Disclaimer: RWBY is property of Roosterteeth, not me.
From Cinders Comes Fire - Initiation Begins
The challenge had been laid out by Professor Lionheart before they had all settled in for the night. Navigate the ancient forest, locate and acquire the relics being held deep inside an abandoned temple, and take down any grimm encountered along the way. As far as instructions went, the students could not have received a simpler test. At least that was how it seemed at first glance.
Of course, as Cinder knew all too well, nothing was ever quite as simple as it was made out to be. Even without considering the grimm lurking about within the trees and forsaken buildings, the forest beyond Haven's borders was well known for its hidden dangers, each one waiting to ensnare an unwary intruder who fell into one of their many traps.
While she doubted that the test would put the students in danger they couldn't overcome, it would be foolish not to be prepared for any possible outcome. Otherwise her dream of becoming a Huntress would die before it ever truly began. The fact they were being sent into an area that was once part of Mistral's outer city limits, and that each of the professors had taken much time to warn all of them thoroughly about not underestimating the dangers… It was enough to warrant a cautious approach. Cinder subsequently made her preparations for departure at first light, not wanting to waste any time. She had debated about setting out immediately, but the truth was she wanted the time to be well rested and ready. Or at least be prepared as best she could be.
The sun was still rising into the sky as the new students made their way towards the hillside overlooking a massive forest below. From where they stood, one could make out more than one monument poking through the treeline, a few abandoned buildings, and even a cragged, mountainous area further off, but no indication of other possibilities that lay further in. Being one of the first to arrive, Cinder got to choose her spot among several different metal platforms lined up along the cliff edge. As the sun slowly made its way up into the sky for the brand new day, other students arrived as well, each one either already prepared or making a few last minute adjustments to their weapons and gear.
The first one to arrive after Cinder was the girl from before who had returned Cy's weapon to him. She was sitting nearby, keeping to herself, all business as she tended to her weapon. On her belt was an impressive looking saber in an all black sheathe, but there was more to it than it initially appeared. As Cinder watched, a flick of the switch was all it had taken to change the sword and sheath into a compact sniper rifle, though oddly enough the weapon lacked an actual scope, holographic or otherwise. With a practiced eye, the woman was checking the weapon to ensure everything was to her satisfaction, then switched it back to inspect the blade itself, twirling the weapon around her with a practiced air. Light but strong, ensuring her fighting movements would remain unhindered.
Cy and Stone arrived a little bit later, in the middle of the pack of students. Despite the early hour, Cy was all energy, a smile on his face as he waved at Cinder. He took a seat beside her, resting up against a nearby tree with arms folded, Torchy resting on his back and firmly secured in place this time... Or so it seemed at the moment.
Stone in contrast was resolute and unmoving, much like his namesake. He made no effort to tend to his weapon, instead settling into a meditative position with hands pressed into his thighs, eyes shut in concentration. Slow, measured breaths, controlled and deliberate in their timing. Even when he did open his dark grey eyes a few moments later, he showed almost no emotion, completely stoic and unreadable. It was almost like he had entered another mindset entirely, and everything outside his focus no longer existed.
Must be a pre-battle ritual of some sort.
Looking around again, there was a surprisingly large number of first years students. Most Cinder had already seen during the initiation test, but there were others too that she didn't recognize. So many different young men and women, human and faunus alike. Probably from an even greater number of backgrounds and origins. Again the idea of her future partner reared its head. Try as she might, Cinder had no idea who would work as her partner, or if she even wanted one. Was there a way she could avoid it, just set out on her own? She didn't exactly like the idea of gaining a partner she didn't know.
She liked Cy and Stone she supposed, the two being more than welcoming to her since they first met during the initial initiation tests. Everyone else was relatively unknown to her, just faces in the crowd that she had not yet had the time to properly interact with. The only one she had really avoided was Otho, who seemed to be in perfect agreement with that arrangement. He made no attempt to even look at her as he walked past, and she of course made no effort to look at him.
