Yo! It's me again, OMG04! Back with a new chapter! Sadly, I got sick for a while so it took me longer than usual to post a chapter. Sorry about that.
Once again, I want to thank you all for this story's small success. I am truly grateful for all of you!
Now, there's one review from my recent chapter that needs to be addressed. Specifically, the user, Hatred and Love's review.
This person suggested that I should just skip the RWBY side of the story if it's all going to be the same and focus on Tanjiro instead.
I definitely see your point. Like I said, it'll be awhile before I reach another point where the story differs.
But, skipping those parts would save a lot of time and energy for both you and me. However, I've already decided that I won't be doing that.
Why? Well, I'm a bit of a completionist. I don't like the idea of cutting the entire part of a story out, it just feels wrong.
Please understand, I don't just do this to get people to notice me or entertain. I do this for my own viewing pleasure as well.
Even if reading a retelling of a story you already knew about can get boring, the truth is, it's been a lot of fun writing two of my favorite stories in my own words.
If I ever finish this entire story, I want to be able to read and enjoy it myself. So, I also want to write a story that I know that I'd enjoy along with what I think everyone else would enjoy.
Maybe that decision will cost me some readers, but I don't really care. Don't get me wrong, I love having this many supporters.
But, at the end of the day, the only opinion that truly matters to me is my own. I know it's selfish, but that's what I've decided.
If any of you don't like that, then feel free to read another story written by a more talented or reasonable author. But if you don't mind, great! I'm happy to have your support!
Another review I'd like to bring up is from Belladonna-xiao long, who talked about the potential plot hole of silver eyes not working on Grimm.
This user stated that the silver eyes can reflect a light that is powered by one's desire to preserve life.
The silver eyes affected Cinder in Volume 3, when she didn't have a Grimm arm.
Apparently, Salem confirmed that the silver eyes worked on Cinder because she has the powers of a maiden and thus, Ruby sees her as a threat to life.
You make an excellent point. If silver eyes can combat any force of destruction, then they could theoretically work on demons.
However, if you are trying to say that the silver eyes can kill demons, then I'm afraid I must disagree with you there.
While I could definitely see the silver eyes having a devastating effect on demons, it would not be enough to get rid of them for good.
Like you said, the silver eyes reflect a light, even if it's not an ordinary light, it is a light.
Silver eyes do not produce or reflect sunlight or even moonlight which is essentially just sunlight reflecting off of the moon (which doesn't even kill demons in canon)
Demons can only be killed through exposure to sunlight, wisteria poison, or decapitation by a Nichirin weapon.
Even if the silver eyes could completely disintegrate a demon, the demon would eventually regenerate.
Going by this logic, demons like Muzan or the Twelve Kizuki would probably not even, if not barely, be affected by the silver eyes at all, given their ridiculous regeneration speed.
You've proven that silver eyes are more powerful against demons than I originally thought, and that's why I've been rewatching RWBY to get a firm grasp on every concept.
Since I originally said that all demons are immune to silver eyes, and you've proven me wrong, that makes you the second person to find a plot hole in my story! I'll probably update that little detail one of these days.
I hope my answer satisfied you. Also, don't be afraid of being geeky. Honestly, who here isn't at least a little bit geeky.
It's like Mysterio said in Spider-Man Far From Home, "Don't apologize for being the smartest person in the room." ; )
And finally, a comment from Appah, who wants to know when there will be more overlap between stories.
First of all, I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Secondly, well…
I'll be honest, it might be a while before any major overlap. There will be a few short exchanges, but nothing crazy.
So far, the bigger overlaps will mostly occur during the end Volume 2 and the majority of 3, 4, and beyond.
That said, there are some major overlaps planned for this volume, just probably not what you think.
If you're saying that I'm dragging the canon story out too long, I sincerely apologize. Like I said, I don't plan on skipping over important canon plot points.
I hope that you will all be patient until then. If not, I'm sure there are plenty of better stories to read until I can get my crap together. That's what I usually do when I'm waiting for something interesting.
