Chapter 3

(AN: My upload schedule will completely vary on how soon I can get the next chapter done. Once the draft is refined, reviewed, and modified, I post it. Chapter draft completion and review tends to be 2-4 days on average, usually 2-3 days since I work fast most of the time, but with practical exams for classes coming up real soon, expect it to slow down in the next week or so.)

A week had passed since that fateful day, and the day of reckoning had arrived. It was just past noon, and I was on the airbus to Beacon alongside several other new Beacon initiates. The news played in the background as various students chatted with each other. I was on my scroll, typing up the fourth chapter to my story, as I had already published two more between the first chapter and now.

I had gone through a slight wardrobe change as well, having bought me a black zip-up hoodie and a pair of resilient black strap-up boots. My wallet had dwindled down to a mere 76 Lien. The only reason I managed to save nearly a fourth of my money was due to only buying dinner, skipping lunch and getting free breakfast from the hotel I was staying at. The rest of what I spent was more or less on important products such as toothbrushes, a few changes of clothes, a book or two, and school supplies like pencils, erasers, pens, markers, staplers, and rulers. All of these things were sent ahead to Beacon like every other student's belongings had been.

Then there were establishments that outright denied Faunus. They didn't put up signs saying "no animals allowed" thankfully. I was pretty sure it was illegal to do that. But employees and owners were very hostile as I found out, and some even tried to rob me from time to time. Lucky for me, I was skilled at avoiding altercations either by running away or just using the neural Dust in my belt to my advantage.

My web-story was also doing fairly well, surprisingly. The first chapter had gained thousands of views and almost a hundred comments when I woke up 7 hours after publishing it. It took place during the Age of Sail, where wooden ships were powered by the wind, and firearms were nothing more than single-shot rifles and pistols. To my surprise, there was no Age of Sail on Remnant. I figured it made sense since most would've used Dust or semblances as a form of travel as well, but the thought of large sail ships was fascinating enough for new readers, especially since there were very few stories that didn't have aura, Grimm, or Dust.

Writing the story was really fun, and helped in passing the time. I was already halfway done with my rough draft when Glynda's voice came over the loudspeaker of the airbus. Unlike in the episode, there was no hologram of Miss Goodwitch for people to see.

"You are among a privileged few who have received the honor of being selected to attend this prestigious academy. Our world is experiencing an incredible time of peace, and as future Huntsmen and Huntresses, it is your duty to uphold it. You have demonstrated the courage needed for such a task, and now it is our turn to provide you with the knowledge and the training to protect our world."

This signified that the airbus was almost at Beacon, and I quickly saved my progress and pocketed my scroll. Getting up, I joined several students who were pressed against the windows to see Beacon as we approached. And sure enough, the magnificent academy and grounds of Beacon were in sight, alongside several other airbuses and Bullheads.

I would say that I was excited to finally step foot into a place like this, but I was also reminded of what it looked like after Season 3, which effectively dampened my mood. When the airbus docked five minutes later, I exited alongside everyone else, looking around. Many students had fancy combat wardrobes that varied from science fiction, fantasy, or renditions of civilian clothing. My own clothes were actual civilian clothing, and I felt as if I didn't fit in. Other than me being from another world. I realized that Ruby, Yang, or Jaune were in this airbus, meaning that they likely docked earlier or were in a different airbus right now.

In the end, I decided not to go looking for them, as it would be suspicious. Continuing to walk, I passed by other students either walking alone as well, or talking with others. Despite the grandeur this place received, the academy felt strangely like high school back in my world. I mean, it technically was; just for fighting like badasses and slaying creatures of darkness, but the atmosphere and mood this place brought made it feel like...well, a high school.

Off to the side, I could hear chatter in the distance, and I saw a crowd moving towards the main building. Rushing up, I could see a familiar head of red hair apologizing as she pushed politely through the crowd, despite the many girls and boys asking for autographs or requesting to join their friend group or something along those lines.

"Pyrrha Nikos?" I thought out of shock, and immediately backed off as the loud mob surrounding the Mistral teenage champion pushed by. Immediately, I felt bad for not stepping in earlier. Sighing, I decided to keep walking by, ignoring a loud boom in the distance.

Eventually, I made it to the main building, where most of the others were already at. I could see Weiss haughtily waiting by herself, as well as Nora and Ren on their own. Leaning on the wall by herself, I yawned and wiped my eyes, waiting for the others to show up before Ozpin could come up and make his odd speech. I must've been waiting a few hours as I had taken my scroll out and began to work on my story's next chapter; already adding another 2,800 or so words when I was pulled out of my author-mode.