Professors Lionheart and Hyacinth Bles were together again, explaining the situation to everyone. The professor had a large viewing scroll tucked under the crook of an arm, no doubt to oversee their efforts once the test began. There really wasn't much that needed to be said that Cinder didn't already know. It was more or less just a recap of the rules and a chance for any last minute questions.
His last declaration, however, caught everyone by surprise.
"This year, we are going to be rewriting the rulebooks regarding the initiation. The first of which will be regarding how you gain your partners." Professor Lionheart explained. A small smile touched the side of his mouth. "The first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years of your education."
A murmur ran through the crowd at the announcement. That was a rather chancy way to make such a decision, apparently leaving it to the wills of fate. It seemed like a lot of people just had their plans ruined by this new rule.
Hyacinth spoke up next, her voice cutting through the murmurs. "You will all be making your way to the northern end of the forest. There you will find one pair of relics among several that you seek. Your test will be complete once you have collected your relics. Do not underestimate the grimm in those woods. To let your guard down will get you killed."
"Well, when you put it like that…" Cy whispered sarcastically to Cinder, giving her a light nudge on the shoulder. Cinder didn't reply, looking as serious as ever.
"We will have surveillance over the area," Lionheart continued. "We will be watching over your progress, monitoring the grimm activity and with transports on call to pick you up once you're done, but for the most part you will be on your own. This is your first opportunity to really prove yourselves as future huntsmen. Are there any questions?"
Silence followed his question, save for the odd metallic click of a shifting weapon faintly audible.
"Good, now take your positions." Lionheart shouted, clapping his hands together, his excitement palpable.
The students rushed quickly to obey. The Atlas girl was the first to be launched. She knelt down, hand firmly gripping her sword and hilt. She was gone in an instant, a blur of motion quickly blending in with the clouds above. As the other platforms began to fire, launching the new students towards the forest, Cinder closed her eyes, taking in several breaths to help herself focus. With each breath, all traces of fear, doubt and uncertainty left completely. No turning back now. This was it.
"Try not to die before we meet." Otho's voice broke into her thoughts, the man somehow ending up on the platform beside her. He wasn't looking at her directly, but there was no doubt he was talking to her. "We still have our duel to deal with. Or did you forget, being an Outlander and all?"
A faint glare in his direction aside, Cinder refused to rise to the bait. She kept herself facing forward, pretending to ignore him entirely, even as she added another objective to her list. Don't worry Otho. I'll be ready…
From his own platform, Stone turned his head to the both of them, his eyes fixed on the two of them with an alertness that belied his stoic expression. He was still kneeling in his mediative pose from earlier, without any apparent desire to move. What ever his thoughts on the situation were lost as his platform fired, launching him through the air like a flying brick.
"Looks like I'm next." Cy clapped his hands together, crouching in preparation. "Good luck, Cinder. Hope to see you on the other si-IIIIIIIIIII…" the rest of his sentence was promptly cut off before he was able to finish.
"… Good luck to you too."
Finally it was Cinder's turn. The moment her platform fired, she kept her arms close to her side, soaring through the air like one of her own arrows. The wind flew past her face, howling loudly in her ears, yet she showed no fear as she flew farther and farther away. She soared past the cliffside without slowing, finding her landing spot would be in the rapidly approaching woods. Keeping her eyes open, ignoring the slight burning sensation, she spotted a large oak tree farther away from the others as the forest drew close. The perfect target.
Pulling her swords off her back, connecting them into their bow form in one fluid motion, Cinder fit an arrow to the string, her form unmoved by the rushing wind. She wouldn't need a second shot for this part.
Aaaaannnnd….NOW!
She released her arrow, smiling in satisfaction as her aim and timing were perfect. The arrow went exactly where she wanted, nailing the thickest branch of the oak tree. Gripping the bow tight with both hands as momentum swung her up and around, she ended up looping up and over in a graceful arc before landing atop the branch, exactly as she intended. Dropping to the forest floor she fell into a crouch, eyeing left and right, another arrow already fit to the string.
No grimm. No relics. No other students. She scanned the forest around her once more, then lowered her bow, satisfied. Time to get to work. A smirk became visible as she rushed forward, disappearing into the brush. In a way, it wasn't all that different from her previous hunts.
