RWBY Belongs to Monty Oum and Rooster Teeth
OCs are mine
ANGR
Chapter 7; Class Dismissed
At the crack of dawn, the sound of a crowing rooster echoed across the countryside and city of Vale. The rising sun shines and graces the rural landscape and urban jungle with its inviting warmth. It's time to wake up and be ready for another day.
Within the Academy of Beacon, most students are either fast asleep, just started having breakfast, or doing something else as there is no rush. Their first class for first years doesn't start until nine which is a well deserved start for newcomers. Since the dorms are within the academy grounds, there's no need to worry, unless those with a bad habit of sleeping in would equate to being late for class won't make a good first impression, especially on the first day.
For a world that's filled to the brim with all kinds of threats and problems that are being dealt with on a daily basis, it's best to have a positive outlook when you are here to learn how to protect the world against said threats and problems. Even being new here, nobody wants to leave one of the best academies in Remnant with a bad impression just for being tardy. They must live up to those standards.
Inside one of the dorms which currently belongs to team ANGR, the four teenagers were quietly sleeping in their respective beds in a peaceful slumber.
Adam and Nigel were sleeping quietly, curled and wrapped up in their blankets peacefully. Gale was lying spread out with a leg hanging limp off the edge of his own bed, his blanket was only covering his midsection, while breathing with his mouth open. In Rocky's corner, he can't be seen but there was a visible lump under the blankets and the sound of an odd, exaggerated snore that only a sleeping cartoon character would sound like... as his sheets cartoonishly inflate and deflate upon each inhale and exhale.
This is the first time since either of the four have slept in a really comfy bed in a while; either outside the kingdoms, in the wilderness, or even in their own makeshift residences that doesn't involve indoor hotels which can be costly and shady or spending the night in other people's homes as a guest only by necessity. The dark room slowly illuminated as the warm rays of sunlight beamed through the window like the morning gates of paradises from the heavens above.
The first eyes to slowly open belonged to that of Gale Hathi, adjusting to the brightness of the room. After staring at the ceiling for a little while, he slowly shifted his massive body and rose from his bed, unleashing a satisfied yawn as he stretched his arms out that loosened the stiff muscles. An old habit being an early bird getting the worm like he did that a lot back in the jungles of Sanus. The days when he gets up to go out doing his morning training with his grandfather just to get a gaze upon the beautiful and blazing sun rising over vast jungle, on top of that mountain he once lived on. He also loved the feeling of exhaustion leaving him very hungry to enjoy a well earned breakfast, especially from his grandfather who used to cook such delicious and healthy meals… until he started hunting, gathering, and making food for himself….. Good times.
He sat at the side of his bed, looking across the room… to Adam's corner. The leader's back is turned and his mask laying on the nearby wooden stand next to his bed. Gale felt slightly curiose of wanting to walk over and get a look at his partner's face… but he mentally shook off that tempting feeling since he respects Adam's privacy and will wait until Adam trusts him enough to show him.
It's still pretty early and everyone else was still asleep so Gale decided to do some routines that were push ups, sit ups, squats, planks, handstand push ups, one finger push ups, and other varying types of exercises in the middle of the room; Four hundred reps….. Each.
A half hour passed, the sun continued to rise and more sunlight seeped into the room which Gale happily welcomed, feeling the flowing warmth across his body. It was a matter of time until everyone else in this room woke up.
From one of the three beds, the sound of a yawn and shuffling alerted Gale to stop meditating and turn his head to the source; it's Nigel himself as he cracked his neck that was audible to Gale's ears…. but what Gale noticed was Nigel's rather… absurd case of bed head which looked so wild and messed up.
"Well someone's looking all spruced up and ready to go. Eh, Nigel?" Gale happily announced as he grinned at his friend and resisted the urge to laugh but was visibly cracking while having a raised eyebrow.
Nigel rolled his eyes as he puffed a whiff of air to get a lock of hair that was blocking one of his eyes out of the way. Despite the teasing, Nigel couldn't help but chuckle as he didn't even need to sense his emotions; he was just messing with him.
"Ya better watch yourself for what ya mumble out of ya mouth. Ya might one day wake up on the wrong side of the bed yourself, mate." Nigel jokingly replied with a barely visible smirk as got out of bed and stretched himself from the stiffness. "But aside from that; A g'day to you too, Gale."
After their morning greetings, the two decided to stay quiet and take it easy. It's still pretty early and they have nothing else to do so better to do something than just sit doing nothing.
While Gale continued his morning routine, Nigel decided to do some stretches of his own to ease the stiffness in his body but he was more basic and straightforward until he decided to start a conversation.
"So…. that sure was a fun celebration we had last night, huh Gale?" Nigel said to end the silence and a good idea at getting to know Gale a little more, especially when he knows half of who and what Rocky is.
"Yeah, it surely was." Gale says as he stands up and faces Nigel with a smirk on his face. "Never had that much fun in quite a long time when you spent most of your life in the jungle filled with all kinds of death that takes the wit, skill, and power to survive through. I've learned to survive on what I could scavenge and make through my travels."
"Well that's nice to hear of ya, mate." Nigel said. "Ya ain't the only one that with the experience living outside the kingdoms in the middle of dangerous and uncharted territory while surviving on what he could scavenge and fighting off the Grimm around every corner."
"Sweet. Sounds like we're gonna have our share of adventures outside the kingdoms as we make new ones together." Gale finished as he went back to his morning stretches and Gale went back to his meditation that calmly eased his mind, cross legged in the middle of the room.
Nigel then looked at the time on his scroll which is pretty early. "Huh. Seems we're up a bit early and we have a lot of time to spare."
Then they heard the sound of shuffling that made them turn their heads towards their leader's corner. They could see him move under his bed covers but he was still facing away from them. As he stopped shuffling around, he reached out to grab his mask, and sat up with his back turned to them. The silence felt deafening as the bull faunus looked over his right shoulder with his good right eye at his two friends who stared back at him. He looks away as puts the mask on gently, followed by a genuine sigh.
As he sensed a splinter of anxiety coming from Adam's flowing aura, Nigel's sense of curiosity is nipping at the back of his mind at wanting to know Adam's secret behind the mask. Yet, he pushed it out of the way out of respect for his leader and it wouldn't do any good for him either. It's just not that time yet as trust must be earned for it to be enough to share their personal secrets.
As Adam turned to face his teammates, he gave a genuine smirk creeping at corner of his lips that could barely be seen.
"I must say it's a surprise to see you guys up and about." He softly spoke. "Good morning."
"You too, partner." Gale responded back with a smile.
"Likewise." Nigel added, also giving a smirk to appreciate the first day.
Adam's expression went back to nature as he checked his scroll which showed him what time it was. "Huh. Seems we still have a little while until class starts." He said calmly as he put the scroll down. "That should help us get ready."
"ZZZZZ…. ZZZZZ…. ZZZZZ…. ZZZZZ…. ZZZZZ."
The obnoxious sound of cartoonish snoring in Rocky's corner clearly caught their attention. They can see the rising inflation and descending deflation of the blanket…. as dozens Zs were visibly floating and swirling over and around the bed like moons orbiting around a planet.
The three all stared at the bed in silence… couldn't help but admit but amusingly shake their heads seeing how overdramatically obvious that tells them he's still in dreamland.
"Well, it looks like someone is sleeping tight…. perhaps a little too tight." Adam said with a raised eyebrow but an amused smirk, despite his mask hiding his eyes. "Yet, we can't let him sleep in, guys, not when we have a lot of things to do before class starts."
"Oh I gotta agree with ya on that." Gale added as he nodded his head and his arms crossed. "As snug as a bark bug that he is, we sure do have a lot to catch up on for this semester. And besides… ANGR needs him… he's kind of like the thing that's helping us stay together… like the sap of a gummy tree."
"Yeah. Seems like he's already growing on us, despite being the clownish hooligan that he is…. especially that he's my partner no less." Nigel stated as it were a fact which they all could agree on…. with him being some kind of comedy relief which they know will experience for the next four years that they are already looking forward to.
With no time to screw around, the three march over to Rocky's bed, ready to get him up so they can get things done sooner.
As they approached Rocky's bed and surrounded him, Adam was the first to act as he reached out and placed his hand on the covers and gently shook him.
"Rocky. It's time to wake up. Our first day is here and we need you with us." The bull faunus faunus said in an attempt to wake him up.
"ZZZZZ…. ZZZZZ…. ZZZZZ"
No reaction from Rocky as he continued to snooze in dreamland.
Then it was Nigel's turn as he placed his hands on Rocky and shook him rather hard that the bed rocked back and forth a bit harder for a few seconds. "Hey. We have a big day ahead so get up, mate."
"...ZZZZZ…. ZZZZZ…."
"Boy. Guess Rocky's such a heavy sleeper, huh?" Gale noted as he crossed his arms with an amused smirk, thinking back of the times he peacefully slept through his grandfather's heavy and loud snores that were many rooms across from each other. "I can relate to that pretty well." But he shakes his head and has an idea. "Let me try something."