Thank you all for being respectful with your comments, I really appreciate it!
That's all for now! Let's get on with it, shall we!?
*I do not own RWBY or Demon Slayer. Both shows/manga and all their characters belong to their respective owners.
"Tanjiro" = Talking
"Tanjiro" = Thinking
Tanjiro - Middle Alignment = POV
Vale - Middle Alignment = Location
"Tanjiro" = Flashback
Crash! - Left Alignment = Sound effect
Water Breathing = Breathing technique/Blood Demon Art
Chapter 10 - Begin the Initiation!
Tanjiro Kamado
Mt. Fujikasane
"Thank you all for being here." The two twins said to the swordsmen in the clearing.
Tanjiro thought it was a little creepy how they talked simultaneously so perfectly, but decided to keep that to himself.
"Here on Mount Fujikasane, there are several demons and Grimm that were captured alive by Demon Slayer Swordsmen. They are kept here for this event." The girl with white hair said.
"The wisteria blossoms prevent the demons from leaving. They bloom on this mountain year-round, and they cover everything from the base to halfway to the top." The black-haired guide said.
"There is also a force field to keep the Grimm in place." The white-haired guide added. "However, the wisteria ends here. And when the force field is up, no one can get in or out."
"So, demons and Grimm abound from this point on, and they are not happy about being trapped here, so don't be surprised if they decide to take out their anger on you." She warned.
"In order to complete Final Selection, you must survive for seven days beyond the safe haven of this mountain." The black-haired guide informed the participants.
"And remember, if you have unlocked your Aura, you are forbidden from using it for defense," She reminded them, "You may use your Aura for offense but only if you absolutely have to."
"Demons are a great threat, but they are not the only ones. The creatures of Grimm are more numerous and common outside of Japan. To become Demon Slayers, you must prove that you can handle both threats." The white-haired guide said.
"Now, your trial begins." The twins said together as they bowed their heads. Everyone started walking up stairs that led up to the upper level of the mountain.
Tanjiro looked up to see a blue, transparent dome light up out of nowhere before a sliver of the dome opened up near where the participants were.
It seemed that they were temporarily opening the force field the guides were talking about. Tanjiro wore a face of determination as he walked towards the top of the mountain.
After leaving the protection of the wisteria, Tanjiro saw the entranceway through the force field which was guarded by two experienced swordsmen.
Tanjiro assumed that they were there to keep the Grimm from getting through the opening force field since wisteria didn't do anything to them. Fortunately, they were a lot easier to kill than demons.
Tanjiro and the rest of the participants went through the opening as the force field closed up behind them. Everyone then went off on their separate ways.
Well, almost everyone. The blond kid from earlier stayed behind. Tanjiro could smell the fear on him, that wasn't good.
With that much negativity, that boy would attract a lot of Grimm. The blond started shaking while staring at the force field which became invisible.
Tanjiro couldn't leave him like that, he walked up to the boy as his back was turned to Tanjiro. "Hey, are you oka-?" Tanjiro started to ask as he put a hand on the other boy's shoulder before…
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH ! ! ! ! ! ! !" The boy screamed as he leaped into the air, completely taking Tanjiro by surprise.
The blond then ran off at superhuman speeds while letting out a high pitched scream, "GET ME OUT OF HEEEEEERE ! ! ! ! ! !"
"So fast…" Tanjiro thought as the other boy disappeared into the mountain woods, "I hope he'll be alright, I don't think he'll have a problem with running away from danger."
Tanjiro, seeing that there was nothing else he could do, went off into the forest. And with that, the Final Selection had officially begun.
Tanjiro was running hrough the woods, keeping all five senses sharp as he tried to detect any enemies. He also tried to keep himself calm and free of negative emotions.
Tanjiro knew that the Grimm were attracted to the negative emotions of others, he remembered how his father would talk about Grimm when he was younger.
Tanjiro also remembered the pointers and reminders from Mr. Urokodaki. Tanjiro was trying to think happy thoughts.
Fortunately, that wasn't too hard as Tanjiro was usually a very positive person. But, Tanjiro also knew he had to make sure that he didn't let his guard down.
