Hello! It is the Maelstrom, and I followed up with a surprise chapter for you today!
Now I know the last chapter I said I was going to do that Black Clover story, but then I realized after starting it that I was simply...not driven to do that. As in, I didn't last long in wanting to write that ya feel me?
With RWBY Volume 7 maybe it got me back into that RWBY vibe and I wanted to write the third chapter! So here it is!
Last time we left off, Sable and Lilac met Ruby and Jaune. Then they had to leave to where Ozpin would make his speech.
Now, I hope you enjoy the continuation of Team SLFR!
CHAPTER 3: New Competition, and New Troubles
(BEACON, AUDITORIUM 1:15 P.M.)
"So many people! So many potential targets!" Lilac's childish giggling couldn't contain the absolute anticipation and energy that he felt when he first arrived at Beacon. He loved meeting new people, just as much as he loved making practical jokes on the people he meets.
Lilac, being the hyperactive horsie, was giddy with excitement when he saw his future classmates in one place. Ruby was pretty overwhelmed in comparison, and she seemed to shrink on the inside. Jaune wasn't bothered by the massive amount of people, instead, he was in search of any cute girls he could (hopefully) get to know. Sable looked the most uncomfortable of the group, and it showed in his furrowed brow, behind those shades and the anxious tapping of his left boot.
It's very entertaining to see people's varied reactions to change, and Lilac quietly snickered when he noticed Sable's annoyance and discomfort.
After the group arrived, they took a moment to take in the sight of the auditorium. The marble floor, and the stone pillars arching around the crowd of students where the Headmaster would soon make his speech. The bright lights from above lit up the stadium, and Lilac got a bit too excited since he quickly bid his farewells to meet with a bunch of new people. Of course, Sable came along with him too with a little convincing from Lilac but the big-bad wolf dragged Lilac to one side of the auditorium before he had a chance to meet the people of the crowd.
What a spoilsport.
The Faunus duo was now standing next to a pillar that was close to the stage. Sable leaned his back on it, bored out of his mind and uncharacteristically patient. Lilac, on the other hand, jumped up and down in giddy impatience.
As a prank-loving teen, he never stayed focused on one thing for too long. As soon as he was done playing magic tricks on dull onlookers back in Mistral, he would go on to play mean-spirited—albeit well-deserved—pranks and graffiti to more intolerant individuals.
Lilac's hyperactive, bright-eyed, and exceedingly bright for his age, but there's a problem with that. He's not really that patient if he has to wait in the same spot for more than 10 minutes...
But 10 long minutes had passed since splitting from Ruby and Jaune, and Lilac was starting to get a bit anxious. He stopped jumping and instead proceeded to pace back and forth while he glanced over to Sable. The bleach-haired Faunus took off his sun-goggles and rubbed the glass with a piece of cloth.
Abrasive, a tough demeanor, an unusual complexion and significantly taller than Lilac or anybody in the crowd in front of them; Sable has been an interesting acquaintance to cross paths with.
He doesn't seem to be sociable, and in addition his crude attitude it makes sense why he doesn't get along with people. Knowing this, Lilac didn't expect for Sable to actually drag him to some corner of the auditorium if his intention was to get away from people in general. Lilac wondered if Sable was trying to not get into a scuffle like before, assuming that maybe he just wanted some peace and quiet
Except that mean's Lilac is stuck here with Sable—who won't so much as give him a glance—and he's starting to get bored.
That's never good for Lilac.
He made it to Beacon Academy. After four long years back in boring combat school, he finally made it into the academy he's always dreamed of going since he was a kid! Now he had to chance to meet even more people among the crowd, meaning more opportunities to prank them, meaning many ways to have fun; it's practically all he wanted his entire life!
But he was getting bored with every passing second, his foot tapping quickening as he started fidgeting with his peaked hat. The anticipation was killing him, the crowd held so many potential friends that he was missing out on! Just scanning it from a distance isn't enough! His tapping foot furiously sped up, and he wasn't sure if he could hold in the urge to–
"Would you cut that out!?" Lilac flinched at the sudden shout from Sable, who put his sun-goggles back on to give him a quick glare.
He sheepishly scratched his cheek and put up a wide grin, as he chuckled with embarrassment "W-whoops, my bad!"
"Jeez, what was all that tapping about? It was getting annoying!"
"Sorry, Sorry, 'bout that!" Lilac held his hands in surrender, before pointing towards the crowd of people in front of them. "I'm just so gosh darn excited with all these people, here in one place!"
Sable groaned out his annoyance, raising an eyebrow at Lilac. "What's there to be excited about, it's just a bunch of people huddled together in one room."
"That's exactly why I'm so excited! Making friends is just the best part about situations like these!" Lilac's eyes sparkled with a kind of joy that he always enjoyed, he hoped that Sable would understand it. "Come on, you should be happier!"