Wether it was because of his size or just a matter of luck, Stone's flight path ended with him slowing down and dropping towards the ground sooner than most, straight along the mountainside. Nothing he wasn't prepared for.
Drawing Valor from the sheathe on his back, Stone stabbed it into the side of the mountain, gripping tight and digging his feet into the side to keep his balance, dust and rocky debris marking his progress as he slowly ground to a halt. Only once he stopped completely did he release his grip on the side of the mountain, hitting the ground further down with a loud thud.
Brushing himself off, Stone scanned his surroundings, finding himself relatively alone. Which way to move forward from here? He would probably have to either find a way around, or climb back up the mountain he had just scaled and slid down. Up above, he could see a few of the students flying by, but no one was in the immediate area around him. No signs of Cy or Cinder either, nor did he see any indication Otho was nearby. If Stone had any such apprehensions regarding the earlier confrontations between them, he had kept it all to himself, along with anything else that might resemble conversation.
Regardless of how you feel, you are a Huntsman. You are a hero, if you push yourself. And as a hero, you have your duty to fulfill.
He could hear the voice as clearly as if his idol was there standing beside him, could easily picture the stern look on her withered and well-worn face as she delivered the admonition. It made him feel better, stronger, ready to act.
The conversation between Cinder and Otho echoed in his mind. It had been but a moment, but he could sense the other man had no intention of letting things go between him and Cinder. His grip on Valor tightened. If that fight was going to happen, he would do what he could to help out. It did not sit right with him, knowing someone was that much of a jerk, willing to go out of his way to bully an innocent girl just because of her social status.
The beginning of his life had been spent betwixt and between, belonging nowhere. Then, after a truly wonderful stroke of luck, he had truly been a part of something, accepted. A Huntsman candidate among his chosen family, with a mentor who had been everything that he had ever yearned for in a mother figure. It would take him a very long time to repay her for the kindness she had shown, and had taught him to show towards others, even if he struggled with talking out loud.
You didn't get to choose your lot in life. But you did get to choose your actions and and how they would affect others.
Rolling his shoulders and then cracking his neck, Stone kept Valor out as he started jogging forward. No matter what happened next, he would stand by his choice to help anyone who was in danger, and be more than ready to offer his aid.
A menacing growl stopped him in his tracks, and he turned to find that he had landed right next to a pack of Beowulves. At least a dozen of them, all snarling with teeth and claws already bared. An Alpha lead them, rising to stand on its hind legs as it glared at the giant human in front of it. All in all, they did not seem overly pleased to have their territory intruded upon.
Looks like he had his own problems to deal with before he could go and help Cinder.
Silent and unyielding, Stone readied his weapon, moving the axe over his head and keeping the pommel facing toward his opponents. He just needed to wait for one of the beasts to take the bait…
Sliding under the savage swing from the last of several grimm, Cy lifted Torchy with both hands before swinging it downward, bringing the weapon down on the skull of the last opponent. Its body faded away in a matter of seconds, before he had even moved to place Torchy on his back. Professors Lionheart and Hyacinth had warned him that the grimm lurking inside the forest would be a challenge. Just his luck then that he had ended up crash landing right in the middle of an entire pack of them right from the word go. Ursas at first, then a pack of Beowulves, and then even more Ursa after that.
They had proven little more than a minor inconvenience at best, their attacks coming in quick bursts and effortlessly dealt with just as quickly as he cut them down. Even in groups, not one of them had managed more than minor cuts that he had already recovered from by the time the next pack pounced at him.
The sun was rising towards noon by the time he finally he had a chance to slow down and not worry about more grimm suddenly popping up to say hi. The forest was really nice looking he supposed, the trees all around him a rich display of various green hues, each bearing the colours of summer that had not yet switched over to mark the approaching fall. It made the greens stand out more, all the more striking really. Cy inhaled deeply through his nose, enjoying the smell of the woods around him, simply savouring the moment.
If only every day could be like this.