"Survive," He told himself once he felt he drove away all negativity, "Don't think about anything else."
Tanjiro saw a large rock and hid behind it for cover. "I just have to make it through the night. Then the demons won't be able to do anything." Tanjiro assured himself.
"That said, I'll still have to deal with Grimm. But they shouldn't be too hard to avoid as long as I keep my emotions in check." Tanjiro thought, knowing that this would be a long week.
"If I play it smart during the day, I should be able to find a chance for rest. Which means I need to head east, and make my way to where the sunlight will hit first!" Tanjiro thought as started running again to the east side of the mountain.
After a few minutes, Tanjiro stopped in his tracks. He put his hand on the hilt of his sword, getting ready to draw it.
"I smell a demon close by." Tanjiro announced in his head as he looked around him, trying to find the demon without letting fear consume him. He started hearing shuffling sounds in the trees.
"Where is it? Where's it coming from?" Tanjiro asked himself. "I can't seem to pin it down."
Suddenly, Tanjiro looked up in realization, "Up there!" He yelled out as he spotted a demon diving at him. Tanjiro just managed to get out of the way in time.
He rolled on the ground before using his feet to stop his momentum. The demon crashed into the ground, creating a cloud of smoke and dust.
As the cloud cleared away, Tanjiro heard the demon laughing menacingly.
The demon had purple hair with three horns coming out of it, pale skin, crazy bloodshot eyes like that Temple Demon Tanjiro fought two years ago.
He was wearing black long pants and a sleeveless yellow tunic with a red diamond pattern. His long tongue was hanging from his mouth and jagged blades grew out of his arms.
"Found you!" Tanjiro stated before he picked up a new smell behind him. Another demon came from behind and slashed at Tanjiro.
Tanjiro used his sword to block the attack, the force from the attack pushing him back a few meters.
The demon who had attacked him had brown hair, black slit pupils in his eyes, a dark green yukata, and white long pants.
"You bastard!" The long-tongued demon yelled at the other demon. The two of them charged at each other and engaged into a grapple for dominance.
"Go find your own snack! This is my turf!" The first demon said.
"Your turf!? To hell with your turf, I'm starving!" The second demon shot back. Tanjiro felt his heart beating heavily.
"Now there are two demons," Tanjiro summarized, "Can I really handle this?"
"I saw him first, asshole!" The first demon yelled.
"Do I look like I give a shit!?" The second demon replied. Suddenly, both demons turned towards Tanjiro and charged him.
"Fine, I'll just kill him first then! To the winner, go the spoils!" The first demon announced like they were playing a game.
Both demons leaped into the air, reaching their claws at Tanjiro as they dove towards him. Tanjiro raised his sword above his head.
He blocked the second demon's attack, making the demon move behind him. He deflected the first demon's attack, pushing the demon back.
However, Tanjiro was kicked by the second demon as he turned around, launching him before getting the chance to dodge.
Tanjiro managed to land on his feet, but he was already breathing heavily. "You've got this. Calm down, and watch closely. Don't forget your training." He told himself.
The two demons rushed him again. "I haven't tasted human flesh in forever!" The second demon yelled out while the first demon stared at Tanjiro, hungrily.
Tanjiro got his breathing under control and prepared to attack.
Total Concentration, Water Breathing
Tanjiro took a deep breath as he tried to smell the opening thread. He imagined two strings attached to his sword and each demon's neck, guiding his blade as both threads tightened.
"I smell the thread." Tanjiro said in his head as his sword was covered in illusory water. Tanjiro leaped into the air, twisting his body and sword to deliver two consecutive slices to each of the demons' necks almost simultaneously.
Fourth Form - Striking Tide!
Tanjiro landed and immediately looked behind him to see the two demons turn to ashes and disappear.
"I did it…" Tanjiro observed his work while panting. "I killed demons. I'm getting stronger!"
Tanjiro looked at his hands and remembered everything he went through during his training. "So, my training wasn't for nothing…I did master it." Tanjiro told himself as tears of joy started to fall from his eyes.