"Sorry if I'm not brimming with your obnoxious attitude, but I'd rather not get chummy with these people."
"Why not?" Lilac tilted his head in wonder, "We're all going to be classmates here anyways, why not get out there and make some friends?"
'Instead of just sitting here twiddling your thumbs and boring me to death!'
Sable chuckled an amused, sarcastic laugh from his lips. "Okay, let me remind you something important okay?" Sable started, stuffing his hand into his pockets. "All of us right here, we're here to become Huntsman. This isn't some high-school musical where all of us are going to be dancing around suddenly out of nowhere!"
"Oh now, wouldn't that be splendid! You could be the awkward, yet handsome transfer student who has such a passion for theatre that you just can't help but break into song; only for you to realize that you let that out spontaneously that it haunts you for–"
"Shut up!" Sable shouted once more, causing Lilac to snap out of his daydreaming. "There's no way that's ever gonna be a thing, okay?"
"But maybe—
"EVER!" Sable shut the conversation down before a frustrated sigh was let from his lips. "Just be patient alright? We won't have to wait for too long until the headmaster comes out"
"But I'm so bored~" Lilac whined out his boredom, he was getting nowhere with this conversation.
"Jeez, when is he coming out anyway?"
Just as he finished that thought, he noticed someone was on the stage. It took Lilac a bit of squinting to get a good look, considering that people taller than him were blocking his view. When he did get a better look, his eyes widened and immediately squealed in delight and happiness.
'Finally! Here he is!'
"Sable, Sable! The headmaster's here now!" Sable heard Lilac call out to him, turning his head and straightened up when he saw the headmaster. "Damn, he really does rock that color pallet huh?"
"That's the first thing you noticed?" Sable muttered that comment, deciding to pay attention to what Professor Ozpin has to say to the students now.
He heard many things about Ozpin from the old man. Steadfast, diligent, and a patient man to boot. He recalled the time he first met Ozpin during that interrogation with the witch, and he could clearly remember the air of mystery that surrounded him.
Something that made him seem...off, to put it politely. Sable understood that people keep secrets, he should know that better himself. Whenever people asked about his complexion, or even about his own personal life, he either brushed them off, ignored their questions, or gave them a fist to the face…
...but compared to himself, Ozpin's a considerably secretive man from what he heard; not much is known about him and his reluctance to share anything was suspicious.
'...I'm doing it again. I really need to stop assuming things like that.' Sable stood straight, giving his full attention to Ozpin.
The silver-haired professor adjusted his glasses, cleared his throat, and into the microphone he spoke.
" I'll... keep this brief. You have traveled here today in search of knowledge, to hone your craft and acquire new skills, and when you have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people."
'Obviously.' Sable rolled his eyes in agreement, bearing an unnoticeable smirk. A Huntsman's known as Remnant's warriors and guardians in the fight against the Grimm; Beacon's a perfect place for him to start his quest. There's not much else to be said, a Huntsman is supposed to be strong, skilled, and not ever lose.
Otherwise, Sable would never have come here in the first place.
"But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy, in need of purpose, direction."
'...what? Wasted energy? He's really not implying that I'm that clueless is he?" Sable raised an eyebrow, not understanding what Ozpin means to say. If Ozpin meant to imply that he wasn't sure of the applicant's motivation and skills to become Huntsman, he must be underestimating them badly.
Just the thought displeased Sable, and a frown creased his features.
"You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this school will prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step." Ozpin finished his speech leaving the stage, and the student's confused and unsure. Shortly, Sable noticed that the witch Glynda came up to the stage and spoke.
"You will gather in the ballroom tonight; tomorrow your initiation begins. Be ready. You are dismissed."
The crowd dispersed as soon as the witch dismissed them all, but there were still a few students hanging around the auditorium
Tomorrow. Sable's chance to become an official student was tomorrow.
Ozpin's speech left him confused and honestly didn't get what he really meant. But more than anything, Sable was left with a frustrated scowl, gritting his teeth. 'Wasted potential and no idea of what you want to be.' That's what he interpreted that speech to be.
Ozpin couldn't be more wrong. Sable knows exactly what he wants to be: a Huntsman! More than anything he wants to be a strong and skilled Huntsman. For the headmaster to imply that we don't know what we signed up for is insulting!
"Hey, Sable. Didn't he look a bit… down in the dumps?" Lilac's question snapped Sable out of his thoughts, turning his head down to Lilac. He almost forgot how colorfully obnoxious the shades of purple on his outfit was on the eyes; he half-lidded his eyes at Lilac's stupid smile.
"U-uh, maybe… I don't know I was distracted." A lie. Sable looked around a bit, noticed the lack of people and decided that maybe he could just slip away somewhere away from Lilac before–
"H-hey! Knock it off!"