A chill suddenly ran through the air all around him, goosebumps forming on his arms in a matter of seconds. For a moment he thought it was just nerves, maybe the excitement of the whole situation putting him on edge more than he expected, but then he saw his breath forming into a white mist as he exhaled. He paused for a moment, watching intently as he breathed in and exhaled again. Yet another cloud of exhaled air, clearly visible.
Nope, he wasn't imagining it. Somehow, the temperature in the area had just dropped. By a lot. In fact, he was starting to shiver now, it was so cold around him. How the hell…?
Rubbing his arms to try and get some warmth back into them, he pushed forward, trying to find the source of the rapid chill that surrounded him. He didn't have to look very far. After a few minutes of searching, Cy made his way through the treeline into an open valley area, right next to a rather large river. It looked like an animal drinking area of some sort, for big and small creatures. Normally, the river would wide enough and much too deep for anyone to cross unless they were prepared to go for a very hard swim through a very strong current.
But to his surprise, the entire river in front of him had been frozen solid. A long strip of ice, clearly a makeshift bridge, had divided the river in two. Crystal clear, thick looking ice, way too precise to not have been man made, had materialize seemingly out of nowhere to create this bridge. Had one of the other students done this? How much dust did they have to use? Quite a lot, he figured.
He crouched downward, knocking his hand against the frozen floor. It was completely rock solid, not a hint of melting. If anything, it seemed to be absorbing heat from all around, until only a chilly air remained to maintain the bridge. Cool… pun was totally not intended, but still cool.
The sound of a gunshot rang through the air, snapping him back to his surroundings, hand on Torchy's hilt. Then another one, then several more, each one closer than the last. The fighting was close enough that he could hear the growls and roars of more grimm in the area. A lot of them too. He immediately rushed towards the noise, in his haste not even realizing that the ice was smooth and firm enough that he didn't come close to slipping as he sprinted forward.
More ice marked his path as he rushed over, a mix of spikes erupting from the ground here, a massive wall of ice there, and several more uses of ice in between that he could not even begin to describe. Way more ice than someone using dust should have been capable of using. Were they using some sort of ice based semblance then?
Another gunshot, followed immediately by a Beowulf's yelp of pain. He skidded to a stop, changed direction, sprinting even harder—
And showed up just in time to see the last few members of a large Beowulf pack getting cut down by a single huntress. It was the woman from before! She flew from one form to the next, her movements almost a dance as she displayed incredible sword technique, each thrust and slash lethally precise, every parry and dodge perfectly timed. As Cy watched, she stabbed one of two remaining Beowulves through the stomach, leaving the rapier in its torso as she leaped over its crumpling form, before pulling the weapon out and slashing the throat of the last one directly in front of her. She rose to her full height as both beasts hit the ground, sheathing her blade as they started to fade away.
He couldn't help but stare at the whole thing, completely in awe. Without thinking, he started to approach her, about to give a congratulatory comment on her skill.
Her reaction was as quick as a mousetrap.
She spun around on the spot, dropping to a knee, faster than he would have thought possible. In the same motion she swung her sheathe out to face him, which transformed into the barrel of a sniper rifle, the muzzle pointed in his direction. It was trained on his heart even before she had even finished the rotation.
Cy, shell-shocked, suddenly realized he was holding his hands up. For a horrible moment he thought she was actually going to shoot him. A slow second later though, recognition dawned in her mismatched eyes and she lowered her rifle with an almost indifferent shrug of the shoulder.
"Oh. It's you again. My apologies." She made her way back up to her feet, rubbing at her left temple as she did so. Somehow, despite the rapid movements and the previous fighting, she was breathing as calm as ever, proof of a great deal of stamina.
Likewise, Cy thought as he took a few steps back. "Kind of jumpy there, aren't you?"
"If you value your life," she said, expression hard. "never let your guard down in a grimm infested area. You of all people should know that. Or have you not yet fixed your weapon?"
"Oi…" he muttered, a little annoyed at the accusation. "I fixed Torchy, just like you said. She's good as new." He patted the weapon on his back, the audible clanking of his gauntlet against metal serving as proof.
She did not appear pleased. In fact, her expression did not change at all, even as she added a quick "Good."
