The inside of the Bullhead was shrouded in darkness and crimson, Ruby sat with five others when the trip began, their pilot had explained the initiation trial once before ordering everyone inside with more military professionalism then Ruby was used to, not even checking to make sure anyone had any questions or confusion. What followed was exactly two hours (at least by Ruby's estimate) inside the sealed hull of the transport without any outside light or sound being allowed to peer in and the company was not any more enjoyable as the sheer tenseness of the atmosphere seemed to make the most talkative person timid And leaving Ruby to her own thoughts in a near pitch box. She wondered how Yang and Blake were doing, Blake was her first and was possibly going to be her only friend given her social skills, she was nice enough and they shared a love of novels, she had to admit having a friend was nice. While she did have "friends" at Signal they were more acquaintances then anything, they studied together, and talked during classes but never hanged out with her outside school hours and if she did see them they were quick to brush her off. She tried asking one of them why once and that lead to no good answers.
"You scare me, something about you and your sister, the way you carry yourself, act, your aura. It's like your on a completely different level to the rest of us, it's hard to be around someone who seems so more then the rest of us, it's intimidating." Ruby spent the whole week afterwords trying to make sense of that and she could guess the cause, after all crashing from outer space in a metal pod tended to toss normal out the window. Yang helped when she could, but even she wanted a straight answer to more then a few questions, first of which being: Why is my spit turning into acid?! Seriously what sort of psychopath would engineer someone to spit acid!
Speaking of Yang she was no doubt worrying over Ruby's well-being, hopefully they can regroup during the trial and be partners, it was the best move for them tactically given the situation. They were not even in the academy yet and were already treading like they walked a mine field, it was getting to the point where they bordered paranoia.
"First drop in five, initiate Charon get ready for drop." The Pilot's voice rang over the internal speakers of the craft. A Faunus featuring two short ram horns on both sides of his face stood up wearing light armor with two swords on his back. Ruby watched him as he prepared to drop activating his own aura, despite the darkness Ruby could make out the design of his weapon perfectly both blades curved like scimitars with serrated edges and with bronze colored handles designed to connect and form a staff like weapon. A bit simplistic for her tastes and more then a few flaws in its design, give her an hour and she could have the hilt replaced with a more suitable component and infuse the blade with dust, not to mention fix its balance which just looking at it bothered her to no end.
The Bullhead's hatch opened and light flooded into the room blinding most of its inhabitants immediately and Ruby could see forest outside and Charon neared the edge waiting for the Pilot to give the go ahead to drop. It never came as something pounced on the craft causing it to lurch side ways and sending Charon unexpectedly off the Bullhead into the ground. Ruby could hear the alarms beeping, red lights flashing baleful crimson. Metal screamed as massive taloned claws ripped open the metal ceiling before flying off
"Nevermore." Ruby muttered information on the Grimm from past lectures flooding into her mind. Large, Avian, bone armor on face only, weapon includes talons, beak and. Her eyes widened and then she ducked activating her own aura as she did so. Massive blades erupted through random portions of the wall one of which protruded where her head had been. She looked around across from her another initiate had two nevermore's spears impaled into her. One in her midriff and another through her neck, her aura flared and died as she choked blood bubbling up and spilling onto her shirt. Her hands flailed trying to get to the release clamps of her seat in order to free herself and let her aura heal, Ruby knew that wouldn't work, damage to her midriff likely included her lungs and then there were the holes in her neck from where the feather impaled her. Ruby felt the metal of the craft buckle again as the Nevermore crashed into it. The world outside began to spin as the pilot lost control.
The others were of no help each panicked save one who released herself and made an attempt to stand and jump off before another lurch sent her flying toward the hatch with his head slamming into the roof of the hatch before flying out. Ruby wasted no time, she knew the craft was losing altitude and she guessed there was at least a sixty percent chance of death in these conditions but if she were to jump out into the trees without gaining the massive grimm's attention her odds of death went down to forty percent at least. She unclipped her own safety belt and grabbed Cresent rose and held on to the seat with her free hand, trying not to get tossed around like a leaf in a storm and as she heard one of the Transport's wings rip off jumped toward the hatch and compacting her body into a ball. activating her semblance she turned into a crimson blur leaving nothing but rose petals and destruction behind her as the Bullhead slammed into the ground and erupted in flames!