"Look at that! These things really are real!"
"Please let them go!"
Sable's wolf ears picked up a conversation, somewhere in the direction of the entrance, the same for Lilac. The Faunus duo looked to the entrance and saw two people. One of them was a panda-eared young girl, who looked only a bit taller than Lilac. She looked to be a Faunus, and her ears were being pulled roughly by someone else. He had burnt-orange hair combed backward with a slight peak at the front. He wore a silver-gray armor, an outstretched bird on his chest plate, and his smug sneer tipped off a lot of red flags for Sable and Lilac.
'Great...guess Beacon's got its fair share of bullies.' Sable tightened his fists together, before glancing at Lilac; only to be surprised with the serious and cold expression in Lilac's eyes.
This 180 shift in expression and mood from Lilac was unexpected, and Sable stared in confusion. Still, at least it meant that he agreed with Sable's sentiment; both without a word started stepping towards the argument.
"P-please… it hurts so much!" The panda girl pleaded in pain, tears threatening to leak out her eyes.
"Seriously, they actually hurt," The sneering bully mocked the girl, pulling even tighter without stopping. "Mind saying that one again? Maybe then I'll let you go!"
Sable's eyes glared harshly as he and Lilac walked slowly to the argument, Lilac's cold and piercing burgundy eyes burrowing into Cardin. The girl looked meek and frail, barely able to stand up for herself against the boy who continued to abuse her ears.
'That kinda shit just pisses me off!'
Sable was having some difficulty restraining the urge to go up and punch the student in the face; but even so, he wanted to do it so bad! He knows he shouldn't get into a fight, Goldilocks already said that a fight like that could get him and Jaune kicked out before getting into Beacon. But this isn't a misunderstanding, no this is a student being hurt and taken advantage of by some asshat who doesn't care how much she's in pain!
The strong preying on the weak...Sable hated that more than anything!
But before Sable and Lilac could do anything stupid to get themselves kicked out, a third party approached the argument before the duo could intervene. They stopped in their tracks, Lilac and Sable raising an eyebrow in confusion.
"What is going on here?" The young man narrowed his eyes at the bully, looking slightly taller than Goldilocks, and he seemed to have sturdy and broad shoulders. The round spectacles, his tousled brown hair and Sapphire blue eyes, along with a more well-rounded and formal blue coat over a brown suit; he was definitely the perfect appearance of a scholar.
"Tch. Buzz off, four-eyes." The bully scowled at the unknown scholar, "I'm just teaching this Faunus here what happens when freaks intrude on other people's business!"
"Surely you must have better things to do than to bother people with you're toxic drivel," The young man adjusted his glasses, remaining formally sarcastic. "After all, someone may witness this little event and speak to the professors about this mistreatment."
"What mistreatment? Faunus are nothing but animals. Freaks of nature!" The silver-plated asshat scoffed his disagreement, "I thought an Atlesian rich boy like you would understand something so simple!"
The spectacle young man glared heavily his steely eyes, and put a firm, commanding grip on the bully's forearm, tightening his grip. The bully was caught off-guard by the sudden grip, the pressure building to the point of letting go of the Faunus's ears in pain.
"Don't lump me in with intolerant, uneducated, individuals like you…" He said, letting go of his grip and glaring at the bully. "Now leave at once before you cause any more trouble than you already have."
Seeing no reason to stay, the bully left with a growl of frustration. The blue-eyed scholar saw him walk off until he was sure he left. He then turned to the Faunus girl with a concerned look on his face.
"Are you alright, milady?" His tone softened to be more concerned and worried about his fellow students. He pulled out from his pocket a small box of bandages and offered them gingerly to the student he doesn't even know "Do you need a band-aid for the pain?"
The girl blinked owlishly before blushing madly, "U-u-uh, yes! I mean, please thank you…" She accepted the offer with grace, before nodding her head and walking off to another part of campus.
"Well...guess we didn't have to get involved huh?" Sable finally spoke after witnessing this event, and one last look at Lilac showed that he reverted back to that obnoxious smile again. Though being honest, he looks better with that smile than a cold glare.
"Hmmm? Oh, yes. I suppose now that that's done and over with…" The spectacled man stepped up to Sable and Lilac, before offering a polite bow that raised a couple of eyebrows from Sable. "Forgive my sudden intrusion, but I noticed that you both tried to step in. Of course, I predicted you would cause a needless fight and that wouldn't do; so I took it upon myself to diffuse the situation before things escalated–"
"U-uh hey dude? We get it already; actually, I think we wanted to thank you for that." Sable stated, gesturing to himself and Lilac.