Tanjiro watched the two demons evaporate and looked at his sword. "Nothing is left behind when a demon is killed with this sword, not even the bones."
-One and a Half Year Ago-
"Demons are weakest at the neck." Urokodaki said to Tanjiro as he cut up a log outside of his house.
"However, a normal weapon is useless, even upon the neck." The masked man stated.
"Okay," Tanjiro said, "So how do I kill them?"
Mr. Urokodaki turned around to face Tanjiro. "With a Demon Slayer's katana, forged by a special type of steel. That is the only weapon that can kill a demon."
Mr. Urokodaki held up his sword sheath to Tanjiro, "It's called a Nichirin sword." He stated.
-Present-
Tanjiro flicked his sword to throw the blood off of it and sheathed it. He then put his hands together, praying for the peaceful passing of the two former humans.
"Rest in peace." He said, before running off again. He continued to run east like he originally planned.
"I wonder why I haven't seen any Grimm yet," Tanjiro thought as he kept running, looking around for any threats. "Maybe there aren't a lot in this area?"
Meanwhile
"Huh? What happened?" Asked a certain blond boy who had just woken up standing in a clearing. "Last thing I remember was those Grimm…"
Realization struck the boy, "AHHH! That's right! There were a bunch of-!" He yelled out before turning around to see the disappearing corpses of at least a dozen beowolves and ursas.
"YAAAAAH!" The blond leaped into the air while screaming. He soon calms down a little upon realizing that they were dead.
"They're dead? But how? Did I do this…?" The blond wondered before dismissing the idea. "Heh, yeah right. There's no way. Someone must've saved me!"
The boy looked around, "Where are they, though? I'd at least like to thank them…And maybe ask them to be my bodyguard." He thought out loud. Eventually, he just moved on and walked through the woods.
"Damn it, Gramps. Why the hell would send me to this death trap!? If I die, I'm totally blaming you!" He muttered as he continued walking.
Rustle. Rustle.
"EEEYAAAAAHHHH ! ! ! ! !" The boy screamed as he heard a rustling sound, he ran away from the noise as soon as possible. "I DON'T WANNA DIIIIEEE ! ! !"
After the blond left, the rustling was revealed to come from a person with a boar head coming from the bushes.
"What the hell was that guy's problem?" The boar boy wondered before running off in the other direction. "Whatever, I want to see if there's anymore Grimm left! Ha, ha ha ha ha ha haaaaaa ! ! !"
The boar head ran screaming "Boar Rush! Boar Rush!" While laughing maniacally. This would be a long seven days.
Lie Ren
-The Next Morning-
Ballroom
Morning had finally come when Ren was sleeping peacefully, emphasis on the "was."
Suddenly, Ren opened his eyes to excited, aqua colored eyes and orange hair. "Wake up, lazy butt!" Yelled Ren's childhood friend, Nora Valkyrie.
Ren sighed as he got up from his sleeping bag. Meanwhile, Nora was jumping around like a kangaroo.
"It's morning, it's morning, it's morning, iiiiiiiiiiiiiiit's morning ! ! !" Nora announced in a sing-song voice.
Bathroom
"I can't believe we've been at Beacon for a full 24 hours!" Nora rambled on while Ren brushed his teeth.
"Not that I thought we'd get kicked out or anything. I mean, you're the perfect student and I'm, well, I'm me!"
Everyone else in the bathroom gave the two weird looks. Why, you ask? Because they were in the boy's bathroom.
Ballroom
"But it's just crazy, you know? We've been friends for sooooooo long. What are the odds that we'd still be together?" Nora said while brushing her hair as Ren packed his things in the ballroom, tying it all up in a bag.
"Well, not 'together' together. Not that I'm saying you're not handsome! You are handsome, but that'd just be weird…right?" Ren didn't really think about Nora's question too much.
Cafeteria
"You're ruh. What wath I finkin'?" Nora asked herself while holding a pancake in her mouth. She and Ren were eating pancakes for breakfast
"But still, I hope we end up on the same team together." Nora stated after slurping up her pancake.
