Escanor stood on board the airship that is transporting all the prospective students to Beacon Academy however none of the other students drew his attention as he was deep in thought about the...interesting proposal offered by Headmaster Ozpin.

Flashback

Escanor stood on the balcony of the penthouse suite he is currently renting basking in the early morning sun rays, after the events of last night Escanor's blood has been pumping, mostly though he is ashamed that he allowed that fool Torchwick and his accomplices getaway. This is why he always preferred being in the wild there he had no reason to hold back, here in the city though he uses too much and most of the populace gets something worse than a tan. Goodwitch even gave him a stern talking to before they got to the police station.

"Tch who does that woman think she is?" Escanor spoke to himself, she went so far as to even tell him he needs to gain better control of his power and all he had to say to that was

"Mr lion's if you do not gain better control of your power allies and foes alike will be harmed" Glynda Lectured

"You say I don't have control of my power? Who decided that! Do you say I will hurt Allies and foes alike? Who decided that! I decide! and I decide that those who can't handle my power should stand aside for none who are weak should dare stand before the mighty Escanor!"

Escanor chuckled as he remembered the conversation, all that did was make her angrier but when Escanor makes a decision he will not back down from it. He then turned and walked back into his room his eyes moving towards his desk where the folder that Ozpin presented to him is sitting. Escanor walked over to the desk and peered down at the title in bold across the front of the folder TEST: Retreat.

"What an odd name for a test...if you need to retreat then you shouldn't have started the fight in the first place" he reached down and picked the folder up before heading back to the balcony and sitting in one of the deck chairs. He then began reading through the various pages of content.

Test: Retreat

This test is designed to educate those of desire to become huntsman and huntresses that there are times when fighting is no longer an option, that as huntsman and huntresses you can encounter an obstacle that cannot be overcome by strength or strategies.

"Ha! I have not once encountered such an obstacle for I am the obstacle that my enemies need to overcome!" He joyfully shouted and laughed at the idea that he would even consider someone or something that could stand as his equal.

With each passing year we lose more and more huntsmen and huntresses due to overconfidence in the dire situation, so this year during initiation we with to ingrain this idea into the minds of our potential candidates. That is where you come in Mr. Lions.

It is fair to say that you are a unique individual considering your...personality however unlike many who share a similar persona as yourself, you most certainly have the power to...back it up.

I would like to ask you Mr. Lion's if you will take part in this initiation not as a candidate but as the overwhelming obstacle as previously mentioned, I ask this of you not just because of your power but this is the only way I feel this initiation will challenge you for any opponents I get you to fight you would surely overcome. I will explain more about your unique initiation once you arrive.

Flashback End

He was pulled from his thoughts as a high pitch squeal followed by a voice he recognized sounded from across the airship looking over was easy as he stood taller than any others on board. He saw a blonde-haired girl with lilac eyes hugging a smaller girl with silver eyes and black hair with red tips, recognizing the smaller girl a Ruby Rose from the previous night he decided to say walk over and as expected all on board noticed and the crowd parted drawing the attention of both girls.

"It's you!" Ruby shouted once she recognized him the blonde however looked completely starstruck.

"Hello little red, I would say I'm surprised to see you here but we fought together so I would expect nothing less," Escanor said while towering over both girls this also knocked the blonde out of her frozen state.

"Oh my god! It's really you...wait Ruby what does he mean about fighting together!?" The blonde quickly began shaking Ruby back and forth while demanding she explains what Escanor means the man himself just stood looking amused at their antics.

"Yang stop your embarrassing me!" Ruby shouted at the now named Yang which caused Yang to remember who she was standing in front of. Yang stopped the shaking, patted down her hair, and turned back to Escanor.

"Hello I'm Yang Xiao Long Rubys big sister and you actually the Esanor Lion's!" she began calm but quickly changed to excited however this only caused Escanor to laugh.

"Hahahaha yes I am the mighty Escanor, no surprise you heard of me!" Escanor rested his fists on his hips after he spoke Ruby then walked past his sister to stand before him.

"Errm...w-where is your w-weapon Mr. Escanor if you don't mind me asking that is," Ruby asked getting a deadpan look from her sister.

"Ruby, he doesn't need a weapon, haven't you heard any of the stories about him?" Yang asked her sister getting a sheepish look in return.