He got out his scroll and tapped on a certain button as he hung it near Rocky's bedside until…..
BANG! BLAM! POW! ZING! KAPOW! KABLOOIE! KABOOOOOM! RING-A-DING-A-LING! AWOOOGA! COCK-A-DOODLE-DOOOOOOOO! LEEDLE LEEDLE LEEEE!
The various loud, destructive, stock cartoonish noises, and yodeling sound effects, coming from his phone that should be able to wake Rocky up for real…..
"….ZZZ…."
Visible sweat drops rolled down their heads written with appalled looks on their faces. Their quirky teammate was still fast asleep despite what Gale performed that could've easily woken anyone that isn't deaf. Nigel suddenly looked peeved as his eyes slightly glowed for a split second.
"That's it! I had enough of your rubbish!" He growled, finally had his patience up to here, as he grabbed the sheets tightly while the other two just watched. "Oi! Quit sleeping on us and get ya lazy tail feathers out of bed so we can get bloody go-!" The kangaroo faunus shouted as he finally yanked the covers aside….than he couldn't finish his rant.
When they expected to see his face, all they saw was a pair of bare feet, attached to a pair of legs and the rest were hidden under the covers.
The rest of the blanket was yanked off so they could uncover Rocky. Low and behold, much to their not so surprised looks, he was fast asleep as he was happily snoozing with a rather dopey grin on his face like he was having a really pleasant dream. What's more is there being a visible snot bubble that inflates and deflates out of his nostril.
Even more sweat drops rolled down their heads at the absurdity of the way he sleeps in his bed.
"For all my patience that's been tested, I'm this close to reaching my limit right now….." Nigel grumbled as if he was on the verge of grabbing him by the collar and shaking him but Adam was focused on the snot bubble that was sticking out like a sore thumb.
"...Let me try something." Adam announced as he raised his index finger and slowly pointed it closer to the bubble until he finally poked it.
POP!
"WAAAAAAHHHHH!" Rocky suddenly jolted awake that his eyes cartoonishly bulged out and screamed at the top of his lungs from the sound akin to that of a popping balloon that startled him. He catapulted out of his bed at ludicrous speeds and landed onto the wall mounted shelves which he held on for dear life as if he was teetering off the ledge of impending doom.
"NO, SIR! I WASN'T STARING AT YOUR BADASS OF A HOT DAUGHTER AND I DIDN'T TAKE YOUR MOTHER'S FRUIT CAKE WHEN YOU WEREN'T LOOKING! I SWEAR!" He shouted with his eyes bulging out of his sockets but he soon calmed down as his sense of reason took hold and realized he was in the dorm room he moved in last night with his buddies who just stared at him with blank stares.
"Oh…. it's you guys….." Rocky said sheepishly as he tapped his index fingers together awkwardly while giving a blatantly trying-to-seem-innocent grin but then realized how he woke and they saw him leap from the bed to up there. "You haven't heard what I just said, did ya?"
The three blinked in silence to what they did hear him loud and clear while he stared back at them blankly.
"You know what? Why do I even bother?" Nigel bluntly said as he walked back to his corner and began sorting through his luggage.
"Yeah. No offense, Rocky. But you were about as loud as a monkey with a splinter in its paw. We clearly heard every single bit of it." Gale said as he rubbed the back of his head for a second before looking back at his bird friend with a rather amused smile and crossing his arms. "But at least we discovered a way that's easy for us to get you out of your heavy sleep mode."
"Regardless. You're up now so we move on to the next phase by getting ourselves ready." Adam declared as he went to his corner and began unpacking. "I suggest coming down from there as we have some things to get done." He finished, not bothering to look at Rocky.
Rocky blinked as he stared at his leader, then at Nigel, who was also unpacking, and finally back to Gale who stared back but was genuinely smiling at him.
"Yeah, I agree." Gale added. "We should make this room feel like home since we're gonna be here for a while." He gestured with his head to tell Rocky to come down. "If we get done soon, we will be able to get a nice shower and some breakfast." He turned around to his corner before looking at Rocky over his shoulder. "And perhaps those waffles you claim you shall make in the morning may be on the menu?"
Just by hearing the words waffles gave Rocky a lopsided grin and actually felt more awake getting ready for the day! "That actually does sound like a great idea! Alley-OOP!" He then comically leaped and did several acrobatic flips from the shelves and gracefully landed on his feet right next to his bed and he too unpacked his stuff.
Minutes have passed and ANGR's room started to feel less empty and more lively, most of their belongings already unpacked; from sacred treasures they proudly display in their respective corners to mundane things that could easily be discarded without a care. Each member was decorating their corners with their things in their way of displaying it.
As some may say; the decor of one's living quarters reflects that of their inner selves.
Adam's corner, like his composed and stoic nature, was basic and straightforward, not trying to stand out too much . A collection of books that he likes to read, including some that Blake suggested for him which he enjoyed. Most being adventure and sword fighting focused fantasies, along with some sci-fi and a few romantic dramas which he reads the least amount of times, despite how much Blake kept encouraging him to try the romantic drama more often. He found an empty shelf near the window and quietly placed them in. He even owns a few sword technique manuals to improve his swordsmanship. He even puts up a poster of a samurai in silver armor who's meditating on his knees, with his eyes closed. His sword laid out in front of him, out in a grassy field while cherry trees and mountains were seen behind him.
There was a message at the bottom that said; "Live by choice and acceptance, not by chance and denial. Be useful and motivated, not be used and manipulated. Make changes and excel, not excuses and compete." He stared at the message for a second until he proudly hung up something on a display rack that's bolted to the wall…. which is a small wooden katana, with visible dents on the edges, that seemed fit for an adolescent child to wield. The faunus traced his fingers across the wooden sword until he continued his chore.
In Nigel's corner, he didn't have a lot of stuff, due to his more solitary lifestyle, after leaving his family's home, of never staying in the same place for too long. Yet, there were some trinkets and personal things he willingly kept. A few wooden carved and uniquely patterned kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, and even an alpha predator known as the Pouch-Tiger, the native animals found only in Menagerie. He also owns common and rare candy bar wrappers, including one that is one of the remaining rare dark chocolate bars that he won back in the tournament in Bartus against Tiny as evidence. But most of all of them…. he places the photo of his family on his own nightstand as the picture is now safely sealed in a Menagerie styled photo frame with tribal patterns on it.
Gale's own corner was a tad more wild and messier, but tolerable and natural, like the jungles of his homeland. From stone carved elephants from his grandfather who made them, to the large collection of various beaded necklaces and earrings made also by his grandfather and some from himself, to rare and unusual minerals that he found through his journey, to some handheld video games on his old scroll which he downloaded all into his new scroll Beacon has given him, to a personal collection of various feathers from different species of birds which he keeps in a specially air tight sealed glass case that proudly displays them which he sets them on his own night stand. As for that one special feather that his grandfather gave, he keeps it in a special little box, safe and hidden. He couldn't help but briefly remember that elephant plush he used to sleep with as a child that he left behind back at home on that mountain. He shook his head as he made the decision to leave it behind and he doesn't need it as his teddy anymore. He has no worry as it's safe in his room back at home that's locked up tight and nobody would go near the mountain it's perched on
And last but not least, in his own corner of what some would call his "nest", Rocky isn't afraid to show it. Thanks to his semblance, he's pretty much decorated his corner with everything imaginable in mere seconds… almost like he's either trying to show off or being a tad bit childish. Action figures and rare comic books. All kinds of knick knacks and trinkets were set on the many tables and nightstands he could put that had enough room; slinkys, lava lamps, snow globes of many types including those having Grimm, some glow in the dark plastic stars stuck to the walls of his corner, posters from all kinds of blockbuster films, all kinds of video games, etc. He even has his secret stash of certain…. magazines that he keeps personally hidden under his bed but is willing to share with his teammates if they are interested.
Other than that, he then brought what looked like some dozens of sheets of paper with many kinds of circus themed doodles and drawings that ranged from stick figures that a five year old could draw to the detailed features that a well talented artist could find impressive. Most of all, he clutches that green orb necklace he still carries around his neck, making sure it's still there with him.
With their corners complete, the four decided to add other parts of the room where Nigel places a welcome mat at their door that says "G'day". He then helped Gale place their wooden and stone carved items all over the shelves and tables. Even having a small conversation about having something in common with carved animals they like to keep.
That's until they heard an argument coming from Adam and Rocky.
"No, Rocky. We're not having that hung onto our ceiling. And that's final." Adam said with a look of disapproval towards his bird friend who was holding a disco ball the size of a beach ball. "Still, I can't comprehend where and how he got that thing in here?"
"Oh come on, Adam!" Rocky jeered as he was denied an opportunity. "Do you have any idea how hard it would be for me to get dat dancing energy of the Disco flowing through my veins? Without this as the source of my boogaloo?! Why must you deny me?!"