"Yeah! Man, That was so cool how you grabbed his arm and stared him down until he gave in!" Lilac exclaimed with excitement, back to his childish persona as he jabbed the air in excitement. He flashed a bright and wide smile along with offering his hand and a happy flick of his horsetail. "The name's Lilac! What's your name?"
"Hey, shortie! I think he's already had enough trouble as it is for today–"
"No, No. It's perfectly fine." The spectacled young man reassured Sable's worries and shook Lilac's hand with a knowing smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you Lilac. My name is Frey Sapphire."
'I-I guess he's not as stiff as I assumed he would be.'
"Awesome! This here's my friendly chum," Lilac pointed a thumb at Sable, chuckling mischievously. "But don't worry if he ignores you the first time; he's a shy one you see."
"N-no I'm not! Shut up!" Sable snapped quickly, before sighing in resignation and scratching his head in awkwardness. "Sable Fenrisulven, don't forget it."
"Will do so, it's a pleasure to meet you too Sable. I certainly admire your initiative to help your fellow student back there."
"Oh, y-yeah. Sure, that's what it was."
"Well, you know what they say: Us Faunus gotta stick together right?" Lilac nudged an elbow at Sable.
"Please, it had nothing to do with that." Sable scoffed. "Looking at that asshole pick on her when she can't even fight back just pissed me off, and I wanted to do something about it."
"Yes, such a shame. Intolerance is a sadly contagious plague." Frey looked down in disappointment, his people being how they have disheartened him to a degree. "Nonetheless, you stood up without anyone needing to tell you, and I truly respect that." Frey adjusted his glasses and offered his own hand to Sable.
"Whatever, I guess." Sable shrugged with a small smirk on his face, Frey's polite and friendly attitude compared to his own was mildly pleasant. However, upon closer inspection, Sable noticed the emblem pinned to the front of Frey's jacket. A Laurel with a spear pointing upwards entwined with gold and cyan highlights.
'W-wait is he…'
Frey chuckled, before realizing something important. He pulled out a pocket watch, ornate and gold in color, looking at the time and knew what time it is now. "Forgive me, but I have some business to attend to. I need to meet up with another acquaintance of mine. It's been a pleasure making your acquaintance. Have a good day." Frey turned to walk away, but Sable suddenly spoke out.
'Hey, if you don't mind me asking just one more question…" Sable paused, making sure that Frey heard.
Frey looked over his shoulder curious as to what the question was. "Of course, but make it quick."
Something about Frey seemed off when he first noticed, but now after speaking with him and getting a closer look… he needs to confirm where he came from.
"I'm just curious, I'm from Vale. I wanted to ask what kingdom you come from?"
Frey widened his eyes and offered a knowing smile as he finally answered.
"I'm from the kingdom of Atlas."
(BEACON AUDITORIUM 9:30 P.M.)
The day was much calmer and not much commotion compared to earlier, and Sable liked it that way.
After the conversation with Frey, Lilac said that he wanted to explore the rest of Beacon and bid his farewells to Sable, saying that they'll see each other real soon. Sable for a moment dreaded the thought of meeting him again but agreed that distractions would help calm him down.
Sable decided to find his locker where he could pack his military suitcase to prepare for tomorrow's initiation exam. Afterward, he thought maybe getting to know his surroundings would be a good idea. He found many potential napping spots but ended up taking a nap in a spot in the same auditorium where he could rest in peace after a long day.
Not as exciting as what Lilac left to do, but Sable found that more comforting than dealing with other people.
He even spotted Ruby and Yang a couple of times during his little walks, the little sister more often wandering with starry-eyed wonder while Goldilocks followed her. He didn't necessarily hate seeing them, in fact, they might be the closest thing to a normal interaction since arriving here, but he knew Ruby herself was trying to get out of her shell and despite some pushing from Yang hasn't made a new friend since… well himself. Considering that, he usually walked the other direction before the sisters could even notice he was there.
Still, he wondered if Ruby was having fun.
It was nighttime finally, which meant that all students were in the auditorium preparing their sleeping bags. Sable finally breathed a sigh of relief now that he was wearing the same gray T-shirt and pants he wore all day, but his alabaster leather jacket was stored in his locker. The sun was no longer an issue, so he wouldn't have to sleep with 2-layers of clothing. He still kept the sun goggles around his neck though, just in handy for when daybreak comes.
Where the sun used to be instead shone softly the shattered moon and the auditorium lit up with the occasional lit candle, and chatter from the student's who were still awake.
Sable was having a predicament, however. Was it sleeping in the middle of a big crowd? Kinda, but he could easily force himself to do so if strangers didn't bother him; no one even bothered too. Sure, some looks and glares were thrown at him but just because he was either Faunus or tall and intimidating than any student here.
That didn't bother him at all. It was the...mixing of students that was nagging at Sable.