"do not worry Miss Yang I have not taken offense for I do have a weapon, it's just no foe has challenged me enough to use it" Escanor finished while crossing his arms over his chest gaining a look of shock and awe from Yang and Ruby respectively.

"Can I See it!" Ruby shouted practically bouncing up and down on the spot only to be put in a headlock by Yang "Ahhh no let me go! Let me go!" she failed her arms and legs in an attempt to escape.

"Hahaha, one-day little red you might get to if I find one worthy enough that is" Escanor spoke before turning to look out the window towards the vast blue sky as Yang and Ruby bickered behind him, not long now and they will be landing.

As the airship touched down at Beacons docking area, all the passengers looked eager to get out and explore their potential new home for the next four years however as the doors opened and the ramp lowered all had to stand aside as Escanor with Ruby and Yang in tow walked out into the brisk morning air.

Escanor took in the view of Beacon admitting to himself it was most certainly impressive as he was about to walk off an explosion and shouting caught his attention. Looking over at the source he saw Ruby getting berated by a girl with white hair and a white dress, Escanor immediately knew who this was.

"Weiss Schnee heiress to the Schnee Dust Company" Escanor spoke as he approaches the pair, his voice causing Weiss to turn around.

"Finally some acknowledgment..." her sentence died in her mouth however once she saw who it was "E-Escanor Lion's what are you doing here!?" She shouted with a glare that would have lesser men tremble.

Escanor just stared down at her with a stoic expression before leaning down to get close "now little girl that is no way to speak to your betters" he said clearly while staring directly into her eyes "after all you are an Heiress while I am a CEO, that's not even counting I am Escanor Lion's!" standing back to his full height while being amused by the sheer anger on the girls face, he turned his attention to Ruby who up till now just sat there watching. Escanor offered the girl his hand which she gladly accepted and was pulled to her feet subconsciously placing Escanor between herself and Weiss.

This snapped Weiss out of her anger-induced trance and intensified her glare against Escanor "you have some nerve to speak to me like that, you may run your own company but your still nothing but a Faunus" her tone was icy cold and with one final glare she stormed off.

Escanor watched her storm off with a look of indifference before turning back to Ruby "Let us head to the hall little red would be bad for you to be late" he then walked in the same direction Weiss stormed off towards leaving a somewhat confused Ruby.

"Didn't he mean both of us being late?" she whispered to herself before running of the catch-up.

As they walked a young blonde boy walked up beside them gaining looks from the pair "Hey guys, I'm Jaune Arc, short sweet rolls of the tongue ladies love it" he spoke with confidence but it did not fool either Escanor or Ruby.

"Do they? oh and I'm Ruby, Ruby Rose and this is Escanor Lion's" Ruby asked gaining an embarrassed look from Jaune while Escanor just turned his head back towards the path. They walked in awkward silence, well awkward for Ruby and Jaune before Ruby decided to break the ice. "Soooooo I've got this thing!" she then pulled out her large scythe "this is my baby Crescent Rose!"

"That's so cool!" Jaune praised while admiring the full beauty of the giant red scythe.

Ruby couldn't hold back the grin while continuing "It's also a high-impact sniper rifle!" at this Jaune's amazement went to confused shock.

"A what?" he asked

"It's a gun young Jaune" Escanor explained for Ruby looking over at the young man at this point Jaune completely noticed Escanors presence if his stiff shoulders were any indication.

"O-oh haha that's impressive..." Jaune spoke awkwardly clearly losing confidence in the much larger and muscular other blonde presences, pulling his attention off Escanor he pulled out his own weapon and shield. "This umm is mine," he said meekly.

"Oooo what do they do?" Ruby asked with stars in her eyes however this just caused Jaunes shoulders to drop, noticing this Ruby pulled back rubbing her neck sheepishly.

"They err...well the sword errm stabs I guess and shield can you know block stuff and can fold in on itself..."Jaune spoke while placing both the sword in its sheath and collapsing the shield and placing it on its holster. Before the conversation could get any more awkward they reached the main hall with Yang calling out to Ruby and with a quick goodbye to Escanor she sped of while Escanor himself made his way to stand beside the stage both leaving Jaune standing awkwardly by himself. Once Escanor reached the side of the stage he noticed the glare Goodwitch directed to him while Ozpin slowly approached the stand. Instead of listening to Ozpin's speech, Escanor took this opportunity to scan the room all the other candidates noticing none truly drew any interest from him.