"Maybe it would stick out like a sore thumb in the middle of our dorm like that? Not to mention, seeing how big and heavy it looks, it would likely break our table and the entire floor if it somehow snapped from its safety line." Nigel sarcastically snarked as he put dark chocolate scented candles on the table. "We'd all be lucky if the entire floor didn't collapse and destroy several more rooms below us. Imagine how furious Glynda and the custodian would be if that ever happened."
That made Rocky pause just by the mere thought of Glynda and Nevins being completely outraged by that kind of destructive mess despite how easily Glynda could repair it with her semblance and Nevins could just sweep up the remaining dust and smaller bits of debris.
"Can't really argue against that, I can admit." Rocky admitted as he felt like not wanting to face Glynda's fury and especially Nevins harsh disapproval despite only knowing the latter, in a personal sense, for two days. "Still…. Disco ball..." He finished with a look in his eyes and pointed at the disco ball like he's trying to convince Adam to change his mind but he doesn't budge.
"Hold it." Gale decided to step in as it looked a bit ugly. "Maybe it's not a big deal or anything but maybe it's best to not hang it up." He said which caught everyone's attention. "Maybe we should at least keep it, just in case for something special. Like, I don't know….. the Beacon Dance?"
"He does bring a good point, mate" Nigel agreed with a bit of snark in his tone. "Even if I'm not a fan of disco that's pretty much dead these days, it would be a complete waste of an item like that to NOT have for the Beacon Dance."
That made Adam think about it; he can't deny, despite not being a fan of disco, or any kind of major dance club, for that matter, that disco ball may in fact be beneficial and important for the event to keep everyone's spirits up… maybe even Blake's. One lesson his master taught him is that it's best to enjoy every opportunity you can get for every second that counts until you may die at any moment where least expect it, especially being a huntsman.
Adam responded, deciding to be more fair dealing with this. "Then let's settle this fairly by vote." He then raised his own hand to demonstrate. "Those that want to not hang the disco ball up and save it for another time, like the upcoming Beacon Dance, say 'aye' with me."
"Aye." Nigel, and Gale all repeated as they raised their hands in unison.
"That makes three so it's obvious what the outcome shall be." Adam knew what the outcome would be but still decided to play fair. "Those that object, say nay. Sorry Rocky."
"Nay…." Rocky grumbled, barely raising his arm, as he knows there's no winning this debate, as he has to respect the decision of his entire team because this is the way it goes.
"So it has been decided." The bull faunus declared. "The disco ball will be kept safely, in good condition, until the Beacon Dance comes which will be informed to Ozpin. How about it, Rocky?"
Hearing his leader being supportive and approving to save that, Rocky smiled a bit as he spun the ball on the tip of his finger like a basketball until he went to one of his luggages and it somehow disappeared into the smaller luggage with his entire back blocking the entire view. The other three just shrugged their shoulders as they finished the last finishing touch to their rooms.
With the first phase complete, ANGR can now focus on having a good breakfast before getting dressed and ready. Today shall be waffles as Rocky was already in the kitchen, getting out an oversized waffle iron capable of making six waffles in one go, as he was pouring out the batter mix from a box with the brand dubbed "Auntie Millie" with its symbol being the silhouette of a sweet old lady and her cottage that has an industrial smokestack on top of it.
They set the table with plates, the silverware, glasses with milk, and two halves of a grapefruit that Rocky also places in the center. Soon, the waffles were complete and Rocky managed to make more soon after. Then comes the sweet, succulent, mouth watering toppings that's the butter and maple syrup that goes with the waffles!
Everyone dug in as they all got their first bite of the day… and by brothers grimm the waffles are so perfectly delicious that they've never tasted anything so good in quite a long time.
"Wow, Rocky. Just, wow." Gale said with utter delight of the waffles he tasted. "Your waffles are so awesome that I'm feeling like having some seconds!"
"Indeed. Never have I tasted anything this great in quite a while." Adam approved with a smile as he hadn't tasted food this great in a while. Even when he was with the White Fang, most of the cuisine that was served at the White Fang bases and headquarters tasted pretty mediocre. Not that he complained or was picky as food was food in order to live so he just rolled with it. Yet, finding a new purpose in life, lately, has motivated him to take a liking to food that should be worth to enjoy.
"Yeah, mate. They taste as great as my mum's thanks to her skills and years of cooking and baking just about anything. Color me impressed." Nigel added, recalling the times back in Menagerie when he used to live with his parents and sister, always enjoying whatever his mother made for him and the family, especially if it's breakfast as she's the absolute best in that category. The taste of Rocky's waffles reminded him of home for a second until he cuts another piece and shoves it into his mouth.
"Aw no need to thank me, guys." Rocky responded, feeling a little flattered as he was enjoying his waffles while getting out a spoon and sprinkling some sugar onto one grapefruit half as he prepared to scoop out some of its pulp to eat. "It's just me and my ways of learning the many kinds experiences from my many types of many on-screen and off-screen adven-"
SQUIRT!
His speech was interrupted when the juice from the grapefruit, when his spoon poked into the pulp, squirted out and hit him square in the face that some even got in his eyes. When it stopped, he sat there with a drenched face as droplets of grapefruit juice rolled down his face and dangled from his hair. He grunted in pain as he felt a stinging sensation in his eyes.
"...-tures." He hissed.
However, this caused a reaction from Gale to burst out into laughter while Adam and Nigel tried their best not to chuckle but that seemed so well timed for a classic gag to involve breakfast, especially that of a grapefruit.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Gale guffawed. "THAT WAS SO PERFECT I JUST COULDN'T HELP MYSELF!" He further laughed as he tried to steady himself from falling over.
"Oh HA HA HA. That's that's very funny, guys. VERY funny." Rocky grumbled with a glare as he violently shook his head like a dog would to get the grapefruit juice off and then went back to eating like nothing happened.
As the laughter ceased, everyone went back to eating the rest of breakfast.
With their dishes discarded in the dishwasher, ANGR then goes through the routine of showering, hygienic care, and getting dressed. Yet, the outfits they normally wear aren't for today.
They must wear the uniforms that were given to them right after making their team official; to follow Beacon's standard dress code that everyone must follow. That said, Ozpin insists that students should have the freedom to at least wear some customized addition to their attire. In this case, Adam gets to keep his mask on, as he requested from the start. Nigel is allowed to wear his necklace, fingerless gloves, and even his hat but he decides to leave the last one out for today. Gale has his turquoise beaded necklace and earrings. Rocky decides to keep his roadrunner skull belt and the green orb necklace which he keeps snuggly hidden under his white shirt as he ain't risking it getting seen, let alone stolen.
After taking turns with the shower, brushing their teeth and cleaning themselves to freshen up and getting well groomed for the first days of class. They start putting on their uniforms, feeling no embarrassment sharing the same room with each other. In no time, they were all well dressed up when they notice Gale is sitting at the edge of his bed, fully dressed except for the shoes that he's holding in his hands, that he hasn't put on yet.
"You seem to be…. hesitant with your shoes, Gale." Nigel said as he can sense what Gale may be feeling about those shoes he holds before himself.
"Is something the matter?" Adam asked with assurance he and the others will not judge him for this.
"What? Oh. It's not what you're thinking, guys." Gale answered in a reasonable tone to let them know nothing is wrong. "I know what shoes definitely are. It's just… I've never worn them in all of my life." Gale confessed and stared at the shoes in silence.
"Well... congrats on getting the world record for the longest living person without wearing footwear…. I guess?" Rocky tried to joke but they all stared at him in silence which made him sheepishly whistle and divert his eyes away.
"It's just that..." Gale paused to think of something before he sincerely answered. "It does sound kinda silly, maybe even absurd, for a guy like me that's from a jungle outside of a kingdom. Being raised by a ten foot tall, blue skinned, elephant faunus that was as jolly as he was fierce. Destructive against even the biggest and fiercest Grimm and countless bandits that he could crush... and now here I am." He emphasized by clenching his fist to express the awe of how powerful his grandfather was that gave him the reason to become strong too.
The other three recalled the time he mentioned about his grandfather and never knowing his own parents. He's got nowhere else to go so they feel more sorry for their teammate and declare they should be there for him if he's at his lowest. Even Rocky felt very sympathetic to his bigger buddy as this felt similar to his own early life… aside from having a shackled early childhood that it weighed him down and slowly drained his innocence away from him.
Thankfully, that had changed him for the best when he later became a big star from his one and only trainer he greatly appreciated who cared for him in return…. the same person that helped him deserve his freedom….
"Since then, I had to carve my own path to survive, when I was just a boy who barely understood the outside world…. after I helplessly watched him slowly fade away before my eyes as there was nothing I could do to save him." He sighed.
"The more I think about it, the more I begin think that maybe he knew he didn't have much time left in his life and I would be left alone." He calmly spoke like he felt it wasn't fair and wanted an answer why must this had happened to him... but he already accepted that reality long ago and knows all the grieving, weeping, and outbursts of frustration he had done will never bring his grandfather back.
"So he taught me everything he knew so I could be ready to fend for myself... so I could continue to live on... with this he gave me as a final gift out of his love and devotion to me." He whispered, gesturing to his back where his tattoo that was on his back hidden underneath his shirt.