An awkward silence ensued. Cautiously, Cy tried again. "… So… Can I get your name? We are partners now, right?"
She paused for a moment, then nodded. "Ivory Mineko. Eldest daughter of Captain Alabast Mineko, Atlas Military."
Figured you were from Atlas. Uniform was a dead giveaway. He shrugged, adopting his usual laid back and friendly demeanour, offering a handshake. "It's nice to meet ya Ivory. I'm your friend and new partner, C-"
"Cyrus Reiner, I know." She walked right past him, ignoring his hand entirely, nearly bumping his shoulder while seemingly more interested in their surroundings than with him.
"…You know, you're not exactly being friendly."
"We have a mission to complete." Ivory stated, all business. "We can either stand here and waste time, or we can do it."
He groaned in exasperation. "Oh, I can tell you're gonna be one real piece of work…"
The girl, Ivory, ignored his comment as she continued deeper into the forest. Realizing his new partner wasn't about to stop and wait for him if he stayed where he was, he quickly secured Torchy to his back—making sure it was actually secured this time—and hurried after her with a defeated sigh.
Just my luck…
The next couple hours passed by with little happening that was important enough to remember. A small pack of Beowulves and even a large Ursa had crossed her path during the search through the forest, but a few well placed arrows had put an end to them before they even knew Cinder was there. Unfortunately, she had found no signs of any relics, or even any of the other students. True, the forest was by no means small, large enough to fit several abandoned villages and border expansion attempts, but she figured she would have found something or somebody else by now.
But no. She had seen nobody or nothing that was not grimm in nature or had already been a part of the forest. On occasion she had found fresh footprints that belonged to one student or another, but otherwise had had no luck at all in encountering anyone. Part of her was beginning to wonder what would happen if she happened to chance upon a relic without finding herself a partner. Would she just be assigned one later? Perhaps just be put on a team comprised of others who had similar bad luck? Was that actually a thing that happened during the initiations?
She ducked underneath a fallen tree and then slid down a small incline as she descended further into the woods, keeping her bow in hand just in case. How many others had already found partners? No doubt some students had already had some success in that regard. The last thing she wanted was to end up alone if Otho showed up with a partner to back him up. Or worse, find herself facing off against a full team of four.
Even if he hasn't, and it turns out we are the first ones to meet up, I won't be his partner.
… But who did she want for her partner? Again, the answer eluded her. She was alone really, had no real connections with anyone she had met over the last few years. In truth, that was how she had preferred it, being alone without having to rely on anyone. An Outlander, as Otho so kindly put it. But now that she found herself needing a partner, getting assigned one regardless of her say in the matter, just what was her future partner going to be like? Would they trust and support her even? She doubted Otho was the only one who saw her as an Outlander, and might even use that as an excuse to treat her harshly.
…Would anyone even want her as a partner? Some nobody with friends or family to her name? A complete stranger in every sense of the word, who had spent the last few years completely on her own?
After a moment, she decided it didn't matter. No matter what fate may bring, she would not fail. She would become a huntress today, one way or another.
She stopped that line of thinking as she noticed something she had previously overlooked. Pushing the low hanging branches away, she could see several large footprints. Curiosity piqued, she knelt down to inspect them. The prints were fresh… very fresh… yet the animal they belonged to escaped her. Too big to be one of the wildcats that lived in the area… and yet the shape was close enough that it could be—
The deep growl came without warning, cutting off her line of thought.
A moment later, the growl morphed into a roar of rage. She leapt back to avoid slashing claws that cut through the air where she had been mere moments before.
Landing in a combat stance, bow at the ready and an arrow already fit to the string, Cinder took aim at the grimm that had ambushed her. A pair of bright, metallic silver canines, each as long as her forearm gleamed in the sunlight as the creature emerged from the shadows.
She heard a deeper growl off to the side as another of the beasts materialized from her left side. Then another on the opposite side. Then several more. Within a matter of moments, she found herself surrounded by an entire Silvertooth pack.