"Ooh! We should come up with some sort of plan to make sure we end up on the same team!" Nora suggested.
"What if we bribe the headmaster? No, that won't work, we'd just be expelled…" Nora said, realizing the flaw in her plan.
Locker Room
"I know! We'll use a signal! A secret signal! That way, we can find each other in the forest!" Nora suggested as Ren took out his weapons from his locker.
"Hey, can you imitate a sloth?" Nora asked.
"Nora…" Ren finally said.
Nora popped up next to the boy. "Yes, Ren?" She asked, finally ceasing her rambling.
Ren slipped his dual weapon, Stormflower, into his sleeves. "I don't think sloths make a lot of noise." He stated.
Nora took some time to really think about it. "…That's why it's perfect! No one will suspect that we're working together!" It was truly impossible to keep Nora down for long.
"Come on, Nora. Let's go." Ren said as he walked out of the locker room, tailed by Nora with her weapon, Magnhild, tucked behind her back.
"But not 'together' together." Nora added as she started giggling and skipping.
Ruby Rose
Ruby was staring at the hyperactive ginger following the quiet guy. "Wonder what those two are so worked up about." Ruby said to Yang who was behind her.
"Eh, who knows. Some people are just weird like that…" Yang said before looking back at Ruby. "So! You seem awfully chipper this morning."
"That's right! No more awkward small talk or 'getting to know you' stuff." Ruby said as she took a folded Crescent Rose from her locker.
"Today, I get to let my sweetheart do the talking." She started nuzzling and petting her weapon like it was some sort of puppy, causing her sister to get a nervous look.
"Okaaaaay…Well, just remember, Ruby. You're not the only one going through initiation." Yang said in a concerned voice.
"If you want to grow up, you're going to have to meet new people and learn to work together." Yang finished, causing Ruby to roll her eyes.
"Uuuuugh! You sound like dad!" Ruby groaned, not appreciating the lecture. She put her baby…er-weapon, back in her locker and faced Yang.
"Okay, first of all, what does meeting people have to do with fighting? And secondly, I don't need people to help me grow up. I drink milk!" Ruby said proudly while crossing her arms in superiority.
"Uh-huh…But what about when we form teams?" Yang shot back.
"…Ummm, I don't know, I-I'll probably just be on your team or something…" Ruby said, her confidence fading away.
"Well, uhhh, maybe you should try being on someone else's team…You know…Just a thought…" Yang suggested, a little nervously.
Ruby squinted her eyes in suspicion and pointed a finger at her older sister. "My dearest sister, Yang Xiao Long, are you implying that you do not wish to be on the same team as me?" Ruby asked accusingly.
Yang already ditched her once and it was the worst day of Ruby's life, she refused to let that happen again. Yang held up her hands in defense.
"W-what!? No! I'd be over the moon to be on a team with you!" Yang swore, but Ruby was not convinced.
"It's just that…I don't know, maybe it would help you break out of your shell!" Yang said, making Ruby even more frustrated.
"…Break out of my sh-! I don't need to 'break out of my shell!' That is absolutely-!"
Weiss Schnee
"-Ridiculous!" Said a mindless blonde (Jaune Arc, Weiss believed?) looking at a map. How an imbecile like him got into Beacon, Weiss had no idea. "There's no way in hell that I put my gear in locker 636 yesterday! I'm pretty sure I would remember counting that high! Damn it, why did this have to happen today!?"
Weiss tried to ignore the blonde's antics, after all, she had more important matters. She looked to the armored red-haired girl beside her, Pyrrha Nikos.
"So, Pyrrha, have you given any thought to whose team you would like to be on?" Weiss asked as nicely as possible.
"I'm sure everyone must be eager to unite with such a strong, well known individual such as yourself." Pyrrha put a hand on her chin in thought after that comment.
"Hmm…I'm not quite sure. I was sort of planning on letting the chips fall where they may." Pyrrha responded.