She sped through the air into the trees, smashing into tree branches before landing with a crack as the earth gave in where she landed leaving small imprints into the ground. She turned back to wreckage behind her, the Bullhead was in flames and anyone still inside was probably dead, the force of the impact coupled with explosion of fuel would leave even an experienced hunter drained of aura, and these were initiates entering their final years of training; they never stood a chance. A massive screech erupted in the air with such force that it would burst the eardrums if anyone was too close as the massive Nevermore landed on the flaming wreck. It was massive easily twice the size of the Hullhead itself, its black form shadowing nearly the whole clearing and its beak marked by red Grimm lines, it must have been hundreds if not thousands of years old, a grim that ancient would require a full team of experienced hunters at least to take down. It eyed the surrounding clearing like a scavenger hunting for survivors but Ruby was smart enough to keep herself hidden inside the trees, not everyone was that wise.
To their credit Charon and the other student a woman that Ruby didn't know the name of survived their falls, though the later had a fresh blood stained scar on her forehead. They charged weapon drawn thinking with their training they could overwhelm the Alpha and Ruby considered lending her own strength to the fight at the very least to avenge the fallen. But then she saw how badly outmatched the two were. It sent more of its features at the duo, the first two dissipating against their aura but a third and forth flew into the woman's body sending her flying to be impaled on a nearby tree. Charon lasted a little longer sending his blades flying into the creature's wing embedding itself into it, the ancient Nevermore didn't appear to notice and promptly sent its talon at Charon slamming him into the ground causing his tarnish colored aura to flair as the creature let out another screech; Ruby barely made out some blood leaking out of his ears.
This tore at her heart, every fiber of her soul screamed at her to charge out and save him from the Nevermore. But a part of her knew that even if she saved him, even if they were able to fight the Nevermore the battle would likely attract more Grimm, she didn't doubt her own abilities she had killed many Grimm in her time. But none were nearly as old as the ones roaming this forest and a horde of them would eventually overwhelm her and she would die; Yang would be alone. So instead she simply continued to watch as the Nevermore brought one of its talons down slowly against Charon's aura like trying to pop a balloon, the Faunus tried to resist wrapping his hands around the talon to try and lift it away but all it did was put more strain on his aura as his hands kept getting cut in the attempt. She was internally screaming mind racing with possible scenarios, some had her flying with Crescent Rose wrapping around its neck and slicing through, but that would require leverage for it dig into its thick hide.
She could have snuck away, no doubt anyone else would have but if she did she could never looked herself in the mirror again, by her inaction she condemned someone to death so even if she didn't want to she would suck it up and watch the consequences of her choice. When is aura died the Nevermore rather then impale him on its talon pecked at the initiate and he started to scream as the Nevermore started to feast like a Charion on a corpse. In that moment Ruby's grief came to anger and she swore that one day she would kill that monster with her bare hands if she had too. But first she had to get moving so she ran, Charon's screams hiding the sound of her feet and was on the lookout for any other Grimm in the area. Once she was far enough that she deemed herself safe from pursuit she took Crescent Rose and entered it into its sniper form and jumped on a nearby tree strong enough to hold her weight. She had a barely clear view of the macabre feast, the Nevermore continued its feast, his screams started to die out. She didn't save him, she would have to live with that, but she would not let him suffer needlessly. She aimed down her scope and after gaining a clear shot fired a single round, letting screams give way to silence.
Beacon Academy: Headmaster's office
"Cold. Didn't think she hadn't in her." Muttered Merex
"Indeed, she acts young and naïve, but if this is any indication she is not to be underestimated.
"Her demeanor might make her ideal as a team leader, though we can't yet gain a full report of her prowess in combat situations."
"I'm sure we will have enough information before the trial ends Glynda, they have long day ahead of them and the Grimm will give no quarter." Ozpin replied, eyeing the tactical display with the demeanor of an uncaring god.
"They have been massing in large numbers around the area we usually use for the trials."
"Really? I wonder who could be behind that."
"It happens every year. it could simply be a seasonal migration."
"Hmm, very well. Lets hope it provides the Aspirants a challenge. though... have our technicians monitor the Grimm from satellite orbit. In case something is amiss.
Trial Grounds
The woods were crawling with Grimm, Yang had barely made it twelve steps before she ran into a pack of Beowolves and ever since it's practically been skirmish after skirmish. Her current predicament wasn't exactly desperate, she was lucky enough that only the smaller, weaker Grimm had come out. Though she had no doubt some of the stronger ones were heading toward the smoke she saw in the distance from a crashed Bullhead; she hoped that wasn't Ruby's transport. Speaking of her sister, they needed to meet up and the best chance to do that was at the ruins where the relics rested. Northwards then the smoke came roughly to the southwest and should divert some Grimm. At least what ever poor bastards there would go down swinging.