Like the saber-toothed cat, each of the grimm was heavyset at the front, with a large, broad chest, neck, and shoulders, powerful legs, and small tail. Strong jaws full of sharp teeth snarled at her from every direction as they circled their prey, the light reflecting off of a pair of curved, scimitar-like serrated canines, a deep metallic silver in colour, hence the grimm's name. They were highly territorial, extremely aggressive to humans, animals and even other grimm. So much so, they were even willing to confront a Goliath if pressed into a corner or if their pack was strong enough to fight it directly.
And I just wandered straight into their den. Wonderful…
The Silvertooth grimm were not pleased with her intrusion, each one growling deep in their throats, claws bared, ready to pounce at the first opening. Each one appeared all too eager to tear apart the lone huntress in training that had appeared before them. Careful not to leave herself defenceless, she separated her weapon into its two blades, holding each one at the ready. Her weapon's bow form would be useless in a close range battle such as this. She moved her blades in slow, measured arcs, eyes darting from one grimm to the next as they moved to encircle her. If any of them were able to get to her back…
They did not attack right away, highlighting their intelligence and sadistic malice. A few made motions as if to lunge or strike, but each was feint, trying to trick her into lashing out and leave her flanks exposed, or some other equally fatal mistake. They had all the time in the world to play with her.
Suddenly a howl of agony from the large Silvertooth furthest to her right. The creature collapsed, convulsing in obvious pain, a metal spike now sticking out of its flank, electricity surging into the wound like a taser dart, incapacitating the grimm. How did-?
"Ad mortem, inimīcus!"
Before Cinder could register fully what had happened, Stone's giant form broke through the foliage, weapon in hand.
It all occurred in a series of quick flashes, a lone fighter using the advantage of his surprise attack to swing his heavy axe through the grimm's tough armour. Two collapsed dead before the rest even realized what was happening, and by then it was already too late for a third before the rest tried to recover, realizing their prey was not alone. Yet another fell as Cinder attacked as well, no longer on the defensive.
After his initial charge, Stone had quickly made his way to Cinder's side, the two huntsmen in training moving into a back to back formation, giving the grimm pack no chance to come at them from behind. Stone was strong and unyielding against the grimm, standing tall like a mountain. He kept his feet planted at shoulder width, wasting as little movement as possible, pivoting his body to meet and block their attacks head on. Using his size and strength as a shield to protect Cinder as much as himself, he swung his massive axe out in controlled, thunderous strikes few in number, but each impact shattering bone when they connected.
Cinder by contrast was all motion. Lighter than most of her opponents, she quickly adapted to the situation, turning a potential liability into an advantage. Her limbs moved with a fluid grace, all traces of her previous doubt gone now that she had someone to watch her back. She spun, twisted, wove and ducked in and out of range, never still, her blades fast and slashing. She targeted the gaps in their bone armour, drawing long, deep gashes along the beasts' flanks every time they flew past, avoiding most retaliatory strikes by simply not being there when they landed.
Not all the attacks had missed; Cinder could see long a tear down her right coat sleeve, though her aura protected her arm from any damage. Stone was not entirely unscathed either, one of the beasts managing to catch him mid swing, slashing him across the chest. A growl escaped Stone as he staggered back a step, but he recovered quickly. Grabbing the grimm responsible by the throat as it charged him once again, he smashed Valour into the beast's head several times before stabbing it in the chest, scooping up and launching the beast up and over his head, sending it crashing into two others, eliminating all three. The two young Huntsmen swiftly took down another four of their opponents, leaving only two of the original pack.
Doggedly spinning away from a bite to her ribcage, Cinder pressed forward, giving Stone plenty of space and flanking the last Grimm in front of her before it could attack him from behind. She finally took it down by leaping onto its back, driving one sword low into the spine, then bringing the other around and across the bared throat when it roared, arching its back in agony. She climbed off its back and turned around in time to see Stone driving the butt of his axe into the head of last Silvertooth, kicking it onto its side and burying his axe blade into its chest all in one fluid display of technique. A second later, he ripped Valor free, chunks of broken bone and grimm shadow matter splurging out from the body in all directions.
As quickly as the battle had started, the fighting was over.