"Well, I was thinking that maybe we could be on a team together." Weiss suggested, hoping that she would say yes.
"Well that sounds grand!" Pyrrha exclaimed with a smile.
"Great!" Weiss replied, returning the smile. But on the inside…
"Yes! This will be perfect! The smartest girl in class, working with the strongest and most skilled girl in class. Together, we will be unstoppable!" Weiss schemed in her head.
"I can see it now. We'll be popular, celebrities, and we'll get perfect grades! Nothing could possibly come between us now! Mwah ha ha ha ha haaaa!" Weiss thought before she realized someone came between them.
"You know what else is great?" The blonde doofus from yesterday asked as he leaned on a locker between Weiss and Pyrrha. "Me, Jaune Arc. Nice to meet you."
"You again…" Weiss said while glaring at Jaune with crossed arms.
"Nice to meet you, Jaune!" Pyrrha greeted the fool as she jumped in front of him. In Weiss's opinion, he wasn't worth the breath.
Jaune pushed Pyrrha away to talk to Weiss again. "Yeah, yeah, hi. So, Weiss! Couldn't help but overhear your fondness of me the other day." He said, flexing his right arm.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me." Weiss muttered while holding one hand to her forehead. Had he never heard of sarcasm before? She literally called him "scraggly" and he took that as a compliment!?
"Don't worry, no need to be embarrassed!" Jaune said, confusing her frustration for embarrassment. "So, been hearing rumors about teams. I was thinking you and I would make a good one. So, what do you say?"
"Actually, I think the teams are composed of four students each, so-." Pyrrha cut in before Jaune interrupted her.
"You don't say," He said as he got in Pyrrha's face, "Well, hot-stuff, play your cards right and you could join up with the winning team."
That was the final straw, she wanted to strangle Jaune for his disrespect to both her and Pyrrha. But instead, she decided to be nice and stop him before he embarrassed himself. More than he already had, that is.
She got between him and Pyrrha, holding her hands out to both of them.
"Jaune, was it? Do you have any idea who you are speaking to?" Weiss asked.
"Not in the slightest, snow angel." Jaune replied, forcing Weiss to resist the urge to punch him.
"This is Pyrrha Nikos." Weiss introduced while gesturing towards the redhead in question.
"Hello again!" Pyrrha said energetically while waving to Jaune.
"She graduated top of her class at Sanctum." Weiss stated.
"Never hear of it." Jaune said as he shrugged, catching the heiress off guard.
"Wha-!? She's won the Mistral Regional Tournament 4 years in a row…A new record!" Weiss emphasized.
"The what?" Jaune asked with the most clueless look on his face. Weiss' eye started twitching from the amount of stupidity she just heard.
She suddenly started flailing her arms rapidly in frustration. "She's on the front of EVERY Pumpkin Pete's Marshmallow Flakes Box!"
" *Gasp* That's you!?" Jaune exclaimed, finally realizing who he had just "invited" to join his team. "They only do that for star athletes and cartoon characters!"
"Yeah, it was pretty cool. Sadly, it turned out that the cereal wasn't very good for you." Pyrrha admitted.
"So, Mr. Arc. After hearing all this, do you still think that you're in any position to ask her to be on your team?" Weiss asked, content that she had proved her point.
Jaune's shoulders slumped as he put his head down. "…I-I guess not…Sorry." He said solemnly. Then, Pyrrha walked up to the blonde and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Actually, Jaune, I think you'd make a great leader." Pyrrha egged him on as Jaune perked up again.
"D'oh, stop it!" Jaune said while holding his hands together in front of his face.
"Seriously, please stop it." Weiss stepped in. "This type of behavior should not be encouraged!"
"Well, well, it seems like Pyrrha's on board for Team Jaune." Jaune stated smugly as he got up in the heiress's face. "Spots are filling up quick."
"Now, I'm not supposed to do this, but, maybe I could pull some strings. Find a place for ya. What do you say?" Jaune asked while invading Weiss's personal space.
"Alright, that's a bit too close!" Weiss said as she backed away. "Pyrrha, a little help please!?"