She continued Northwards entering a jogging pace, she remembered some lectures from her old combat instructors scolding her approaches. Hunters should try to use stealth they said; screw that. Sneaking around and stabbing someone in the back was never her style. She preferred the direct approach and it synergized perfectly with her semblance. When she charges into a fight EVERYTHING would be directed to taking her down be it Grimm, White Fang, Ozpin's cronies or whoever, when they saw her eyes red and hair blazing charging at them their sense of self-preservation would demand it. But that only made her even more dangerous.
She broke into a run becoming a hurricane of power her eyes locked to the path ahead of her. She saw them before they even knew she was coming. Ember Celica tightened into a fist and sent it forward. The speed and power of her punched caved in the Ursa's skull before it could even process what happened sending bits, and fragments of dissolving bone and pulverized meat to the floor. The second Ursa got up on its hind legs swinging and flailing its claws at her, the first missed completely and Yang blocked the second. The Grimm's claw coming down onto her arm full force pushing it down and slamming into aura, the pain giving Yang a small burst of power! She swung her fist forward to its underbelly sending two rounds into the Ursa and slamming through its underbelly and causing fatal damage. She ripped out her hand as it dissolved willed herself back to calm focus, this was much more satisfying then the training bots back at Beacon. She pressed forward mind clear, as she kept moving north, no Grimm blocked her path but it was too quite here. She stopped and heard the slightest tap of something landing on a branch and promptly let out a single round of shells from Ember Cilicia before recognizing her target, who despite having a hail of dust rounds failed to move and dissipated on impact, like a shadow. It took Yang a moment before she heard something land behind her and she turned to Blake.
"You know there are friendlier ways of saying hello to someone right?"
"Says the ninja that's been stalking me from the trees."
"Well I have been told I have the Raven's cunning." Yang made a face at the mention of the bird.
"Not a fan of the old God's ether?"
"I'm not exactly a fan, but my distaste is more to the name then the deity at this point. Why are you one of those fanatics like the Fang?"
"What? No!" Blake yelled somewhat offended by the question though Yang could sense some panic in her body language and a unconscience flick of her bow. Yang raised an eyebrow.
"Look lets just say the old faith isn't as… glamorous as the preachers make it out to be. Trust me I'm one of the last people you'll find praising them at an alter at this point."
"Sounds like you have some experience with them."
"Nothing I want to remiss about, at least not without a drink. Look we need to get to the ruins the Grimm are crawling all over the place and I'd rather not make it easy for them to find us." Blake said moving ahead, not giving Yang a moment to get another word in. Yang didn't mind, she wanted to reach the ruins quickly, though that planned was frustrated since she had a partner now. She took a moment to consider breaking Blake's neck and solving that complication and then mentally scolded herself for it; she wouldn't stoop to Ozpin's level if she could help it; besides Ruby would not forgive her if she found out. Now all she could do was pray that Ruby found an agreeable partner, or that they would at least be on the same team unlikely as it was.
Gotta find Yang, Gotta find Yang, Gotta find Yang! Summarized Ruby's current thought process as after she put Charon out of his misery she wasted no time speeding off as the Grimm was likely searching a new quarry to hunt. Breaking into her run and letting semblance carry her and leave a trail of crimson petals in her wake. She had hoped to encounter Yang or at least someone by this point but only stumbled upon corpses barely two hours in and she recounted a least six to seven dead in addition to her own group an the Grimm were numerous, she evaded one large group only to be forced into the path of another.
It almost seemed as if the Grimm were expecting them to be here, like it was a coordinated attack. Which was completely preposterous even the most ancient Grimm never acted with such precision, there have never been any instance of a Grimm that smart, she must be overthinking things, right? Ruby didn't have much more time to continue this train of thought as she ran into (quite literally) another initiate and a live one this time!
Her vision went white, as her body slammed into someone a yelp was heard and the hard barrier of an aura was activated as she fell. It took her a mere moment to regain her bearings and she could not believe her luck. Of all the people she could have ran into she of course had to run headfirst into into Weiss Schnee of all people! Ok not a problem she just has to sneak away before she, oh no she sees her and now their making eye contact… Is it too late to fight the Nevermore?
"Uh, of course it's you."