Ruby is the only one in the ocean of people who have gained his attention and that's purely based on the fact that they fought together as not many can stand with him whether it be against or as allies and come out still eager to fight as in the face of ultimate unbeatable power most break. But if Ozpins test goes how he expects it to then she and any who stand with her will get a glimpse at his serious self and only then will he see if she is indeed worthy of his attention.

"Ah, Mr. Lion's I am pleased to see you decided to take up my offer" Ozpins voice pulled him from his thoughts turning his head to look down at the shorter man "Would you please follow me to my office so we can begin this discussion?" Ozpin asked however leaving no room for an answer as he walked past Escanor causing him to look at Ozpins back before following.

As they reached Ozpins office at the top of his tower Escanor looked around seeing multiple different cogs that powered the old clock tower as he was doing this Ozpin walked and sat behind his desk placing his cup of cocoa on the desk gesturing his other hand to the seat opposite "Please sit Mr. Lion's."

Once sat Escanor stared straight into Ozpins eyes and asked "So what is this test you have for me and what does it have to do with retreating?" Leaning back in his chair crossing his arms over his chest waiting patiently for Ozpin's reply.

"It is quite simple Mr. Lions...I would like you to take part in the initiation however not as a candidate but as a test in itself." Ozpin picked up his cup and took a sip of his cocoa most likely try to judge any noticeable reaction.

"You want me to fight them," Escanor asked but it was more like a statement if his grin was anything to go by "Hahaha I accept!" He laughed with such force the room reverberated before he could do anything however Ozpin raised his hand.

"Now now Mr. Lion's before you accept you need to know your part of the test, as I don't want any students to end up in the infirmary or...worse, you will be holding back." Ozpin said and before Escanor could respond he continued "I know you would hold back anyway but this test is focused around control, balance if you will as from what footage I have seen if your power rises yet does not drop until the battle is done and of course one minute you could be simple knocking them back and then next we lose half of the Emerald Forest." Ozpin was calm as he spoke causing Escanor to raise a brow.

"You don't seem alarmed I could cause that kind of destruction? But I will take this test if only to prove you and Goodwitch wrong that I have control of my power for it is my power to decide!" As he finished his voice got louder and he raised his power slightly raising the temperature of the room to the point where his cocoa was no longer cool. Escanor then stood and walked over to the elevator and descended to the ground level once the doors opened he walked out into the blinding sunlight.

Once night arrived all the candidates gathered in the hall to sleep for the night while Escanor decided to take refuge up on the roof. As he sat there taking in the view of the stars he heard footsteps approaching from behind, turning his head to see who approaches he was caught with a familiar sight. "Blake?" he asked surprised to see a childhood friend.

Blake smiled softly, the glow of the moon illuminating her black hair and amber cat-like eyes "Hey Lion" she said walking over to sit beside him, once sat she enjoyed the natural warmth he releases as the night is cold.

"I did not expect to see you here, last I heard you were with the whi-" he couldn't finish that sentence however as Blake quickly cut him off.

"I left" was all she said on the matter showing she did not wish to discuss it.

"Hmm well, that is not important, It is good to see you again although," Escanor said eyes moving to a bow that adorned her head as it twitched.

"I was afraid how people would react so I thought it best to hide them" Blake spoke in a low somber voice, so Escanor reach across and gently pulled the bow from her head after he did this she looked up at him holding her bow in her hands letting the moon shine on two cat ears that were once hidden behind the bow.

"You have no reason to be ashamed Blake, even less reason to be afraid especially with me here" he spoke with confidence that denied any chance for rebuttal, looking into her eyes he gave her one of his rare heartfelt smiles. Seeing the smile Blake blushes slightly as due to them being childhood friends she knows how rare it is to see him smile, grin sure but smile...

"It's really good to see you Lion and knowing you're here makes me feel a lot safer especially with them supposedly being more active in Vale lately" she smiled at him again then moved her eyes to look at the stars with him doing the same "remember when we did this as kids? You would always make up names for each star and would not let any think otherwise" she giggled as she finished speaking thinking about the past thinking it might embarrass him but he just laughed it off.

"Hahaha I named them so, therefore, it is their name" he continued to laugh as Blake just sat there amused realizing how much she missed these moments, with that thought she moved closer to Escanor and leaned her head against his bicep as she couldn't quite reach his shoulder. They sat there in comfortable silence for most of the night as Blake drifted off to sleep.