He than glanced at the open window, seeing the sun and the clouds displaying their beauty for the world to look upon, which filled his spirit back up as a reminder to continue to live what he's fighting for…. whenever if it was his imagination or not, he swore a passing cloud vaguely resembles his grandfather's face.
"I'll still do what I can to make you proud, Grandpa…. I'll make your efforts be worth it."
"We're… sorry to hear that." Adam placed a hand on his partner's shoulder to make him feel a little better. "I know you mentioned him yesterday back in the gorge…. hearing more about him now, he must've been so important to you and it must really hurt that he's gone… it must still be very hard for you."
"While we may never know him personally, it doesn't mean we don't respect him." Nigel added in. "No matter how much you may have been through and how dear he was to you to see him go so soon, we're here for you now. Anytime you might get down in the dumps, remember that we're a team and we'll always have each other's backs."
"Hell yeah we are and we shall stick together like glue and macaroni, until we graduate… or die like flies in a spider's web." Rocky finished which made the others feel slightly perplexed by his odd analogy but his intentions of what he means still sticks.
Feeling better, Gale finally puts his shoes on and stands straight up that he towers over everyone else. "You're right." He smiled as he prepared to step forward like he's ready to face the new world. "So what's on the schedule today-"
"STOP!"
He stopped dead in his tracks before even making the first step. He turned towards Nigel who had his hand stretched out to him as if he was telling him not to take another step forward.
"Gale?" Adam softly spoke to Gale who now looked back at him. "Did your grandfather also teach you how to tie shoes?" He asked him sincerely.
The tallest member looked down and noticed his shoe had shoe laces which weren't tied and he was standing on them. He would've tripped over them if not for Nigel's warning.
"Oh, right…. Shoe laces. Almost forgot about them." Gale mumbled rather awkwardly but didn't falter with this awkward situation. "Well, Grandpa did teach me how to tie knots… but since he too never wore shoes in his life, might as well say that would be a no." He should have reminded himself that he should've tied his shoes before stepping but he didn't look embarrassed about it.
"But who says I can't improvise?" He got on one knee and tied his shoelaces into a knot and did the same to the other. "Thanks for the save, Nigel."
Adam did his best to keep a straight face like he understands but was mentally facepalming. Nigel had his eyes closed and sighed. Then there's Rocky trying not to laugh out loud with both of his hands covering his mouth.
ANGR got a head start without disturbing the other students next door that might still be asleep. A smart idea is to at least know much of the layout of the campus so they explored a bit to understand the academy's layout. The classical architecture and the lush gardens that are needily tended by Nevins were a sight to behold them. They double checked their schedule list to see what class they are going to and they are not too surprised they are in the same classes. A bit justified for this seemingly strange ordeal for the campus is that most teams are encouraged to be in the same classes during early semesters. A necessity suggested by Ozpin for the teams to work closer together that will strengthen their bonds and then they can go separate to different classes later down the semester in the next four years. That said, there is the second choice to those that have the right to forgo that and just take classes separate from the start.
It was 8:55 right now and they had to get going. They reached the doors that they figured out leads to their class the quickest. Rocky takes the lead as he feels like doing the honors of opening the doors for his teammates. However…. Nigel sensed several signatures of emotions that felt like panic, anxiety, and desperation…. coming from right behind them…. and coming in fast.
"GANG WAY!" Shouted a high pitched voice that had to belong to none other than the hyperactive Ruby Rose herself.
Nigel moved out of the way, and so did Adam and Gale as they too saw them coming. Rocky was so distracted getting the doors that his reaction was slightly delayed.
"Huh?" the bird faunus turned around to see what he heard but it was too late as he saw like eight students going full speed towards the door…. and he had no time to get out of the way as he could do nothing but look terrified while shouting "WHAT THE-?!" as he could see nobody but team RWBY and JNPR barreling towards him.
On the other side of the door, it seemed quiet until the doors burst open as the sound of running footsteps were heard along with the agonizing sounds of "OOF! OUGH! OUCH! GAH! OH, THAT SMARTS! OW, MY LIVER! OW, MY LASAGNA!"
"Birdy-I mean Rocky, NO!" Ruby shouted as she looked back at her downed friend and looked very sympathetic towards him. "Sorry for that, Rocky! But we're gonna be late!" Shouted Ruby in an apologetic tone but didn't stop as she and her teammates kept running.
The other three that didn't get run over by the small stampede peered through the doorway and took a good look at poor ol' Rocky who wasn't so lucky. As they walked over and inspected him, he looked like he got trampled by a herd of Dire Sheep. He laid in a crumpled heap with his limbs looking all comically bent and crooked while he was covered in bruises and stained shoe prints visible across his body and eyes were "X" shaped and his tongue hanging out. Swirling around his head were tweeting birdies.
"Rocky… are you okay?" Gale asked in slight worry but Rocky still had the birds flying around him for another second until they suddenly flew out the open doors behind them.
"DUHH…..Did somebody get the registration number on that boat?" Rocky mumbled, slowly having his senses returned while Gale easily helped him up to his feet with one hand but he was still pretty dazed.
"You've taken much worse so you can surely walk this off with your semblance, mate." Nigel said to his teammate as he wiped off whatever dust lingered on him.
"Amusing as that was, we need to hurry and get to class. Don't want to be late on the first day to make a bad impression." Adam informed his teammates as they hurried into their first class with Gale being forced to drag Rocky who was still barely standing on his feet.
Now according to their schedule slip, their first class is involving plant science known as Botany; taught by none other than the one and only Thumbelina Peach, AKA Professor Peach.
Right on time, with mere minutes to spare, they've entered the classroom. Like most academies, it's a typical lecture room with the wide and spacious desks for the students to sit in and the chalkboard against the wall behind the desk.
There were large windows on the right side where plenty of sunlight can beam through and the place was filled to the brim with dozens of potted plants; from flowers to ferns, around and on the desk, on the shelves, and even hung to the ceiling in baskets along with some vines. Thickets of bamboo and grooves of small trees were also grown in here with some nearly touching the ceiling.
There were also many paintings depicting many different plants and even forests in highly artistic detail across the walls. There's even a door that leads to a room that appears to be a greenhouse where even more plants are grown and nurtured. Since the windows were open, many types of butterflies, bees, and even a crescent tailed hummingbird, flew through the windows and pollinated the many flowers before flying back out.
"Wow… I don't know what you guys are thinking, but it sure is a jungle in here." Rocky chuckled. "You think this professor is going a bit excessive on the plants?"
"It honestly reminds me of home." Gale softly spoke as he stared at the many plants, including some he'd recognize to be native in his jungle homeworld.
As they found their chosen seats and sat down, for some reason, Rocky's bruises and even the shoe prints that he was covered in are somehow gone but nobody complained as that saved them time.
Just as the clock struck nine, the doors swung wide open without warning.
"Good morning, everybody!" Shouted the thrilling shout of a happy go lucky voice that chimed and rang like bells, causing some students being caught off guard that they nearly fell out of their seats. All turned their attention towards the source that was a sight to behold.
A tall, young woman appearing in her mid to late 20's with a slightly tanned complexion and light pinkish-lavender eyes filled with life and joy. Her bright, yellowish-orange, hair is tied into a large bun, one of her bangs partially covered one of her eyes, and a few locks hanging close to her face which twirled like corkscrews. Dark pink streaks, like a ripe peach, flowed across her hair which gave her a rather elegant and charming look to some of the students that stared at her. She wears an outfit that also looks like a cross between a dress and a lab coat. Various mixes of pink, lavender, and orange with plenty of floral and insect themed aesthetics seamed into it…. with a rather big cleavage window that could rival Glynda's.
She also wears a pair of bright pink high heels and wrapped around leg just above her heel is a thumbelina flower bracelet. But that's where everyone obviously noticed… just how physically gifted and blessed she is in the chest, hips, waistline… especially in the backside department. Not helping that her outfit seems to be hugging and straining against her entire body which makes her body shape more noticeable.
In layman's terms of her overall appearance, she's downright gorgeous that she could easily turn many heads. More than half of the male students and even a few female students were blushing a little. Rocky is no exception as he was struck in shock of such a beauty before him.
"Oh my. I can't believe myself seeing so many students on the first day this year. How are you all doing today?" The professor said with a charming smile. She walked down the stairs that connect to the desks and seats of the room and headed for her desk, carrying many folders and papers in her arms. "It makes me so merry and excited to have students willing to learn about the plants, not just to learn how to fight the Grimm and save lives. These do have benefits that could be useful, by the way"
"Woah…." Rocky muttered in awe just by staring at her shining beauty and her glorious figure as she walked past him and his buddies, getting a closer look at her that never has he seen a woman this beautiful in a while. Since she walked past him and towards her desk, he was…. staring at something of her that would also fit her name. Adam, Gale, and Nigel were also starring but only for a second and did their best to avert their eyes away from there out of respect and dignity.