'Boys and girls aren't even split and divided from each other!?' Sable twitched an eyebrow, looking around the crowd to see that there were a couple of friends, male and female, next to each other, some of them in groups together, and he could've sworn he saw two of them...kissing.
A nervous sweat rolled down his face, but he shook the anxiousness away and decided not to think about it too hard. He could just go to sleep right now, there wouldn't be a problem anyway right–
"Why hello there my good chum, Sable!"
"AAAGGGHHH!" Sable shouted in an unexpected surprise, stumbling forward a couple of times. He turned back to see (who else?) Lilac… who was wearing an orchid-shaded unicorn onesie, complete with a sleeping cap?
"...oh shit. It's you again." Sable pinched the bridge of his nose, glaring daggers at Lilac. "Now what?"
"Well, after the day we had together. What with meeting that red-hooded girl, the young blond pukey boy, and that specs wearing gentleman; I figured you would want some company after being oh so lonely for the rest of the day!" Lilac put his hands behind his head and winked at Sable. "So, I was over here wondering if maybe you want to come with me and go check some ladies? Eh? Eh?" Lilac nudged his elbow at Sable's side, getting an exasperated sigh from Sable who kneeled down to look Lilac straight in the eye.
"What is it with you? Is this some kind of joke you always do? Are you really that much of a child?" Sable whispered harshly.
"Funny, I was about to ask you the same thing!" Lilac tilted his head out of curiosity, almost as if he wanted to ask back. Nosy little asshole. "Why are you always so insistent on being alone? That's not really any fun now, is it? I mean, meeting new people lets you get to know them and vice-versa!"
"Okay, I know you have this weird, creepy hobby of yours just popping out of nowhere and dragging people into your messes," Sable frowned deeply and gripped Lilac's shoulder tight. "But I've had a long day, and right now I don't want to deal with people okay?"
"Seriously, man lighten up!" Lilac reassured Sable, "There you go getting rough with people when they poke the bear over and over!"
"That's the reason why I was so 'lonely' today! I'd rather not go around to every person if I don't have to start a conversation! Plus with my attitude, it's hard to even hold one!" Sable argued with Lilac, gritting his teeth in frustration.
"Well, you're making conversation with me right now. Doesn't look like you can't!" Lilac said cheerfully, remaining optimistic as he gave a thumbs-up to Sable who raised an eyebrow in confusion. "I mean, when I first saw you I thought you were some big tough guy, looking to punch someone in the face! But now, you just seem to be a really tall guy who's really just self-conscious of his own attitude with people!"
"That's bullshit and you know it!" Sable shouted with shark teeth, but he was met with several shushes from people who were trying to sleep. Sable sighed in resignation and stood up straight looking to Lilac with a tired look.
"F-fine, if you really plan on sticking with me then there's no use in arguing."
"Neato! So, about that favor from earlier." Lilac's mischievous smile and hand rubbing looked more dastardly then it was supposed to, Sable merely sighed.
"Yeah, yeah, I'll go along with you." Sable boorishly said, with a blank expression.
Soon after, he followed Lilac as they started walking around the auditorium, careful not to step on anybody who may be sleeping while trying to be quiet. They walked around for about 5-minutes before Lilac noticed something out of the corner of his eyes and chuckled, giving a knowing look at Sable before pointing to...Ruby and Yang?
They too seemed like they were heading to another person, who leaned on the wall while reading a book. Sable immediately noticed the big black bow she was wearing and the ivory hair that complemented her amber eyes.
"...oh no."
"Oh yeah! You recognize them, don't you? Well, I hope you're ready!" Lilac grinned and pulled Sable by the wrist without waiting for a reply. By this point, Sable didn't resist the grip. If anything he was slightly relieved that the people Lilac would have him talk to would be Ruby and Goldilocks. Though he didn't really prepare for this, and now was trying to think up what to say without losing his temper again.
'Here's looking to Ruby taking over the conversation instead of me…'
"Hel-looooo!/Why hello there~," The horse Faunus and Goldilock both said at the same time, with the latter being surprised and the former still grinning wide.
"Oh. I'm sorry, uh, but who are you?" Yang asked, confused as to being called out off-guard.
"Hi! The name's Lilac, and I've got your back! See, my friend here recognized you and he just wanted to come by and say hello. So, I thought, 'why not meet his friends' am I right?" Lilac then turned to Sable with a shit-eating grin. "Mind introducing me to these two beautiful ladies?"
'WHAT THE FUCK DUDE!?'
"S-sure, I guess…" Sable awkwardly responded, scratching the back of his head. "I'm sure you remember her, with the teddy bear in her jammies is Ruby—"
"H-hello again Lilac, it's good to see you" Ruby responded, slightly more at ease and yet felt awkward.
