, and the Bookworm on my team as well." She grumbled while Adam raised an eyebrow towards her.
"As well as Ruby will be your team leader."
"Fuck..."
Adam just stared at her, visibly seeing that Ruby seems to draw out negative emotions yet cannot conclude why except for a theory that he didn't want it get into now so he turns away.
"I'll see you later," He starts walking towards the door yet still spoke. "Due to what happened, classes start tomorrow." Was all he had said before he left Yang by herself in her ruined room yet she just sits on the side of her bed.
"Ruby... Rose..." Her eyes narrow and her hands turn to fists.
xxxxxCHAPTER ENDxxxxx
NEXT TIME, NEW TEAMS AND THE CLASSIFICATION OF GRIMM.