"Nigel… I want you to pinch me to see if I'm really dreaming." The bird faunus nudged his marsupial partner who didn't budge without taking his eyes off the professor.
"Tch. Do it yourself, mate." Nigel responded with an annoyed tone in his voice while giving Rocky a side glance of indifference.
She reached her desk and set down all her papers and folders as she gave a bright smile and clapped her hands together to everyone in the classroom like she's so ready for today. "Alright, class. I bid you all a big welcome to Beacon Academy!" She announced while she got a piece of chalk and started writing on it on the chalkboard.
"Alright then. To all who are wondering about me, I'm Thumbelina Peach but you can call me Professor Peach." She chirped as she finished writing her name on the board that says "Professor Peach!" in cursive with the dot of the exclamation mark being a flower…. and lots of butterflies and other flowers surrounding the writing.
"Well that's surely an enthusiastic way for a professor to introduce herself." Gale said in slight amusement, wondering if all that was even necessary but he wasn't complaining as he would be more than glad to have a teacher that's all chipper and friendly than just being plain and boring like they don't even want to teach anyone and would rather hang out in the professor's lounge.
"Indeed, that it seems." Adam responded. "But like every professor doing their job, she's got the responsibility to teach us how to be ready as a huntsman, including plant science. So we must respect her efforts and take her class seriously."
What their leader just said may not be entirely wrong. Even something as simple as plants can have their uses.
"Now, as your professor in botany, it is my job to teach you about plants and the benefits of using them to survive outside the kingdoms." Peach continued as she started opening her files and getting out some papers that are her notes as she turned her eyes to the crowd of her students she's going to help learn. "It might sound boring but there are some things that might interest you if you are willing to study and learn with my guidance assisting you, I assure you."
"She does have a point." Nigel pointed out as he silently thanked his mother for teaching him how to survive out in the wildernesses of Menagerie's most barren and unforgiving places, knowing a good amount of knowledge on plant life on what is safe and not safe to eat. "This could be interesting. It might even be a little fun."
"Same for me." Gale replied with a smile as he recalled his knowledge on which plants were safe to eat and what weren't safe, thanks to his grandfather sharing his knowledge with him.
"There's no rush to this, students." The charming professor continued with an assured smile as she wants to be fair and trustful. "We're just going through basic introductions for today and I'm willing to go easy on you compared to the stricter professors in this academy." She also raised an eyebrow to everyone. "Just make sure you have your notebooks and supplies that you are assigned to have to write down notes and to write. Now then…."
Much to everyone's surprise, she gestured her hand out… and one of the nearby potted plants that was a large fern suddenly grew and extended out like some kind of appendage as it reached and grabbed what looked like a remote which it gently handed over to Peach.
"It appears we're witnessing her semblance." Adam informed his friends and teammates with c.
"Seems to be, mate. A rare kind that involves manipulating plant life." Nigel agreed and added as he used his semblance to see her aura, which is a peachy pink, working in motion with her semblance.
"Thank you." Peach said to the fern as she turned to everyone as she pushed the button on the remote that caused a slideshow to appear on the chalkboard. "Now then. How about some interesting stuff just for fun?"
Time has passed as Peach preceded her introduction. She tried to make it interesting by showing an entire slideshow of many plant species, including many that bare beautiful flowers people smell and the bees pollinating them, the trees and their many uses that mankind has used and still do to this day, the fruits and vegetables people consume, the more primitive plants that work and reproduce differently through spores rather than seeds. Even showing that plants, like all living things, have their own unique aura they possess that Peach herself finds most fascinating about. Plants weren't the only subject as insects were also brought up since they have a major symbiotic relationship with them that help their reproduction and produce better and more edible results.
The students, even the ones who aren't complete nerds with plants, find this highly fascinating thanks to Peach's way of making them feel interested with her slideshow and voice that was both charming for a pretty young lady and a bit geeky for a botanist like her.
"You know, for a class that focuses on plants, she does a really good job making this topic interesting that makes us want to learn more." Nigel admitted as both Gale and Adam nodded in agreement. "Even compared to my knowledge on what plants, she's a perfect expert on this."
Rocky can't help but stare at the professor more often than the subject but he remains focused on what she's trying to teach. Perhaps botany might be just as important in Beacon as it is with more seemingly relevant classes that focus on dealing with the Grimm.
"Is it me or is it getting a little hot in here?" Rocky thought as he pulled on the collar of his uniform to let some steam out since the professor is kinda pretty and cute…. No, he can't be thinking like that. He has to be respectful to professors like her… it's not like she's single and is likely taken already…. right?
"Now before you are all dismissed, are there any questions?" The professor asked with a smile, hoping she didn't disappoint them in boredom.
Several hands were raised that actually made Peach feel grateful and happy that she succeeded in not making this all boring.
"It seems there ARE some people that are highly interested." She tapped her chin as she looked around the room to see who to pick… until, she noticed in the corner of her eye, four certain students that she instantly recognized. She slowly raised her finger. "How about… you four? Or, more specifically, Team ANGR?" She finished as she snapped and pointed her finger towards the four which caused nearly every plant in the room to contrast and point at them as well.
"Hold on…. Us?" Rocky said as he gestured to himself and his teammates.
"Yes." Peach answered with a smile on her face. "You all did raise your hand to ask a question, did you not?"
"GASP! I can't believe it… she actually chose… US." Rocky said in complete glee as his eyes were filled with stars and his cheeks slightly red. Adam and Nigel, especially Nigel, rolled their eyes at Rocky since Nigel can sense another emotion in Rocky that he would rather not verbally spececify.
"Huh. Seems we're just that lucky. As lucky as being saved from the cyclops which almost disintegrated us." Gale deadpanned dryly. "What were the odds of that?" Yet, that memory of nearly dying yesterday was still fresh in his mind and he surely could call that pure luck it still gave him slight chills.
"No…. It ain't luck this time. I sense her emotions implying she didn't choose us at random." Nigel thought to himself. There was nothing suspicious or malicious coming from her but he just wants to make sure. As he further sensed her, all he can get is genuine kindness so it left Nigel to take it easy but wants to make sure. "Perhaps that she knows us from our battle with Cyclops…. And everyone witnessed as they were just as amazed. Not to mention Ozpin further congratulated us for such a feat so now we're kinda popular in a way ..."
He gave thought as he envisioned people cheering and calling out to him and his team how awesome they are… and silently shook his head.
"I'm just here to be a huntsman so I can get paid by the boatload in record time, not some celebrity seeking fame and glory." He thought with consideration as he's not a kind of guy that shows off seeking attention like he's some badass despite the fact he kind of is. He couldn't help but smirk a little as he looked at his teammates.
"But perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to share it…."
"Very well." Adam answered as he stood up as his other friends did. "Would you give us a moment to discuss it, please?"
"Of course." Peach replied politely. "But don't take too long before the bell rings, okay?"
The four gathered around each other and formed a huddle circle as they whispered together. With Adam's leadership and his friends willing to follow him, even if they aren't entirely on board with it, they managed to find a good and simple question they can all agree on….. that is, Rocky had a goofy look on his face which made the other three give him blanked stares.
"No, Rocky. We are not asking her that question, especially that it's not appropriate." Adam bluntly stated to Rocky who's face of joy and even his entire head literally deflated into disappointment, like that of a deflating balloon, complete with the comical sound effect of it. "And even if we did this by vote, it's still three to four."
"Just accept it." both Nigel and Gale said at once.
"Awww…. fine." Bemoaned the road runner faunus but didn't complain any further as there is no further point in it. "Maybe next time."
The four turned their attention back to Peach as Adam spoke up.
"The question we wish to ask you is about the involvement with plants and aura, especially with what seems to be your semblance." He explained. "What you showed has astonished us, as surely as everyone else here. Must it be true that your semblance is capable of manipulating those plants to your will?"
Peach raised an eyebrow but seemed curious nonetheless from what she's hearing but continues to listen.
"It seems to be a rare semblance to involve manipulating the aura of plant life. It does seem to hold so much potential for what it can do. We ask permission if you would care to elaborate more on that?" Nigel said.
After several seconds of silence, Peach placed a finger onto her chin and pondered for a moment before happily replying.
"Hmmm. To your credit, I'll admit, that's actually a pretty good question for the day." Peach replied as she flexed her fingers that caused some of the plants to move and extend. "Since I started working here, I always get random questions that have nothing to do with my work; either something that isn't so trivial to my career or just something so randomly silly; like asking about gluten free cake." She chuckled at the last part as a few other students did too.
"But yes, my semblance can in fact control plants by manipulating their aura to make them do things like grow at a faster rate, produce more ripe fruit, than they ever could without my assistance, heal from diseases, and even…. capable of benefiting to our society and to protect people from the Grimm." She continued as she gestured a hand and made many of the flowers to fully bloom into many vibrant colors which attracted many more butterflies and bees.
"That is my specialty that shall be used as my duty for the greater good." She finished as some random vines placed some flowers in her hair.
"Wow…" Most of them said in awe of that performance.