"And this one over here is...Yang right?" Sable asked
"Yup! Nice to meet ya Lilac!" Yang confirmed with a smile on her face, then she turned to Ruby with a question "Wait, you met him before didn't you sis?"
"It was a small meet up actually! Just stopped to say hello to her and that Jauney boy!" Lilac clarified and chuckled a bit. "Of course, the big dog over here looked very lonely after we arrived so I just let myself into his personal 'kennel' if you know what I mean." Lilac held a hand over his mouth to hide his chuckle, causing groans from both Sable and Ruby.
Yang chuckled at the bad pun, and she replied with yet another one. "H-hey, hey. 'Paws' right there!"
Lilac raised an eyebrow until he curved a sly grin. "Why? That pun was 'paw-fect' ain't it?"
Sable twitched an eyebrow in annoyance, not realizing Yang noticed it and went with another pun. "Give him some credit, he's not that bad just a little… 'ruff' around the edges!"
Yang and Lilac both chortled at the same time as their little exchange.
"Hahaha! Oh, she is good!" Lilac laughed like it was a knee-slapper, turning to Sable with a smile. "Why didn't you tell me about this pun master?"
Sable shifted his foot before groaning out his discomfort, "Because I knew you and he would end up doing that."
"I second that…" Ruby muttered under her breath.
Things are going as he feared. At least, things aren't too annoying anyway. If anything, they were only… less annoying. Weird.
"A-anyway, Sable where've you been all day?" Ruby asked, clearly curious as to what Sable did all day.
'...and there's the question.'
"Huh?" Sable looked at Ruby confused. "Oh, just took a long nap the entire day if that's what you're asking…"
"Oh really? That's nice!" Ruby said with a slightly chipper tone, looking just as comfortable as Sable right now. "Can't wait for tomorrow! It's a big day ahead of us!"
"Yeah, not gonna lie I know it's gonna be something exciting and heart-pounding like–"
"–getting to use our weapons?" Ruby said it at the same time as Sable, causing both to look at each other surprised; yet a small giggle came from Ruby and a chuckle from Sable.
"Oh, Jinx," Sable said.
"Huh? What's that?" Ruby asked, confused.
"Jinx. You owe me a soda now."
"W-wait a minute, what?"
"Ruby, he means that you're gonna have to buy a soda for him." Yang shook her head and gave a small grin to Sable. "Either way, you can save that for another time, right? After all, I can only assume you were tired before coming here"
"Uh,y-yeah, Yeah!" Sable rolled his shoulders and shrugged. "See you guys tomorrow, and make sure you two sleep on the right side."
Yang and Ruby hummed in confusion, Yang asking first. "Wait, why?"
"Because the guy's here embarrassed about how all the boys and girls are sleeping together!" Lilac chirped as he put his arm over Sable's tall shoulders, hanging like he was on a monkey bar. "He tries to act tough, but I know that he's really a big softie–"
"Ooookay! That's enough!" Sable, having enough of Lilac's shenanigans, grabbed the back of Lilac's shirt and pulled him off. "Ruby, Yang. Have a nice day." Giving a slightly fake smirk to Ruby and Yang he started dragging Lilac to another corner of the auditorium.
"Hehe! Shouldn't have poked the bear too hard now huh?"
"Just shut the fuck up and go to you're corner and get some shut-eye you midget!"
"There's the language again!" Lilac chortled in glee, having succeeded in doing what he wanted to do.
Sable while clearly getting frustrated with Lilac's antics, asked himself why he didn't just tell him to piss off and go somewhere else. Honestly, he's so invasive and he pops in out of nowhere when he wants to have fun at someone else's expense! Although, there is the incident with the Faunus girl. Lilac's usually childish demeanor turned into something deadly serious, and if anything he looked just as pissed as Sable did. He imagined that it was for a very different reason though, and he probably won't even get to hear it.
Sable didn't understand it yet, but when it came to people like Lilac and Ruby of his age; he felt more at ease and less willing to just brush them off and leave. He isn't that rude, but the old man always did tell him to try to work with people when they visited Vale. Sable didn't understand it though, because that was one month out of every year…
...and the rest was spent on grueling, and muscle-tearing training to be a Huntsman.
Still, Sable believed that he would never get used to people other than the old man. Until Ruby showed up, and Lilac who kept prodding at him to speak or do something out of boredom.
As Sable thought about those two, unknown even to himself he chuckled a little bit. They were surprisingly a lot of fun to be around than he would admit.
Of course, he isn't going to admit that because it just makes him look like an idiot.
Afterward, he left Lilac in the corner where Lilac would sleep. A sleeping bag, of purple-checkered diamond patterns.
"Seriously, tone it down."
Soon after, Sable went back to his sleeping spot. Getting comfortable within his bed, he remembered the day he had so far…and a smirk formed along with his features.