"Feelings mutual princess." The two made to get up from the ground and eyed each other.
"So looks like we're stuck together." Ruby remarked as Weiss picked up her rapier.
"Seems so." The silence was insufferable.
"You stay out of my way and I'll stay out of yours." Weiss said finally breaking the awkward tension and walking away.
"Wait!" The heiress didn't stop.
"We're supposed to work together!"
"No one else is here! As far a I'm concerned we can go our separate ways with no one being the wiser."
"What about the tracking chips." Ruby deadpanned. Weiss paused moving her hands to her face in a growl, she obviously forgot about those. Ruby caught up to her in a few steps.
"Look, we obviously got to the wrong foot yesterday. How about we bury the hatchet, I'm sorry for insulting your family's buissness. But we should work together for survival's sake if nothing else." Ruby said.
"… fine, I suppose given the circumstance I can put your ignorance about my family aside." Weiss replied, not a complete start of a friendship. But at least it was a start.
"I'm glad to hear it. Now we should get moving before…" She stopped mid sentence, the rustling of bushes sounds of growling. She moved swiftly and Crescent Rose was spinning when the Beowulf pounced lunging at the heiress only to be decapitated mid flight. Weiss stepped back as it landed and dissolved on the ground as the rest of its pack surged forward, all two snarling and growling as they found their prey. Ruby landed next to Weiss with a thud scythe twirling and breaking the ground as we made ready to fire.
"Think you can handle this?" Weiss scoffed.
"I've faced worse." Ruby nodded, and the two begun their attack.
Ruby charged her semblance and struck like a hurricane and otherworldly metal of Crescent Rose split a Beowolf in two while Weiss stood back using the dust cartridges in her Rapier and pushed herself forward with a frontal stab into another Beowolf as it charged causing a glacier of ice to erupt from its body when it impacted her rapier. Beowolves were known as some of the weakest of the Grimm even ancient Beowolves were not to be underestimated yet given their location it was a surprise that only three of them engaged. Ruby found it odd to say the least.
"What is it?" Asked Weiss as she reloaded the dust Cartridges of Myrtenaster.
"Ever since we landed the Grimm have been off, like their coordinated and these Grimm were not that old, I don't think they were from this area."
"Their intelligence grows the longer they live, it's obvious we'd encounter ancient Grimm here though you might be right about those three they smaller then I expected. It's hardly a surprise their acted little more then animals..."
"We should get moving, Maybe find some higher ground to get the lay of the area." Ruby stated getting ready to move
"That's… not a bad idea actually. I have some fire dust, could probably use it to make a flair, try to get her some other aspirants."
"And tell every Grimm in the forest where we… are… Actually that gives me an idea. How many flairs do you think you can make?"
"Well I can make three, four if I use my whole supply, but I'd rather keep some for the Grimm."
"Three should be fine." Ruby stood up looking around.
"Stay right here. I'm going to get a look around. Just yell if any Grimm so up and you need help." Ruby said placing Crecent Rose on her back and walking to one of the taller trees nearby.
"I can take care of myself thank you very much!"
"Whatever you say princess." Ruby said as she began to climb. It wasn't hard, compared to half the aethletic programs she went through back in Signal climbing trees was nothing. The only problem was her overall weight, she almost fell twice due to some week branches. But eventually managed to reach the top. Once she escaped the shielded canopy of the forest and had a clear view of the sun for the first time since the crash she took in area and the carnage.
She counted five smoke stacks to her south, crashed transports that were likely caused by the Nevermore and to her north she spotted the massive body of ruins at the base of the mountain. She estimated it would take Weiss and her two Maybe three hours if they were not distracted; which lead to her next objective. She took out crescent rose and looked around the forest, searching for a suitable area.
The first was a clearing to her southeast nearby Ruby estimated it would take her fifteen seconds to get there with her semblance, the second was a small hill to her west it would take a minute from area A give or take the time she would need to evade the hordes of Grimm that would be swarming the area. Are C was the tricky part, the optimal location would be where she was standing after all.
"Weiss will have to get moving ahead of me. It would take five minutes give or take. Probably best to get her a good distance away beforehand, I'll probably have to carry her that distance to save time… yeah, I think this could work." Ruby said muttering to herself. Once her plan had completely formed in her mind she jumped down landing with a sharp thud and letting her body take the impact as to save her Aura. She turned to Weiss, who had begun creating the flares while she was waiting.
"So, here's the plan."