"I'm telling you guys; just who is she, exactly, and why is she so awesome?" Rocky also said in awe that stars were in his eyes.
The bell suddenly rang which indicated class was over.
"Well. That is it for today, everyone." Peach announced as students began to leave their seats and headed for the exit to the next period of their designated class. "Be sure to think ahead when the actual studying begins so I advise you start reading pages one to thirty two. I bid you all good luck and hope you will enjoy attending Beacon Academy for the next four years. Study and train hard! And especially be ready to protect Remnant when the worst is to come!"
Everyone left the classroom but not before Rocky took a gander at Peach one last time at her radiant looks, who gave him a genuine smile, before departing with his teammates.
Once she was the only person standing in the room, Peach's beaming smile slowly faded into that of slight exhaustion as she slumped back into her chair.
"Phew! Oh my goodness..." Peach sighed as she took a deep breath of relief. She said to herself as she stared at the ceiling. "I thought I wasn't gonna keep my cool any longer than I thought I could….."
Regardless of how much she wanted to look good in front of everyone, it feels so pressuring and challenging to put in some effort looking and feeling happy and bright to her students. Yet she was satisfied, regardless of that.
A very good performance of her semblance that impressed everyone was also a bonus for her. That's good.
As she stared out the windows, listening to the song of the chirping birds and watching the dazzling butterflies feeding on the nectar of her flowers, she slowly reached up and gently undid the bun in her hair which caused it to fully unravel that it flowed out to her shoulders and picking the flowers out of her hair. Giving her a more elegant and regal addition to her appealing beauty.
"But I will never quit and let everyone down… no matter how much I must keep a straight face and not let everyone down." She said again as she looked over to a potted plant on her desk which housed a few thumbelina flowers of various colors. She waved her hand as it glowed which caused the flowers to move and dance in tandem by the movement of her hand.
When she grew bored with the flowers, she then looked over on the other side of the desk and saw what looked like a picture on a small portrait holder. It was hard to tell what the picture is but it vaguely resembles a person hiding beneath a hood with only one eye shown…. that was dark blue in color.
"Sure wish you were here with me right now…. to see me performing what I love doing. Someday, we'll see each other again…." She whispered softly and traced her fingers across the photo. She subconsciously made some of the flowers bloom and even some of the vines to tangle above her into the shape of a heart….. "Someday." She whispered.
Her focus on the photo was interrupted when she heard the sound of footsteps and chattering that grew louder by the second. The next class is about to begin for her.
She instantly stands back up and quickly waveed her index finger that commands some of the hanging vines above her to reach down and tie her hair back into a bun in a split second. Just before the doors open, she straightens her face into a smile and greets her next period of students.
She formed a bright smile on her face the next period of students who are now entering.
"Someday…."
In the hallways, it's very lively with the sounds of chattering and footsteps of the students heading to their next period as they get at least.
"I'm telling you guys." Said the voice that is Rocky's as he and his three friends are walking together through the hallway to their next class. "Didn't you see how great she looked up close when she walked past us? I swore she smelled like a field of flowers with a hint of peach."
"Not surprising you would be talking about her like that, considering what you read in your free time." Nigel snarked to his partner.
"I-It ain't just that! I may be a bit of a perv and all that but at least I admit it. I do have standards, though." Rocky countered back. "Sure, she looks beautiful and hot but I also highly respect her as a professor of this place and I highly admire she really loves and is dedicated to her job." He said with honesty that Nigel can read and confirm he's not lying. While they didn't say anything else, they all agreed Peach had made a pretty good impression for a professor that wasn't dull as she tried to spruce things up, especially on the first day. Hopefully, every other professor is also interesting and not a bore to them.
"He's not wrong." Gale said.
"Yes. I sensed her emotions and she clearly does love her job." Nigel confirmed.
"Either way, we have more classes to attend today so expect to get very busy in the next several weeks. First semester may seem easy but you and I know it will get harder later on." Adam informed his teammates as they rounded a corner.
"Either way, guys. I wonder if our next professor is also a gorgeous looking-OOF!" Before he could finish his sentence, the bird faunus felt a slightly sharp pain in his gut like he walked into something pointy and blunt which nearly knocked the wind out of him. Adam, Gale, and Nigel instinctively tensed their muscles as they came close to getting into their combat stances as if they were being attacked by someone for harming their teammate. Despite their dedication to protect each other from danger, they knew better not to jump the gun as they instantly inspected what they saw and calmed down.
Rocky looked down and saw what hit him that appeared to be the blunt tip of some kind of staff, until his eyes trailed it down and realized…. It's a mop…. in the hands of someone that he can't help but sense it's somebody he knows.
Rocky slowly lifted his eyes up and he's staring into another pair of eyes and a raised eyebrow that clearly tells him his patience is running thin.
It's none other than Nevins the custodian who stood in the middle of the hall, still poking the tip of his mop against Rocky from making him take another step forward.
"Enjoying your first day in class, eh, young man?" Nevins said with a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
"Oh! It's you, Nevins, the custodian!" Rocky said as he stepped back and rubbed the spot where the janitor's mop poked him. "It's great to meet you again….. but jeez, what the heck was that for poking me in the gut? That sure hurts, you know?"
"Hmph." the grumpy elder grunted but answered his question nonchalantly. "You should be more perceptive to your surroundings, lad, even if it's less than a hazard."
The custodian pointed his finger to the floor which made ANGR notice how wet it was that they would have slipped and fallen. Next to Nevins was his mop bucket cart and a floating hologram that said "CAUTION! WET FLOOR!" complete with a slipping stick figure on it.
"Even a mere disciplined child would easily spot this and avoid it at all costs." The custodian said, sounding and looking disappointed like he knew Rocky was better than that and wished to do better.
"Oh…. right." Rocky said awkwardly as he scratched the back of his head. "I'll improve better, don't you worry!"
"You better improve yourself. Or so Brothers Grimm help you I shall have a word with you for smearing Beacon's reputation as one of the finest academies in Remnant and feeling like that battle with that cyclops was all just a disappointing ruse!" He narrowed his eyes, being weary of the bird faunus.
"Don't worry. I shall improve myself…. wait, you saw our initiation?" He asked in surprise after making his promise to do better..
"This again…" Nigel sighed, knowing they are gonna be here for a little bit, despite having some time left before next class starts.
"Just because I'm the custodian cleaning this sacred academy doesn't mean I miss out on every detail outside of it while on duty." The elder replied but wasn't annoyed, as he went back to mopping the floor.
"In fairness, I'm pretty sure EVERYONE here and maybe even much of Vale witnessed that as there were drones everywhere." Adam pointed out and is likely looking forward to getting used to the unwanted attention they likely have to endure. Even a Huntsman in training is quite popular to the citizens for their skill and bravery protecting humanity so it's a good idea to think ahead.
"Anyways, since we're all here meeting you, I might want to introduce you to my team." Rocky gestured to his friends to introduce them to the custodians. "Nevins, these are my teammates and friends. My leader, Adam Taurus. My teammate and friend, Gale Hathi, and my best bud/partner Nigel Arvo." He said as they nodded to him out of respect
"Ah yes. Team ANGR, if I'm not mistaken." Nevins said, turning his attention to them and giving a greeting and respectful nod in return. "A pleasure to meet you, young chaps."
"Correcto, you are." Rocky approved as he turned to his teammates and gestured his hands to the elder. "Guys, this is Nevins. The custodian of Beacon Academy whom I met the day before yesterday."
"G'day."
"How ya doing."
"Nice to meet you."
Each of the three greeted in earnest respect.
"So you apparently know Rocky that well, Mr. Nevins?" Adam asked in slight curiosity which made Nevins give a frown.
"Hmph. Not exactly, lad." Nevins grunted as he gave Rocky the stink eye. "The way we actually met was more like an absolute disaster and a nightmare, if you ask me."
Adam, Gale, and Nigel raised their eyebrows and turned their heads to Rocky who looked to be breaking down in distraught upon realizing where this was going.
Nevins cleared his throat. "We met briefly, in the gardens near the courtyard, barely had a conversation, shared our names, then he moved on…. only for us to encounter each other AGAIN that night…. where I was FORCED to share my living quarters with him due to some "incident" that Miss Glynda informed me about."
"So that's where you went after that awkward commotion with those girls that seem oddly obsessed with you." Gale pointed out with a raised eyebrow.
"Let's not get into THAT, guys!" Rocky gritted through his teeth with embarrassment written on his face. "It was one time!"
Surely, that night was an absolute nightmare. Nothing but an entire hour of hearing Nevins' ranting and raving on why Glynda forced him to share his quarters with the bird faunus…. and his dreadful snoring was even more obnoxious that he barely managed to fall asleep with a pillow over his head…. and that one moment he thought he was kissing a bikini girl in his dreams when he woke up kissing Nevin's boot unintentionally….. he barely kept himself togheter from shuddering from that thought.
Nigel couldn't help but chuckle in amusement as he can sense the many distraught emotions Rocky is giving off, much to the latter's disdain of knowing that he gives Nigel a glancing stink eye of his own.