"Heya!"

I blinked and turned to see Yang Xiao Long beaming at me mere inches away. I was so shocked that I didn't even think to say something back. I didn't expect anyone to actively approach me; much less the blonde bombshell before me.

"Heh, speechless? I tend to do that. So, whatcha doin' by yourself?" Yang asked, leaning on the wall next to me. She had an inch or two of height on me, three if you included that cowlick of hers.

"Uhh...waiting for the headmaster," I said nervously as I looked up at her while saving my progress and pocketing my scroll. More or less, her hair. I know Yang valued her hair over almost everything in the world, but only now could I see why she loved it so much. It was beautiful, thick luscious locks flowing down her shoulders, and shining very brightly, it was almost as if her hair had magic.

Either that or her hair was about to light up like a barrel of gunpowder in an inferno.

"I know that, but why alone?" Yang asked as she stretched her arms. "Thankfully, you got me now. How fur-tunate, eh?" She waggled her eyebrows as her eyes followed my ears.

And then there's the downsides to Yang. I could feel my caracal ears curl inwards in disgust, and Yang simply huffed when she saw my facial reaction to her oh so clever joke. "Hah, you'll learn to appreciate my humor," she said.

"That or develop an immunity to it," I mumbled before coughing. "Uhh, OK, but why me?"

"If you're worried about me picking on you for having a set of fluffy cat ears, don't worry. I like Faunus. I think they're paw-some." I groaned again and turned away to walk before Yang hooked her arm around my neck and pulled me close, me accidentally yelping from the sudden jolt. I ignored the feeling of my head pressed against her bosom - though it didn't stop the feeling of my face heating up.

"Nope, you're sticking with me because now I'm gonna make you some friends!" Yang said as she began to tug me across the hall and its crowded occupants, my feet dragging against the floor. "You'll a-purr-reciate the end result, pal. Trust me." I could only cry inside at the once again, terrible cat pun as she lugged me to the entrance, where a familiar blonde and red duo walked in. "Hey, Ruby! I saved you a spot!" I heard Yang call. I couldn't not hear it - her face was close to one of my cat ears.

"Oh, oh! Yang! And-" Ruby gasped before seeing me, her silver eyes shimmering brightly. "Jaune, this was the guy I was talking about!"

"Huh?" Jaune said before Ruby yanked Jaune over to her sister and me. "Oh. Uhh, hi," Jaune said.

"Hey," I said, suddenly feeling like I didn't belong. In more than one meaning as well.

"Hey, sis..." Yang said, smiling teasingly at Jaune, who waved awkwardly. "I see you bagged yourself a boy on your first day."

Ruby, turning bright red, shook her head and glared at her sister. "No, I blew up and got yelled at on my first day!" she cried.

"Are you being sarcastic?" Yang asked, snorting at Ruby's mini tantrum before Jaune quickly spoke up to defend Ruby.

"No, I saw the explosion. It was pretty big," Jaune said, grinning in amusement. Yang blinked as she stared at Jaune in befuddlement.

"Wait, that's what I heard?" I asked, and Yang's smirk fell to a genuinely confused expression.

"Yes! I tripped over some crabby girl's luggage, and then she yelled at me, and then I sneezed, and then I exploded, and then she yelled at me again, and I felt really, really bad, and I just wanted her to stop yelling at me!" Ruby cried.

"You!"

All four of us jumped at the sudden bark of a haughty voice nearby, Ruby jumping into Yang's startled arms. "I said I was sorry, it was an accident!" Ruby cried in panic as she clung to Yang, Yang stumbling once from the sudden launch.

"You're lucky we weren't blown off the cliff!" Weiss scolded, and Yang's eyes widened in surprise and understanding. "Oh my God, you really exploded," she said, in a tone so surprised it sounded anything but surprised. Jaune just nodded, and I rubbed the spot of my nose between my eyes.

Ruby clambered out of her sister's arms, accidentally kicking Jaune in the shoulder as her feet touched down on the floor. "It was an accident. It was an accident!" Yang cleared her throat and quickly stepped in. "Look, uh, it sounds like you two just got off on the wrong foot. Why don't you start over and try to be friends, okay?"

"As if I would be friends with a clueless child like her! She doesn't know her way around here, and she doesn't understand the importance of this school if she can gallivant around like a baby in a candy store!" Weiss spat, and I saw Jaune frowning, as well as Yang's fists clenching. I could clearly see that any and all chances of Jaune growing infatuated wwith Weiss was likely not going to form in the future, and I cleared my throat.

