I found reading through a dictionary enjoyable.
I found reading through a dictionary enjoyable.
By the stars, that was embarrassing to admit, even to myself. Fortunately, I learned a lot about Remnant that night. Dust was a variable crystalline energy source that was reactive to Aura and sources of great enough energy to set it off. Hunters utilized this substance to power/augment their weaponry and/or Semblances, respectively. Given Dust's strange but no doubt useful properties, I wondered if it could be used to modify my own abilities in some beneficial way.
The strangest term I found belonged to 'The Creatures of Grimm'. The dictionary had three full pages dedicated to various images and descriptions for different variations of Grimm. They were the black monsters I saw two days ago during Beacon's Initiation, and the dictionary wanted to make on thing clear about these creatures; Grimm had no soul, were drawn to negative emotion, and hated humanity absolutely.
Many of the sketches in the dictionary depicted monsters similar to the animals of old-Earth, such as the Ursa, Deathstalker, and Goliath, but blown out of proportion with bony armor plates covering their hide. Some looked unnatural, like the Creep and Beowolf. What purpose would a creature with two legs, a stubby tail, and a mouth have in the natural world? The Creep's existence made absolutely no sense in that regard.
One of the most curious terms in the dictionary was the word 'Semblance'. This was an innate ability unique to every individual with an unlocked Aura. It wasn't something that manifested itself explicitly, and often needed to be learned over the course of one's life. I had to wonder what my Semblance could possibly have been. Maybe I was already using it? The ability to transfer Aura into Void discharges, amplifying the output?
The Schnee Dust Company had no entry in the dictionary I read from. Instead, I consulted the Scroll I was given for relevant information.
The SDC had a monopoly on the extraction, refinement, and distribution of all things Dust. This fact already left a rotten taste in my mouth. I had dealt with enough Corpus to see the extent of their amoral practices when profit was involved. An unchallenged corporation has far more control over peoples' lives than they let on. Ethics fall away, working conditions degrade, and the tactical removal of 'unwanted assets' becomes commonplace. Unfortunately for the Corpus, the Tenno kept a strict eye on their business practices and took action when necessary. The SDC had no such restrictions.
Well, that wasn't entirely true.
While researching the Schnee Dust Company, the term 'White Fang' kept appearing in news articles related to them. Research into the White Fang itself yielded mixed results. Some sources called them Faunus terrorists seeking to commit genocide against humanity. Other sources heralded them as freedom fighters for the Faunus with the goal of equality with humans. Finding any history regarding the radical militants was difficult to uncover and opinionated at best.
The White Fang held patterns, however. Many of their attacks were focused on Schnee Dust Company assets; destroying Dust shipments, active protests, burning offices, liberating work camps, and even assassinations against SDC management. The White Fang lacked manpower and resources to begin a large scale assault on the SDC, so they relied on guerrilla tactics to chip away at their enemies.
I couldn't hold back a smile. The Tenno relied on the same strategies when fighting the Grineer, Corpus, and Infested. I myself often utilized stealth when possible, opting to eliminate my foes before reinforcements can be called. Because of that, I held respect for the White Fang and the cause they fought for.
They wouldn't go to such extreme measures if doing so wasn't necessary.
The gentle thumps of footsteps outside broke my information-gathering stupor. A quick glance out of the window gave evidence of early dawn, with condensation on the glass and contrasting cloud colors. This may have been the first time I watched a sunrise planetside. At least, not while in a survival situation.
Regardless, the students moving outside my room toward whatever they needed to go before classes made me realize how long I had been researching. I dog-eared the dictionary page, closed it, then hauled it onto the desk.
As if on cue, someone started knocking on my door. I could only assume it was either Ozpin or Glynda coming to speak with me about the little incident with CRDL yesterday. While the destruction of the dueling pad wasn't my intention, the security footage of the fight probably won't aid my testimony. I took a quick breath and opened the door.
"Good morning, Miss Tenno." Ozpin greeted me, cane and mug in hand. "I hope your night was not exceedingly boring. May I come in?"
"No reason not to." I replied, moving to lean against the wall opposite the desk. "So why are you here?"
The Headmaster took a seat on the desk chair, turning it to face me. "Cutting to the chase. Alright. I won't bore you with details. First, your destructive incident with Cardin Winchester has been deemed an accident. It was clear that you had no training with your abilities and inadvertently destroyed school property as a result."
That wouldn't be the case if the platform was out of warranty, I thought to myself.
"Second," He continued, "I would like to discuss your future plans regarding Beacon Academy. You can stay and become a student, where your abilities can be refined and strengthened further. Or, you can leave Beacon and explore Remnant on your own. I cannot permit you to stay at Beacon longer than a week without becoming a student or member of faculty, barring extreme circumstances. You will have five days to make your choice."
Ozpin made a move to stand up.
"Headmaster," I said, halting his movement, "I already made my choice; I want to become a student at Beacon Academy."
He settled back into the chair and took a sip from his steaming mug. "I did not expect you to reach a decision so quickly. Admitting you into Beacon will be a rather simple task, seeing as you already completed Initiation. You'll be issued two uniforms to wear on alternating days as well." Sip. "Since the Freshman class has teams of four already, you will be able to decide which one will become a team of five."
"No." I interjected. "I fight at my best alone. Teammates will only slow me down."
Ozpin smirked at my response. "Perhaps being a lone beowolf is your specialty, but this is a school, Miss Tenno. If you lack the knowledge to work with a team of individuals, then why not learn now?"
I looked to the floor and sneered at it. Curse his infallible logic! I wanted to become stronger on my own, not become dependent on kids to do work for me!
The image of my sickly body flashed through my mind.
"Fine, but I need time to choose a team to join. I won't leave something like this to chance."
Sip. "Very well, then. Come to my office once you have made your choice."
Once Ozpin left, I started pacing around the room. Second thoughts flew through my mind like a snowstorm, relentlessly doubting my choice to become a student. They whispered temptations of how easy it would be to leave the campus and find my own way through Remnant. For a few moments, that sounded like a great idea, but I never found the will to act on it.
I chose this path for myself. May as well follow it.
Author's Note: This story is, for me, a learning experience. That's basically what fanfiction is, a medium through which people can learn how to write. I have learned a lot about writing through this story, and I will continue to do so as long as others are enjoying it.
There are mistakes in this story, whether it's characterization, world building, pacing, update rate, or use of clichés. I'm learning, I will get better, and I'm far from finished with this story.
Thanks for reading. Every review helps.