'It wasn't a bad day I guess…'
(BEACON, LOCKER ROOM. 9:15 A.M.)
It was close. Very close.
The anticipation drew closer and steadily building up as he applied medical sunscreen around his arms, neck, and face. He donned his sunglasses, looked at himself one more time in the locker mirror, and smirked in satisfaction when he saw his attire complete with the fully zipped-up leather jacket.
Albinism is really an unusual condition, but luckily something he could manage with a routine of fully covering clothing and sunscreen for the face.
Combat gear equipped, he pulled out from his embroidered suitcase his two trusty weapons from an early age: Skoll and Hati. The former being his trademarked fuel-injected sword, and the latter being a trusty firearm.
Hati resembled a double-action revolver, customized to a great extent to have a 6-shot cylinder, an extra barrel underneath for a double shot. It had a firm, molded wooden grip and an intricate black moon design carved into the silver arm of the weapon. Furthermore, it had holographic sights made for precision.
Sable inspected both weapons to check if they were up to shape, and nodded his head at its well-maintained design. He adjusts a holster for Hati at his hip and keeps it there. Skati, on the other hand, being such a long sword and with no scabbard to sheathe it, he wrapped it to the sword belt around his waist.
'Heh, finally something I can get behind' He noted as he looked chipper and the smirk on his face said it all. Finally, no more dealing with annoying or infuriating people. It's just him and the rest of the students in a competition; Sable was confident that he would come out on top.
…
Sable noticed the silence and looked around him as if someone was missing. He turned until he saw Lilac off on another corner of the locker room unloading his own weapons; which looked really similar to a dual-wield dagger set up. Sable eyed the horse Faunus curiously, he looked seemingly unaware of his presence. That's a good thing. At least that means he can just walk the other direction with no problem. He had something else in mind to do before leaving.
Check out the competition.
Wandering around, he saw familiar faces, found some potential competition, and...unusual students, to say the least.
First, there was Ruby and Goldilocks, though he left them to a small squabble they were having and didn't want to intrude and get caught up. Then he saw Jaune muttering something about not being able to find his locker, but his attention was soon locked on two people the blond passed by.
A blazen-haired female with deep emerald eyes, wearing a spartan armor so iconic for only one person. She had elaborate bronze greaves that started below her mid-thigh before continuing downwards into her boots as well as a pair of cuisses that began mid-thigh and ended slightly above her knees.
Unmistakable. She's Pyrrha Nikos, the famous 'Invincible Girl' everybody couldn't shut up about when she won the Mistral Fighting Tournament. The prodigy and 'pride of Mistral'. The lady with no weaknesses.
The only student here who Sable would willingly ask to a serious match barring the old man!
Sable couldn't restrain the toothy grin that spread his features. He was ecstatic, excited, and most of all, more than willing to challenge her to a proper match.
'Out of everyone here, she's the most surprising entry to Beacon Academy!'
The second girl beside her spoke to Pyrrha, and while Sable didn't hear everything because it was none of his business; he accidentally heard something about teams.
'Teams? She really believes that rumor spreading around?' Sable cracked his neck to stretch, before stuffing his hands into his pockets; and shrugged it off just as quickly. That didn't matter, and he wasn't gonna let that get in his way.
'Now if only I knew where to go next.'
"Would all first-year students please report to Beacon Cliff for initiation? Again, all first-year students report to Beacon Cliff immediately." Sable heard the witch's voice, presumably over the PA, and smirked in satisfaction.
(BEACON CLIFF, 9:45 A.M.)
A breeze whistled below the cliff, and the wind felt easy on Sable's complexion. All the student's gathered one by one and were told to stand on platforms put above the ground, though the reason as to why eluded them.
Sable saw acquaintances like Ruby, Yang, Lilac and even Frey one their own grey platform looking ready and making small talk. Luckily, Sable only stood next to Frey's tile and so far there wasn't any unnecessary conversation and whatnot. They both seemed to share a look and simply nodded at each other in understanding.
'At least someone gets it…'
The cliff overlooked a forest, presumably where the initiation will take place, and spanned a large portion of the area that seemed immense. Standing in front of the students was a coffee mug-holding Ozpin, and 'Glynda the Witch' holding a tablet in one hand, Sable's attention on both Huntsman.
"For years, you have trained to become warriors, and today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest," Ozpin spoke first.
Sable smirked in anticipation and excitement. Finally, he would be able to let loose here!
'It's been way too long! This is the shit that gets me pumped for a Grimm beatdown! Now, this is what I'm talking about–"
"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." Glynda continued before Sable could finish his thought.
Sable stood there wide-eyed and with a blank face. Bewildered. Did he hear her right? He muttered, "...what?"
"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 well." Ozpin continued the explanation.