"Name calling isn't necessary. It's the first day so can we just forget about any disagreements earlier and focus on a good school year?" I asked as I held out my hand for her to shake. I smiled slightly, feeling proud of my wording of that statement, as well as my polite and reserved tone. Surely, Weiss could see the logic in what I said-

"Of course an uncultured animal like you would side with her," Weiss snorted, and my world shattered. Jaune and Ruby flinched, and Yang growled. "Look at you, you don't even have clothes befitting of a huntsman, no weapon, your hair is a mess, how did you even get in here?"

I didn't say a thing but her words hurt way more than I would've liked. Was this how Ruby felt before Weiss's turnaround? Her rant was cut off by the sound of microphone feedback, in which everyone turned to face the stage where Headmaster Ozpin was standing.

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. But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy, in need of purpose, direction," the headmaster said, which caused some chattering amongst themselves for that last statement. "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."

We watched as Ozpin left the stage, leaving most of us a bit befuddled. Glynda Goodwitch stepped up moments later, clearing her throat. "You will gather in the ballroom tonight; tomorrow, your initiation begins. Be ready. You are dismissed." The students all muttered quietly as Professor Goodwitch left moments after completing her speech.

"Well. He seemed kind of...off," Yang said, awkwardly looking at where Ozpin and Goodwitch had left.

"Well then," I said, the three girls and one guy looking at me. "Should we get our things? I bet we can find a good place to set up camp then."

"Sounds great! Come on, sis. You said you knew this guy?" Yang asked as she grabbed me and Ruby, pulling us away from a lost looking Jaune and a huffy Weiss.

"Hold up. Jaune, right?" I asked. Jaune looked kind of surprised to be called out and nodded awkwardly. "Come on."

Jaune immediately beamed, and I could tell he was happy just to be included. Soon, the four of us were just chatting with each other

Soon everyone in the ballroom was changing their clothes. Me, who put my stuff against one of the walls. I more or less only had a sleeping bag strapped to a small suitcase with my things. I started to change my clothes, changing into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Though it was very awkward actually changing in such a big room, especially since there were so many hot boys and girls in their underwear or in skimpy sleeping attire like Yang; who saw me and was smirking evilly at my embarrassed expression.

I'm pansexual, which makes teenager hormones almost unbearable due to me being flustered by every pretty or handsome face I came across. I did manage to kill my embarrassment by looking at Jaune and his bunny onesie, which made me snort. I turned back to see Ruby and Yang being confronted by Weiss again.

This time, I decided to just look for anyone else to talk to, seeing as Ruby, Yang, and Weiss would likely be occupied with each other, and I had no desire to be insulted by the ice queen. Luckily, I saw a black haired cat Faunus like myself and I approached her, hoping to make a good impression on her.

Unlike the book Blake was reading in the episode, she was on her scroll. Curious, I finally made my way over to the disguised cat Faunus and sat next to her. "Hi," I said, before just registering how weird I was currently coming across as.

Luckily, Blake didn't think much of it, acting just as cold as she always did. "Hi," she said, eyeing me suspiciously. Her amber eyes fell on my caracal ears and she eased up a bit. Only a little bit, though.

"Ahem...uhh, what are you reading there?" I asked, scooching closer to get a good look at her scroll - but not too close. I didn't want to be too creepy, after all.

"A new web-story that was recently published," Blake said, looking back at her scroll. "It's about a human kingdom at war with a Faunus kingdom, and the Faunus are losing. It's in a world where there's no aura, Grimm, or Dust. The main characters are a Faunus slave to some prick, and a racist human soldier."

Blake was reading my new story? That changes my plans for it. And unlike when she was trying to make Ruby and Yang leave, she seemed to be somewhat open to share with me what she was reading. Which was my story. I think you can forgive the inner fanboy for screeching in joy like a baby caracal screaming for food.

"Oh!" a shrill voice gasped, making Blake and I jump. Ruby was in her pajamas, squatting in front of us. "I know that story, it started last week! Condemned, right?!"

"Shh!" someone hissed and Ruby gave an awkward apology, while I winced when Ruby revealed that she read it. It wasn't exactly a kid friendly story too, as I'd been very gritty on the story to place it in something similar to the Dark Ages back home. I had the Faunus portrayed as demons and monsters, but the humans were also portrayed similar, with the kingdom having slavery and abuse widespread, with many atrocities such as public executions, torture, and much more.