Suddenly, a spear flies near Jaune, clipping his hood and carrying him with it. The blonde screamed as the spear went into a wall, pinning him to it.
"I'm sorry!" Pyrrha apologized, though Weiss wasn't sure why. Personally, she thought that moron got what he deserved.
Suddenly, a voice came from the speaker in the locker room. "Attention please. Would all first year students please report to Beacon Cliff for initiation. Again, all first year students report to Beacon Cliff immediately." Professor Goodwitch announced.
Weiss and Pyrrha passed Jaune on their way out, Pyrrha grabbing her spear from the wall. "It was nice meeting you, Jaune!" She said to him as he fell on his butt on the floor.
"…Likewise…" Jaune sighed. Weiss paid no attention. Now, it was time to show what she was really made of, that she was more than just a name.
Ruby
Ruby and Yang walked up to the upset Jaune Arc. "Havin' some trouble there, Ladykiller?" Yang asked, earning the boy's attention.
"I just don't understand…My dad said all women look for in a guy is confidence. Where did I go wrong!?" He replied miserably.
"Well…I'm no expert in flirting, but I don't think starting with 'snow angel' was the best idea." Yang suggested as Ruby helped her friend up.
"See, Jauny-boy, confidence can only take you so far, it's really all about choosing your targets." Yang started lecturing Jaune as she started to walk out of the room.
"You choose someone like 'Ice Queen,' you'll only…freeze up! Eh!" Yang joked as she looked behind her, earning an unamused expression from Ruby and a confused expression from Jaune. "…Oh, you get it!"
"Come on, Jaune. Let's go." Ruby said while holding up Jaune's left side as they both walked out of the locker room.
Beacon Cliff
Everyone was gathered on the side of Beacon Cliff, which overlooked a large forest. But what really got Ruby's attention were the large tiles they each had to step on.
"For years, you have trained to become warriors." Professor Ozpin started speaking. "And today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest."
Then, Ms. Goodwitch stepped up to speak. "Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of teams."
"Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates…Today." She confirmed.
"Wha-!? Ohhh…" Ruby muttered nervously, terrified that she would have to interact with more people.
"Okay, Ruby. It might seem bad, but as long as you join up with Yang, it'll all be fine!" Ruby assured herself as Ozpin took the floor again.
"These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon. So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work with." The headmaster stated.
"Ohhhh. . . . ." Ruby groaned, not liking the possibility that she would be teammates with someone she couldn't get along with for 4 years.
"Okay, okay, that's just fine. That means you won't have to get new teammates from time to time. You'll have more time to bond and get used to them! And if you get Yang on your team, even better!" Ruby was trying very hard to convince herself.
"You have nothing to worry about! Everything will be just-!" Before she could finish that thought.
"That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next 4 years." Ozpin finished as he took a sip of coffee.
. . .
. . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Crack! Crash!
That was the sound of all of Ruby's hopes, shattering to pieces.
"WHAAAT ! ? ! ?" Ruby yelled out, completely flabbergasted (that's the right word, right?) by what she just heard.
"See? I told you!" Ruby heard the orange-haired girl mutter to her silent friend.
"After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way." Ozpin stated.
"Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path, or you will die." He added.
"Heh heh…*gulp*" Jaune seemed just as nervous as Ruby after hearing that part.
"You will be monitored and graded for the duration of your initiation. But our instructors will not intervene." Ozpin warned before continuing.
"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." He instructed.
"We will regard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?" He finally finished.
"Yeah, uh…sir-?" Jaune raised his hand to talk before being interrupted.
"Good! Now, take your positions." Ozpin ordered, completely ignoring the blonde.
Everyone got into ready stances, excluding Jaune who tried to talk again. "Uh, sir…? I've got, um…a question." He said as Weiss was launched off the cliff by the tile she was standing on.
"Oh, so that's what they're for, neat!" Ruby thought.
"So, this landing strategy thing. Uhhh, w-what is it, exactly? Are you like, dropping us off or something?" Jaune asked, not noticing as more students were launched.