Sable heard correctly...but his brow creased in confusion. He muttered a bit louder. "What?"
"That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years," Ozpin concluded the instructions and took a brief sip of his coffee.
Sable finally registered everything that Ozpin just said.
Forming teams?
Teammates will be made today?
The first person you make eye contact with...will be your partner for the next four years!?
"WHAT THE FUCK!?" Sable impulsively cursed out loud, throwing his hands in confused fury catching everybody off guard, especially Ruby. "Wait, w-wait, hold on a second! You can't be fucking serious!"
Ozpin looked to Sable's outburst, face still expressionless but features stern, he decided to humor him. "Is there a problem, Mr. Fenrisulven?"
"More than one!" Sable scowled and continued with his rant. "I wanted to think this talk of teams was just a bunch of horse crap–"
"Huh?" Lilac tilted his head at that sort of mention.
"–but now you're saying that we're gonna be paired up with total strangers?! You must be underestimating us!" Sable grit his teeth. "Why the hell does that matter anyway!? We're all training to be Huntsman, remember? I'm entirely capable of doing this on my own!"
Glynda glared at Sable and moved to scold the young Faunus before Ozpin held up a hand to signal that she needn't get involved.
Ozpin nodded intently to Sable's disagreements and sipped from his mug one more time before replying. " I don't doubt that, and you needn't think otherwise. I'm sure that all of you have the potential to grow strong and be great Huntsman." Ozpin raised his voice for the entire student to listen, and so he continued. "However, if you truly think that you can pass this initiation with no one but yourself...then pardon my bluntness but that is a foolish notion."
Sable raised an eyebrow, listening to Ozpin's speech."What the hell are you talking about?"
"Fenrisulven, I suspect that you assume that having to work with another may slow you down, be nothing but dead weight. However, the truth is that no matter how great your skills are individually," Ozpin's expression turned serious, and the tone that followed next was just as stern. "Cooperation and teamwork will always outclass an arrogant foe. Do you understand now?"
Sable widened his eyes at the shift in tone, and while he still disagreed with Ozpin he wasn't gonna get into a bigger argument with him. Sable stuffed his hands into his pockets and half-lid his eyes.
"Yes, professor…"
"Very well," Having finished that argument, Ozpin continued with the instructions.
Very simple instructions. Go to the northern end of the forest, possibly fight against Grimm that may get in the way, and an abandoned temple will hold the Relics they need to choose one. Afterward, they must return to the top of the cliff safe and sound, and then they will grade their standing and place in a team.
'This is child's play.'
Soon after Ozpin finished his speech, students on one end were sprung off by the platforms in which they stood into the forest. Sable prepared himself quickly after that, drawing Skol on one hand and preparing for take-off.
To his left, he could see Yang putting on a pair of aviators before being launched. Ruby soon followed after, and Jaune was the only one not prepared as he was tossed more than catapulted.
"W-well, not everybody is good with heights I guess," Frey said, who was on the platform next to Sable's.
"Yeah. Not gonna lie this is getting me excited though!" Sable grinned, ecstatic for the challenges ahead.
"I see. Well, don't get ahead of yourself," Frey twirled his own weapon, which resembled a long halberd, a sharp tip with an axe-like blade just beneath it. The pole itself looked customized with iron and steel, and a switch on the side that Sable noticed pretty quickly. "I might just beat you in this race."
Sable looked at Frey confused until he smirked and looked ahead of the forest.
A moment passed as he focused on his landing strategy, a deep breath to cool the nerves, the pounding heartbeat in his ears, a determined look in his crimson eyes…
"Not a chance."
...and he was catapulted off the cliff.
This was Sable's first step to becoming a Huntsman, and he was gonna blow it out of the park.
Thanks for reading today's chapter, I certainly hope you enjoyed it!
So, that POV of Lilac was my attempt at his point of view compared to Sable's, whom I continued to follow for the rest of the chapter. I wanted to experiment and show a different perspective and slight character development for someone who's going to be a recurring character.
That being said, meet the gentleman Atlesian: Frey Sapphire. I didn't have that many influences to drag-and-drop from any show, but I always saw him as a polite, determined, well-spoken, well-manner, and overall comically a gentleman all around. Still, he's also going to be important for the story.
Sadly, I may have skimmed some of the conversations in the locker room scenario, but I believed that at that point the scene felt better to showcase Sable's weapon, remind people that, yes, he is albino, and most importantly to establish his character in regards to the 'team' aspect of the story.
Also, while some scenes are pretty short, I don't feel like him butting into conversations works here narratively or character-wise. I can't really jam in conversations he doesn't wanna get involved in if it doesn't make sense for him to just insert himself in one.
With that said I, Maelstrom, hope to see you on the horizon for the next update!