The following morning was met with much excitement from those eager to take the initiation which was most if not all those present, a few was sent home though as they were caught getting up to inappropriate deeds throughout the night. Escanor stood beside Emerald Forest Cliff beside Ozpin and Goodwitch while they awaited the arrival of the candidates they stood in silence as the students filed out of the locker rooms and gathered before the stage. Escanor looked amongst the crowd seeing both Yang and Ruby earning himself a wink from the former and a wave from the latter, then roaming the crowd once again with his eyes he saw the Schnee staring at him with a look of both shock and poorly hidden anger amusing Escanor greatly. Moving his eyes towards the back of the group he saw Blake standing behind everyone reading what appears to be a book however what really got his attention was the lack of a bow deciding to go speak with he hoped of the stage earning himself a very cross look from Goodwitch while Ozpin when on about another speech on teams of some such scanner did not really care.

"Ninjas of love?" Escanor asked as he walked beside Blake causing the said girl to jump in surprise "never heard of that book before but you always were an avid reader" Escanor said not noticing the bright blush on her face as she quickly tucked the book away.

"L-Lion I didn't see you errm its just a silly book to pass sometime hehehe" Blake replied with an awkward and shy laugh at the end earning a raised brow from Escanor but before he could ask Ozpin gained his attention.

"Once you have paired up and received the relics some of you may encounter a bonus test, it is down to you however to understand the purpose behind this bouns test" Ozpin finished gesturing for the students to take their places on the symbols across the edge of the cliff, Escanor, after giving Blake a quick pat on the head gaining a quite pur and atomic blush from the normally reserved girl walked back over to the stage with a grin that would cause even emotionless Grimm to shiver. Blake noticing this Grimm and Escanor position beside Ozpin quickly realized what the bonus test might be and paled slightly remembering the kind of powerhouse he was when they were younger. Appears she wasn't the only one either to put two and two together if Weiss's smirk wasn't an obvious telltale.

it's been one hour since the initiation began and Escanor waited patiently for Ozpin to tell him he was to leave but he was honestly getting bored, the only reason he didn't voice his thoughts was since his test is about control and his pride would not let him fail in any shape or form.

Ozpin walked up to Escanor and informed him "Mr. Lion's it is time, here this map will show you where to head once the bullhead drops you off" Escanor simply looked at the map then at the bulled before turning his full attention to the forest.

Play Escanors theme

"Do not worry Ozpin I do not need transport" and with a strong leap that cracked the ground, Escanor shot of into the Forest, as he flew over the canopy he quickly approached his destination before he was a nevermore a giant black raven with bone plating on parts of its body that was preparing to launch its feathers at who he assumed was those he was to test. Deciding to arrive in a manner befitting him he reeled back his arm and as he reached the nevermore he threw his arm forward launching the bird crashing into the ground below then he dropped down landing atop the crumpled dissipating corpse of the bird.

He could see everyone staring at him in shock minus Blake and Weiss, the former knowing what he is capable of and the latter to anger-driven to notice how astonishing his feat really was...to anyone but him.

"E-Escanor what are you doing here?" Ruby asked meekly as she struggled to remove a feather then pinned her cape, hoping down from the nevermore Escanor quickly pulled the feather and gestured to Ruby to return to the group which she promptly did.

"If you remember Ozpin told you that some would face a bonus test!" Escanor spoke with a level of power that seemed to blow even the tress into a sway.

Jaune being his usual nervous self asked the obvious yet dumb question "What is our test exactly Mr. Escanor sir?"

Escanor just grinned staring into each eye and analyzing each individual, eight in total.

"You're looking at it!"

End Escanor Theme

Silence, complete utter silence not a single person moved after the declaration. A few namely Yang and Blake knowing full well what he is capable of paling considerably, Ruby just looked sad for what reason though Escanor didn't know Weiss had what could only be described as a blood thirsty grin and Jaune was just downright terrified. While the others; A red-haired girl, a shorter ginger-haired girl, and a male with a pink stripe just looked confused.

Play 'Perfect Time' Seven deadly sins

"Prepare yourselves warriors for I will not hold back!" this snapped then out of the frozen state they were all in as they saw him raise his foot and bring it down onto the ground like asteroid from orbit, the ground shattered under his might those who stood there confused had their jaws drop at the level of destruction before them.