"It's...very interesting...but they aren't very good at descriptions." Blake said, falling to criticisms. "Dialogue is great, but when it comes to describing buildings, clothing, people, ships, weapons, it more or less confuses people."

I winced internally. I knew something was off. I dunno if the comments addressed it either, I wasn't exactly paying attention for feedback. "Huh. What kind of ships are there?"

Whatever Blake was about to say was cut off when Weiss approached Ruby, with Yang trying to stop the arguing. I sighed, and Blake switched off her scroll before blowing out the candle next to her. I ended up making my way to my sleeping bag with the help of night vision, and I curled up in the bag before going on my scroll.

That same night, I published the next chapter of my story, where the Faunus protagonist was taken to be thrown into a forest, where Fauna were hunted by humans for money and sport. As I watched the "Publish" bar load, I snuggled up to my sleeping bag and sighed, making plans for how initiation would likely change with me as a part of it.

I figured that as long as I didn't run into the future members of RWBY or JNPR, I'd be fine. CRDL was an absolute no-go, and I knew nobody else that went to Beacon. The possibility of ending up with strangers frightened me, yet I knew RWBY and JNPR to some extent were going through the same.

So if they could do it, I could do it. Right?

It was hard to focus with these thoughts plaguing my mind, and I knew I had to be bright and early for initiation tomorrow. But with sleep elusive lately, I struggled to get any sense of calm in the night, especially with several strangers and a handful of friends surrounding me crowded on the floor.

In the end, I got up and snuck out of the ballroom via the window, before sitting on the grass against the wall. "What a day..." I mumbled as I looked up at the night sky. It was much like the sky back on Earth, with countless little stars in space dotting the sky, and the moon.

I'd seen the shattered moon on the series before, and I'd recently learned the moon was destroyed by the God of Darkness millenia ago. But I'd never thought I'd see it in real life, and what I saw was nothing short of breathtaking. The shattered remains of the moon was absolutely stunning, especially from so far away, so realistic that I almost forgot about home.

"Home..." I mumbled to myself.

"Mister Onissa?" I jolted and turned to see Professor Goodwitch sternly looking at me from the corner of the building. "I do hope you understand that you should be asleep right now."

"I-I know," I said. "Just...wondering how home is doing. I'm sorry, I'm just a bit overwhelmed right now. Beacon and fighting and being so far away and..."

"I suppose your inability to sleep is understandable," Goodwitch said as she walked over to me. "While I don't approve of you leaving the ballroom with the window open for the wind and moonlight to disturb other's sleep-"

"Oh. Uhh...whoops," I mumbled, cheeks red in embarrassment.

"I do get my fair share of wanderers in need of calm before the big test. So let me offer you some advice,"Goodwitch said. "Composure. That's one of the biggest things you need to maintain when fighting Grimm. As you know, they feed off negative emotion. Panic will not only weaken your chances, it will strengthen the Grimm far more than simple fear."

"So different kinds of negativity can affect Grimm with different effects," I mumbled. "T-thanks. But I wasn't thinking about initiation exactly. More or less...home."

"I see," the blonde professor said. "I suppose I can understand that. But remember that Beacon will be your home for the next four years. Take that as you will, but the present is something that one must always focus on. Perhaps you may find a way back after graduating. That is for the future to decide, and it all depends on how you do in the future. Keep in mind that the present is your chance to make the choices you desire."

I sort of expected her to say something relatable, something about her home and how she understood, but her words had plenty of merit. Maybe once I help team RWBY defeat Salem for good, I may find a way home. "Thanks," I said. "I think...I can push that aside for now, focus on kicking some Grimm back and forth tomorrow."

"Happy to help," Goodwitch said, sounding anything but. Still, there was that glint in her eyes that showed she was somewhat pleased at me taking her words to heart. "Please close the window on your way back in."

"Will do," I said as the combat professor got up and headed off, and I climbed back into the window to the pitch black ballroom. Well, not so pitch black thanks to Faunus night vision. Sighing, I slipped into the ballroom and began to tiptoe my way towards my sleeping bag.

Where I stubbed my toe against someone's tent stakes. Tripping and barely managing to stay upright, I took a breath to hold back my screams of agony, despite there being no broken toenail or bleeding or bruising, just intense hurting to the infinite power. "Fffffffffffffffff-" I could only hiss with my lips pressed together.

"Shut up," Cardin's voice grumbled nearby, and I winced and practically hopped back to my sleeping bag, nursing my toe for a few minutes once I slipped in my bag. Luckily, I was much more composed after that talk with the professor, and I fell asleep much more easily, out like a light within ten minutes.