"This is getting a little weird, guys." Gale said to Adam and Nigel but this does feel new and interesting since he's experiencing a lot of new things outside of his jungle homeworld.
"This is Rocky we're talking about, Gale. Might as well get used to it." Adam snarked but he was clearly feeling amused a bit since he's actually loving this new kind of life compared to being a former faunus rights rebel and borderline terrorist. He had his fun but decided enough is enough and stepped forward to not have Rocky get any more distraught and annoyed.
"Alright, alright. We get your point." The bull faunus stepped forward as he extended his hand out for a handshake. "As…. interesting as it was to hear how you and Rocky met and such, I like to say it's an honor to meet you as… Rocky's acquaintance."
Delighted by the politeness, Nevins extended his hand out and gripped Adam's as they both gave a firm handshake. Though, Being so close to Adam, he got a good detail on the young man's mask and wondered what he's hiding behind that mask, as decorative and stylish as it is, but he digressed and answered in return.
"An honor, indeed, Mr. Taurus. An honor to all of you" Nevins said back with a little smirk as they let go and Adam returned to stand with his teammates again. "I don't make conversations very often as Beacon is a wide and vast place to keep it all polished up but I do appreciate the opportunities when given."
"With all due respect, Mr Nevins, but are you really a custodian?" Gale asked in
"Of course, that I am." Nevins said in slight confusion. "Why ask a question as silly as that?"
"What I'm saying is that I've heard that most academies these days use androids as custodians since the day they were mass produced." He explained as he made the old man frown and scrunched his brow into anger that only made the towering boy feeling like he was shrinking under his glare. "I was… just wondering, no offense."
"Bah! Poppycock!" Nevins spat in annoyance from hearing that. "Those tin cans are the reason I despise technology! I'm not like those fragile pieces of scrap, especially made and deported from Atlas, of all places! Following their programming that isn't even their own conscience without question and spazzing out without warning! I'm a being of flesh and blood that has a consciousness and a soul that can think his own decisions and make his own choices when working!" He ranted as he started to mop a bit too roughly that he accidentally caused a splash that nearly hit ANGR in their faces.
"Ozpin hired me on the day we met and he would never replace me! I owe a lot to him in return for that!" He further shouted as he mopped even harder that he threatened to snap the mop in two.
"I think you unintentionally struck a nerve…" Nigel whispered to Gale who now wished he took that back. That last part of hearing about Ozpin hiring and keeping him as the custodian was an interesting and quite endearing thing to hear from what Nevins is claiming, however.
"What Gale was trying to say is he hopes for the best for you to continue what you love doing here, Mr. Nevins." Adam says
Before Nevins could respond, they heard someone yelling through the halls.
"Weiss!"
"What?!"
They all turned their attention towards the racket coming from the other side of the hallway, appearing to be Ruby Rose and Weiss Schnee with the former in her dress code uniform but she gets to keep her cape on while the latter is in her default outfit that she would normally be wearing which hints she was doing some combat practice, especially they can see her signature weapon strapped to her hip.
"What's wrong with you?! Why are you being like thi-" Ruby shouts, trying to understand what is wrong with Weiss.
"What's wrong with me?! What's wrong with you?!" Weiss interrupted Ruby with anger in her tone.
Much to the confusion of the boys and custodian, the two appear to be in some kind of conflict and Nigel himself could already tell that by his semblance.
"Oh look. It's Ruby and Weiss." Gale said in slight surprise to see the two out here but felt worried about what's happening since it's a tad crowded in the halls with passing and chattering students. "They seem to be arguing."
"They are in some kind of heated argument. Weiss appears to be upset and not pleased with Ruby who's as confused and a bit regretful." Nigel spoke as he narrowed his slight worry. "It seems like Weiss blames Ruby for something that seethes her…."
"It's isn't unheard of to have teammates argue. I've seen it many times." Nevins says quietly.
Adam scrunched his brow, despite his mask hiding that. Every time he keeps seeing and hearing about Weiss, his mood slightly becomes sour and this is only the first day. Sure, he doesn't absolutely despise Weiss since she's here, of all places, when she could've taken Atlas Academy so she must have some kind of reason here but he surely doesn't like her attitude when they first met which didn't help their cases. Now here she is acting so high and mighty towards her leader, acting so entitled to herself.
"You're supposed to be a leader! And all you've been so far is a nuisance!"
"What did I do?" Ruby scoffed like she didn't do anything wrong.
"That's just IT! You've done nothing to earn your position!" Weiss further ranted like she was resenting Ruby. "Back in the Emerald Forest, you acted like a child! And you've only continued to do so!"
"Weiss, where is this coming from? What happened to all the talk about working together?" Ruby then asked more sincerely, feeling as if Weiss had forgotten the lesson they learned yesterday. "I thought you believed in acting as a team."
"Not a team… led by you." Weiss answered rather coldly. "I've studied AND trained. And, quite frankly, I deserve better." Then she turned her back and said one more thing to Ruby before walking. "Ozpin made a mistake."
That last part that came out of Weiss' mouth did not go unheard of. Nevins scrunched his brow that he looked very aggravated while he tightened his hand around the handle of his mop with an iron grip so hard that he threatened to snap it in half but kept his composure. ANGR clearly did not tolerate what they just heard and they all narrowed their eyes at Weiss in disapproval of hearing her say that to Ruby and especially to insulting Ozpin indirectly.
This didn't go unnoticed as Weiss saw them all staring at her with the expressions of disapproval and disappointment towards her.
"What are you all looking at?!" Weiss scoffed at them. "It's rude to stare, you know!"
That only made some narrow their eyes in annoyance from her outburst.
"You know what, little Miss Snowflake? That wasn't very nice of you, especially to your leader." Rocky stepped forward with a disapproving look on his face, despite the little teasing of giving her a fitting nickname for her that made her turn red, whenever if it was a blush or a fit of anger, due to how embarrassing that name sounded to her.
"Indeed." Adam said with slight irritation behind his tone, obviously showing he still isn't fond of her and wants to knock her down a peg. "Just because Ruby always doesn't take things seriously doesn't mean you should belittle her like that. She's still your leader and will be, until we all graduate, whether you like it or not." He said as Weiss glared back at him. "Ozpin made his decision and you must accept it."
That only made the heiress grit her teeth hearing that coming from a faunus of all people.
"What do you know about Ruby?!" Weiss snapped back that she got into Adam's face but he didn't falter and frowned back at her. "She's been getting on my nerves since I met her! It only got more frustrating for me after we became a team! How can I see her as my leader when she doesn't live up to the task of being one?! She doesn't take notes in class, doesn't listen to important lectures, goofs around, and draws crude drawings of Professor Port when he boasts about his hard earned achievements!" She further ranted. "And don't even get me started on what she was doing when I was fighting a Boarbatusk in Port's classroom!"
"Wait. You fought a Grimm today?" Gale asked in confusion.
"In the middle of class?" Nigel said with a raised eyebrow in curiosity
"Is that even legal?" Rocky asked in confusion before it shifted into curiosity. "... and how crude was that drawing? Did it say something like 'Big Fat Meanie'?"
"Nonsense, lads. That's all just part of Port's curriculum." Nevins said with a small smile at the mention of Port, minus the last part said by Rocky. "You never have changed, old friend."
"That's not the point, you dolts!" Weiss gritted her teeth, finding these guys not taking her seriously for what she's going through. "You… just don't get it! I had enough of wasting my time here!" She growled, basically giving up talking to them, as she stomped past them. "Now if you excuse me, I got other things to d-AAAAHHH!"
Unbeknownst to her that she was so angry dealing with the boys that she didn't notice the warning sign of the floor being wet… and her foot slipped in a particularly wet spot that gave her little to no traction that caused her to slip and fall over. Despite her sense of balance in the heat of battle, she was caught off guard and didn't have time to catch herself so she shut her eyes tight and embraced for impact… but it never came as she felt something like a pair of hands grab her arm and waist that kept from falling down and then felt her feet touching the floor again. She opened her eyes and realized she was standing away from the wet floor and a few feet away from the boys, unharmed.
Adam, Nigel, Gale, and Nevins stared at her but Rocky, who was the closest to Weiss, had his hands behind his back and was whistling a happy tune like he did something.
Weiss narrowed her eyes and huffed off as she walked down the hallway.
"You're welcome, by the way! I stopped you from falling down because a gentleman never lets a lady fall down in front of him!" Rocky hollered to the Schnee who didn't respond or even looked back as she strutted away while trying to keep whatever dignity she had left in herself. "She did smell pretty nice, though. Like the evergreen forests of winter…."
"Hmph…. Schnees." Nevins said sourly like he despised saying that word himself. "Always thinking they are so entitled to themselves that they can obtain and do whatever they want with no repercussions. She's no better than an ignorant brat."
"Yeah… I'm starting to see she's a bit too entitled and uptight." Gale admitted.
Adam watched Weiss leave until he turned back to everyone else. "What we don't know is exactly why she would attend this academy when she has Atlas Academy in the kingdom of Atlas, which her mansion also resides at." The bull faunus said not so fondly.