"Good your quick on your feet" quickly dashing forward towards Yang she raised her arms in an X-style guard but it proved to do little as Escanors first crashed into her arms like a truck sending her flying backward crashing into the ruins. seeing an opportunity the tall red-haired girl can be speeding in behind him preparing to deliver a blow to his unguarded back and her surprise he didn't even turn to defend however her surprise quickly turned to shock and a little fear as hear weapon connected and instead of aura hit bare skin, what scared her more however was how little damage she did as without are in reality that kinda blows should have gone straight through.

Escanor turned to look down at the girl his form towering over her "Hmph you believe such a puny attack could damage me little girl" before she could respond however he reached down and grabbed her ankle and spinning while lifting her into the air after a few spins she was launched towards Yang who was just digging herself out of the rubble causing both her and the red-haired girl to go crashing deeper into the ruins.

End 'Perfect Time' Seven deadly sins

"heed my words, I have no patience for time-wasting so come at me with your all or don't bother coming at all!" Escanor stated his form seeming to tower even higher his words shocking them to their cores minus Blake and Weiss. Taking this as a hit to her pride as a Schnee Weiss activated her glyphs and shot towards Escanor but just like the girl before she was barely able to leave a paper cut-sized damage on him and a second later he backhanded her away causing her to hit a tree.

In a panic, Ruby dashed forwards a bit, and in an attempt to buy time she shouted "Your one to talk about 'using our all' considering you holding out on us!" However, as she finished everyone's eyes bulged and stared at her while Escanor began to laugh.

Play Escanors theme

"Hahahaha yes, Ruby that is the spirit...Fine allow me to show you my mountain to your molehill of power!" Escanor raised his hand to the sky causing everyone to tense and Ruby to remember that awesome mini sun power from the night they met. As his hand was raised he seemed to grow and muscles seemed to bulge but unlike previously this seemed much more real "Respond to my will, Divine Axe Rhitta!"

After he said this the very air morphed and began to steam and the ground shook, from the clouds above a golden beam descended land right in the waiting hands of Escanor. Once the light and tremors calmed down everyone got a view of a beautiful golden ax that seemed to pulsate unimaginable power.

Atop the cliffside, Ozpin choked on his cocoa once he saw the ax wielded in Escanors hands "I-impossible" he muttered to himself.

"You wished to see my weapon Ruby well here it is", lifting the axe into the sky to the point where the sun shined behind it illuminating the axe as if the very power bent to the axes very well then with a swift chop the ground shattered once again, however, this time it cratered the ground hundreds of meters across sending all eight fighters including the two who recently climbed out of a hole to go flying crashing into various trees, bushes and each other.

During this tremendous release of power, none noticed it gained the attention of an ancient class dragon Grimm flying directly towards the source of this power.

End Escanor Theme

A Grimm siren blared over the intercoms that covered the forest, Beacon, and Vale.

Warning! Warning! Ancient class Grimm detected all citizens evacuate immediately to your nearest shelter! I repeat-

At this point, Escanor droned out the automated warning system as he quickly moved to gather all those he just battled against and safely store them inside what's left of the ruins as they slowly regained their bearings. As soon as he was done he walked out and stood before the entrance and in the next moment the dragon Grimm crashed down right in front of him.

Play 'birth of a god' dragon ball

"you dare challenge me worm," Escanor said as his power rose to earn a roar from the beast before him, "they say dragons are alpha predators, kings in the skies" Escanor began to walk towards the dragon Rhitta resting on his shoulder "I should fear you? Who decided that! I should run? Who decided That!" while he spoke he pointed his finger to the sky "I stand atop all beings in this world" and with that he lifted his axe a ball of energy forming at its tip "Cruel sun!" he swung the axe forward "Now die!" the last was a cruel murmur but the dragon heard it none the less, as the ball of energy crashed into the beast it went flying back. Escanor turned to walk back into the ruin seeing shocked and awed looks the ground trembled on a magnitude greater than before and in the distance a grand mushroom cloud reached to the heavens indicating the death...no complete annihilation of the dragon Grimm.

End 'birth of a god' dragon ball

No one spoke for no one knew what to truly say after such a display so Escanor just turned and started heading back to the cliff with Blake running to walk beside him the others quickly following behind. Yet not a single one of them knew that within Vale a single random streamer streamed the explosion for the whole world to see many theories popping up to what could have caused such a devastating attack.