Cinder looked left and right, straining her eyes and ears. As far as she could tell, there were no more grimm in the surrounding area, and no other grimm on the approach. A drawn out sigh escaped her as she allowed herself to relax, briefly checking over the condition of her blades before setting them into place on her back.
"Thanks for the help. Are you alright?" she asked after a moment, turning to face the giant. He was setting his axe against a nearby tree as he inspected his chest. Three large tears marked where one of the Silvertooth Grimm had slashed at him, yet there was no blood. In fact, if not for the damage to his shirt, there was almost no indication he had even been struck at all.
"I am alright." He grunted. "What about your arm? Were you hurt?"
"Just some clothing damage," She stared at the tear running down her sleeve. It looked pretty bad at a glance, but closer inspection showed it was more from a damaged seam. It wouldn't be the first time she would have to repair her jacket after a fight. "Nothing my aura couldn't handle."
She raised her head to meet his gaze. To her surprise, he suddenly turned away from her before she could. He had a firm grip on Valor's handle. Had he heard something she hadn't?
"What is it? More grimm?"
"I do not think so. We eliminated the whole pack just now." His eyes searched through the trees, before suddenly pointing with his free hand. "There are a couple more students in that direction. At least two, maybe three. Any one of them would be an excellent partner for you if you wanted."
She briefly turned her gaze in the direction he pointed before returning her attention to Stone. What did the other students have to do with what just happened? He still wasn't looking at her, a spark of irritation building inside her. Was he doing it on purpose?
"What's going on exactly?"
He didn't answer. Again she tried to meet his eye. This time, Stone definitely turned his head away. He was intentionally avoiding her gaze. Irritation finally won out. "Why won't you look at me?!" she demanded.
"…Do you recall what Professor Lionheart said before sending us out here?"
The question took her by surprise, and for a moment, she had no idea what Stone was talking about. Anger fell away, slowly replaced by confusion as she went over the headmaster's instructions in her head. They were as straightforward as could be: find and recover the relics, and defeat any grimm along the way. Whoever you first made eye contact with was your partner for the entire semester. He had seen her, she had seen him. There really wasn't anything to debate about it.
… except they hadn't met gazes yet. Despite coming to her aide, neither one of them had once gotten a good look at the other's faces. And Stone was intentionally avoiding her gaze, even now that the fighting was over. The realization stunned her, as did the implications on what Stone was doing.
He's giving me the chance to walk away. To find someone else if I want to.
It was… surprisingly kind of him. An honourable gesture that gave her the freedom to make her own choice without any thought of reward. She had thought it would be a matter of timing or luck that determined her future partner. And yet here he was, giving her the freedom to choose someone else if so desired.
Momentarily she paused, turning away in the direction of the other students Stone had indicated. Nothing about this situation happened how she had expected, and yet she simply couldn't make herself feel at all concerned about it. Now, a single question remained, demanding to be answered.
Is this what you want? her mind wondered, unbidden.
And after only a moment's indecision, Cinder knew that she had her answer. Yes, she thought determinedly. For now.
"Thank you…" Slowly, she offered her hand, making her decision clear with a single word. "Partner."
Only then did Stone finally turn to look at her, his dark grey eyes meeting her bright golden ones, sheathing Valor on his back with one hand before taking hers with the other to cement the agreement and new partnership between them. A sense of something new beginning to take shape.
Then he surprised her with his next action.
He kneeled before her, bringing his hand across his chest like a knight and gentleman. She only vaguely noticed how, even down on one knee, he was still much larger than her. "You honour me." he briefly lowered his head, then straightened his back and shoulders. "I promise… I will do everything I can to be a worthy partner to you."
Still surprised, Cinder could only nod in response… and give the faintest smile of approval.
Watching the events of the initiation unfolding through his scroll, Professor Lionheart could not help a humming a small note of satisfaction at the most recently knighted pairing. "Quite the impressive pair. Wouldn't you agree, Hyacinth?"
His second remained still and unmoving, seemingly more focused on the distant forest in front of them than what information the scroll shared. So serious and focused for one so young.