"Yeah. It's kind of odd to have a sophisticated sheila like her to be here of all places. Just why in the bloody hell is she even here?" Nigel finished.
Unless she wants to share her side of the story, nobody will know. But they kinda figured she MUST have a reason. Why waste all the time travelling here and becoming a huntress when she could've done it back in Atlas? Then again, Atlas has a more militaristic approach in teaching huntsmen in training so perhaps she wants to be more of an independent and traditional huntress.
They heard the footsteps approaching them that made them turn around… and there stood Ruby and Ozpin, the former looking a bit better and the latter continuing to show his stoic and wisdom while supping his mug.
"Headmaster Ozpin!" Nevins greeted the headmaster as he nodded out of respect to him and even slightly bowed his head and rested his fist against his chest while his mop held firmly in the other. "Once more is it an honor to have your presence grace these hallways that I make sure are as clean as a fiddle." He continued with a great amount of respect in his tone.
This did made a few eyebrows raise of seeing and hearing custodian suddenly sounding so chivalrous and polite, in spite of sounding so grumpy and senile just a minutte ago. The way he looked… almost like how a knight honors the presence of his king.
The headmaster chuckled, respectfully waving his hand like it wasn't necessary.
"No need to oversaturate it, Mr. Nevins." Ozpin replied with a smile. "Your dedication is more than enough for my approval so I advise you to keep up the good work and then get some rest that you later deserve."
"Of course, Headmaster!" Nevins replied.
"Hi, guys." Ruby waved with a smile on her face but Nigel can tell she's still a little down after her argument with Weiss and her conversation with Ozpin.
"Oh, hi, Ruby." Rocky waved back to his red hooded friend.
"Sorry we ran you over earlier, Rocky." Ruby apologized, still feeling a bit bad that happened.
"Nah. No need to be sorry for that. I've been run over by many worse things before, including steamrollers that flattened me into a pancake!" Rocky explained as he smiled and pointed his finger to his chest.
Several sweat drops rolled from hearing that.
"It seems you and Weiss are in a bit of a disagreement." Adam said to change the subject as he frowned at the mention of Weiss. "She sounds like she doesn't approve of your leadership right now.
"Yeah…. I think Weiss doesn't like me being a leader because of how silly I like to be…. and she told me she deserves that title since she studys and trains more than I do… which I admit it's kind of true." She sighed and scratched the back of her head. "I bet you guys heard it all since it got pretty loud." Ruby said as they all nodded in agreement.
"And that's where I stepped in to give Ruby a simple but important lesson about her leadership which I can address to every team leader in this academy." He said as he gestured his head to Adam as well. "Just remember that every leader needs to know their title of leadership is also a badge they shall constantly wear and must always do their absolute best they can be when leading their team. Otherwise, what point and reason is there to give others to follow you if there's no point in trying to do your best?"
That was a good lesson that ANGR and especially Nevins took heed of. Ruby couldn't hemp but give a cheeky smile hearing that and feels much better.
"Words of wisdom would have never been spoken." Adam said as he looked at Ruby who looked back at him. "Ruby, no matter who you are and what you do, just remember what Ozpin told you and you'll be able to lead your team." He thought for a moment and said one last thing. "Since Blake is now your team member, you must be responsible for leading her while I have my own." He gestured to his teammates. "I've known her for a long time more than any of you do. Please take good care of her, until we graduate."
"I will, Adam!" Ruby chirped as she smiled back and pokes her chest with her thumb. "You can count on me!"
"Good. Thank you for your lessons, Headmaster." Adam says as he bowed his head in respect to the headmaster who nodded back before he began to walk away along with his team members joining in tow. "And thank you for making some good talk, Mr. Nevins." He turned to the custodian who only nodded as well.
As ANGR left, Nevins suddenly reached his hand out and gripped Rocky's shoulder who looked surprised and stared back at him with a confused look.
"I may not have complete faith in your competency…. yet. But I still suggest you continue to learn so you can succeed and make this academy proud, lad. Don't you forget that." Nevins said but his usual cynic and grumpy tone was replaced with the soft and gentle tone of discipline and confidence, backed up by his stone hard glaring eyes that were telling him they've seen many things, whenever pure or wicked. Almost like this man had the spirit of a huntsman himself…..
Feeling his own spirit lighten up, Rocky smiled.
"I sure will!" the faunus said as Nevins let him go so he could catch up with his team but grinned back at the old man and the headmaster. "Watch me and my guys blow all of you away and knock you out of your socks with our awesomeness!"
As they left, Ruby started to walk in the opposite direction.
"Whelp. Guess it's time for me to get to class too." Ruby said to Ozpin. "Thanks for the lesson, Professor Ozpin."
"Indeed, Ruby." Ozpin nodded as he turned his back. "Just remember you've been burdened with a daunting responsibility. I advise you to take some time to think about how you will uphold it."
Hearing that made Ruby turn from happy into slight uncertainty like she was facing an uphill challenge that will put her leadership to the test. She only nodded
She was about to leave but she turned her head to Nevins "Oh, and keep up the good work too, Mr. Nevins." She beamed with an innocent smile on her childish face and her silver eyes glistening. "It's so nice to have custodians like you keeping academies clean!"
Nevins didn't answer and looked a little confused when staring at her. Despite not getting a reply, Ruby walked on as her smile went back to a determined and uncertain frown, thinking about all those words Ozpin gave her, especially the last one to be responsible with it.
As for the custodian… something within him had ticked.
"Keep up the good work, Mr. Nevins! Custodians like you are what makes academies like Beacon so fun to be in!"
Without warning, the old man suddenly heard an echoing voice in his head… one that sounded very similar to Ruby's that it was uncanny to him. He couldn't say a word to her as if never said a single word in his life. Whenever she didn't notice or didn't mind, Ruby just smiled and walked down the hallways.
"Something the matter, Mr. Nevins." Ozpin walked next to him, being careful of the wet floor and gave the custodian a quizzical and slightly curious expression on his otherwise normally stoic face.
As he watched Ruby strided down the hallways, Nevins' vision had altered as if a switch had been flipped. Walking in Ruby's place is a girl of her height with a similar hairstyle and color like that of Ruby's. She also wears a flowing cape… except being snow white rather than rose red.
"I don't know if it was my imagination or I'm just going crazy…. but she reminds me of someone, Ozpin." Nevins replied in a soft, if sorrowful, tone to the headmaster. "Someone that also used to lead a team of her own in this same building…. so long ago."
"You aren't the only one….. that can see it, old friend…." Ozpin replied quietly as he watched Ruby turn a corner, disappearing from their sights. Unbeknownst that Ruby ended up seeing Weiss outside on the balcony of the academy.
Time has gone by, rather quickly as students were met with their professors who all promise they will help them be the best huntsman the academy has to offer. Friendships were made, comradery strengthened, teamwork began to set in, and it was all fun and satisfactory to learn from the professors who were in fact interesting and full of life.
Some even began to improve themselves and see the errors of their ways. Such as Weiss Schnee herself when she learned a big lesson from the bombastic Professor Port who advises her to be the best of what she has and can be, rather than strive for what she doesn't have with an obsession to it. Perhaps his words and those from Adam may be right that she needs to accept it…. If being the partner of a leader seems good enough, then it shall be enough to be a huntress that will help her benefit. Though she may have accepted Ruby as her leader, she isn't flawless and still has many trails of her own to overcome.
As for many, certain students that seem to be special, like RWBY, JNPR, and ANGR are all doing well for the first day, all seems to be well.
By day's end. Most were exhausted with many deciding to hit the hay, even as some decided to study in their beds just to keep up and stay ahead.
Little did they all know…. the road ahead of them will be more than just a few bumps.
Alright. This chapter ain't the best for me and I wasn't exactly enthusiastic but I did my best trying to go through with this without trying to get too specific and over detailed but I did what I could do for a non action focused chapter, especially since this chapter takes place during The Badge and the Burderned episodes of RWBY which I decided to combine into one chapter to just get on with it.
Though, I'm gonna try to do my best balancing things out with my OCs and all the canon characters that we currently know. Sure, I may have focused a bit too much on ANGR and a few other OCs and little on the canon characters but what can ya do when much of volume 1 is not plot focused and just prefers introducing Beacon Academy and it's staff along with the typical school things like dealing with bullies (like Jaune had to do), grades, lessons, studying, etc.?
Now than, I'm gonna do the Jaune arc of him dealing with his bully issues and secret that he does NOT want to be revealed but I've got plans to expanding that in a way while also combining all the episodes into one chapter.
Also, hope you all enjoyed my version of Professor Peach. A shame we don't get much of her in canon (never had an direct appearance as far as we've seen) so I decided to give her a chance and I did my best introducing her in ANGR. I also want to thank my old time buddy, Insane Dominator, for helping me with some his suggestions of the ideas of creating her (including bits of her background) so I give him some credit for that.
Hope you had fun with chapter and see you next time.