"No, you will be falling." Ozpin responded.
"Oh, I…see." Jaune replied nervously while scratching the back of his head. "So like, did you hand out parachutes for us at some point?"
"Woohoo!" The orange-haired hammer-wielder cheered as she was launched.
"No." Ozpin responded. "You will be using your own landing strategy."
"Uh huh. . . . .Yeah." Jaune said as Yang was about to be launched. Yang gave her little sister a wink before putting on her favorite sunglasses.
Yang was launched with a cheer as Ruby looked forward, smiling with determination before finally being launched.
After being launched, she heard one last thing from Jaune.
"-GYYYYYY ! ! !" Soon, Ruby found Jaune tumbling through the air behind her.
As Ruby flew through the air, she thought one thing. "Let's do this!" This was the day she was waiting for.
And that's all folks! I hope you enjoyed!
I tried to add a few extra parts to make it a tad more interesting.
Also, Tanjiro won't be fighting the hand demon until the final day of Final Selection. Just so you know.
Again, I won't be skipping over the canon parts of either show. Even if it gets boring, I want to tell the full story from beginning to end.
I'm not asking you to like it, nor support it. I just hope that you can respect my choice.
Also, even though I'm more than happy to take suggestions, it's still MY story, so…Yeah, not to sound rude here but, that kind of makes ME in charge of where it goes.
I'll try to add extra bits here and there, but I can't promise that they'll all be good.
I'll also be using the canon parts to help me work on my writing skills and find my identity as an author.
For those of you who stick around only for the more interesting parts, I still appreciate your support.
Same goes for those who support me all the way. Well, that's all for now, see ya!
Preview
*Play Taisho Kosokoso Gossip
*Manga flips to a page with panels of Ren and Nora who jump out of the pages.
Nora: Ohhh boyyy! Initiation finally begins!
Nora started jumping up and down in excitement while Ren doesn't say anything
Nora: Hey, Ren! After we get our new teams, we should all get celebratory pancakes!
Ren: No.
Nora: Huh!? Why noooooot!?
Nora looks at Ren with a disappointed face.
Ren: *Sigh* You eat way too many pancakes, you're gonna get fat. Besides, by the time we get our teams, it'll be almost evening.
Nora: What's wrong with trying something new!? Also, I've eaten thousands of pancakes and I'm still fit as a fiddle.
Nora put her hands on her hips in pride.
Ren: Even so, you already ate the school's entire pancake supply, and I doubt they'll make more today.
Nora: Oh man! Why do people gotta be so lazy!?
Nora's shoulders slumped.
The screen cuts to Nora's face.
Nora: Oh well, maybe a juicy Taisho Era Secret will make me feel better!
Nora leans in
Nora: Remember that red-haired girl, Pyrrha? Well I heard that she managed to kill her first Grimm at only 9 years old.
Cuts back to Nora and Ren.
Nora: Some little kids were being attacked by a Beowolf while Pyrrha was practicing with a spear. She saw that those poor kids were in trouble and immediately ran up behind the beast and stabbed it through its nonexistent heart!
Nora told the story with multiple pumped poses before tightening her fists with excitement.
Nora: If it were me, I would've broken its legs first, and then I would really make it suffer!
Nora had a mischievous look on her face as Ren sighed.
Ren: Don't you think that's a bit excessive? I think it's better to just kill it as soon as possible.
Nora: Well, as long as it dies before it hurts anyone, does it really matter!? You never let me have my fun, Ren!
Nora started flailing her arms in frustration.
Ren:Next time, Chapter 11 - Future Partners and Potential BFFs
Nora: Don't forget our plan, Ren! Sloth sounds!
Ren: Nora, I already told you. Sloths don't make sounds.
Nora: They make no sounds because no one is ever around to hear them! Didn't you take science class, Renny.
Ren: I did, we were in the same class. I know this because I specifically remember you blowing up the lab.
Nora crossed her arms and pouted.
Nora: Hmph! You need to stop living in the past, Ren…
*Music ends
To Be Continued