"Their skills and abilities suit each other quite well." she said after a moment's contemplation. "He has the clear advantage in size and strength, and is willing to take any danger encountered head on, drawing the main threat towards himself, away from others. She has her ranged capabilities and a semblance that makes her an excellent support and long ranged fighter who can protect his flanks. If they can learn how to best combine their gifts and abilities, they might become the best huntsmen pair of their year."
"A fine observation," he agreed, then shook his head with a small sigh. "But that wasn't what I was referring to."
She didn't reply right away. When she did, it was following a sigh of her own. One of clear displeasure.
"Ms Fall's skill is impressive for a first year, I am not denying that. Yet I still stand by what I said before: I do not believe she is ready to take such a massive leap the way you think she is."
"Was it not just a few years ago that you were invited into the fold yourself?"
"And I am grateful." She turned to face him then, eyes narrowed. "Even still, you don't seem to be giving this decision the seriousness it requires. Cinder is still a child; are you planning on sending her into everything blindly, sink or swim?"
Lionheart could have been offended at her words, but experience tempered this reaction. The accusation was harsh, but not unfounded. Her reluctance was understandable, all things considered. It wasn't every day that such opportunities came to past.
"Explain it to me then. Why are you choosing her?"
"It wasn't my decision. She made the choice herself." He saw that Hyacinth wasn't getting what he was referring to, and quickly clarified. "Something Ozpin once told me is that the Maidens choose themselves. I believe I have simply found a similar individual just as capable for our side in the battles to come."
Hyacinth still didn't appear convinced. So he changed tactics, getting to the heart of the matter.
"Have you met her family yet?"
"… No." The look on the headmaster's face was all the answer she needed, so she continued. "It's not possible. She's an orphan."
"Indeed she is. Beneath that focused and independent exterior lies a complex and fascinating individual. Abandoned by the whims of fate, forced to endure and survive all on her own without anyone to turn to. There was nothing at her disposal but a pair of huntsman bows and the clothes on her back. That is as close to a hopeless, impossible situation anyone could imagine." He brushed his thumb along the side of his beard. "And what does she do? What fate did she choose for herself? Giving up is what kills people. Those who refuse to give up and instead adapt to their hopeless situation are entitled to the role of Huntsmen."
"That...does make a certain amount of sense," Hyacinth conceded, "but it still worries me that she might not be able to handle such revelations. Or that her skills might not be enough to survive. Force her to adapt too quickly, and she might break under the strain. I don't want any of our students, any children getting killed. Not because we charged in on a well meaning hunch without considering the consequences." she fell silent for a moment, eyes dropping in shame at the admission.
"There is still time before we have to make a decision either way." He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "If things work out as we hope, we might not even need to-" He was cut off as his scroll started beeping and buzzing, trying to get his attention.
Warning! Warning! Unidentified Grimm detected entering area. Grimm Threat Level: 5
Lionheart frowned. "Odd…" He twisted the scroll so that Hyacinth could see it as well. "That's much higher than our reports indicated. How did it get so high so quickly?"
"Perhaps there's a Goliath nearby?" Hyacinth's expression hardened. "They've never been this close to the testing grounds before."
"I don't know… There would have to be several of them to cause this…" He began tapping at his scroll, hoping a scan of the area would reveal their numbers. A large horde might be manageable if it was mostly Beowolfs and Ursa. If there were Goliath in the area though, they would have to cancel the test and evacuate the students until things were safer again.
Scanning…
Scan Complete.
Total Unidentified Grimm in area: 1
His eyes widened. "What?!"
"One Grimm on its own?!" Hyacinth was stunned. "That's impossible!"
Warning! Grimm Threat Level now Level 6. Unable to identify specific grimm species. Recommend immediate withdrawal from area! Repeat: Evacuate immediately!
"Call off the test!" Lionheart ordered. "Get Mordin, and both of you get any ships we have into the air immediately! I'll notify the others! GO!"
She quickly rushed to obey, while Haven's headmaster hurried to warn the school of this unexpected danger. Whatever this monster was, it wasn't good. To apparently be so much more dangerous than an entire Goliath heard, simply by showing up…
And worse, it was heading straight towards the testing grounds… and the kids out there were completely unaware of the approaching danger.