Hey Guys! Long time no see, all this corona stuff has left me with little to no excuse as to why I haven't updated in over 2 months but I still did it anyway lmao. Hope you all are staying safe and remember that not everything is awful! Love you all so much and any feedback is appreciated, apologies for anyone who was somehow miraculously patiently waiting for this xD :3 Sidenote: I toiled around with some canon as you'll see but nothing too intense/story breaking! At least for now lol
New beginnings. Oh, how Ozpin grappled with new beginnings. By and large, they always left him feeling somber yet hopeful. New beginnings mean new opportunities arise that may have never revealed themselves before. New ways of combating adversity and reaching what you desire. New methods of very much 'not' annoying his subordinates as he 'forgot about that paperwork' or 'went to the other side of town because it happened to have a specialist coffee shop'; ah, how he cherished such novelties. But, largely, what they meant for him was rinse and repeat. His campaign against Salem the ever-present monster hiding under his bed no matter what ideas of rest or relief he may entertain.
'By and large, I like to think I've foiled her attempts at the destruction of humanity but she's not known for lacking tenacity. Not to mention the growing tension between the Kingdoms, The White Fang and the criminal underbelly isn't making me feel optimistic. Out with the old and in with the new seems to apply to both sides of the equation.'
Gods, those issues were problematic enough without adding his secretive campaign into the mix. He'd hoped that Faunus rights would've naturally coalesced into an equitable resolution as time went on. Even tapping a door with the tip of your pinky finger enough times tears it open. However, if anything it had only gotten worse. As powerful as he was his influence was only finite, something that no amount of physical strength could smooth over like a beowolf meeting the sharper end of a sword. Though some favour more blunt instruments, young Taiyang comes to mind as explosively as his fist. Ozpin chuckled at times long past.
Ozpin likened his temperament to something in between optimism and pessimism. He didn't believe the future was without hope but he knew that unless people got past their petty grievances the world would be lost. All he and anyone could do was their best under the circumstances.
Not to say he didn't have any tricks up his sleeve…
"Prospective students, staff, Grimm hell-bent on destroying the fabric of our society, we are all here to take part in a test of will. A test to manifest our abilities in the wake of unparalleled danger."
During the beginnings of what seemed to be a lecture, the eccentric Headmaster nodded and turned to each party he spoke of. Turning almost a hundred and eighty degrees to zero in on the forest behind him in a display akin to a well-dressed owl. He returned to face them after a, particularly long pause.
"Your task is simple; there will be a handful of relics located deep in the Emerald Forest and it is up to you and your newly formed partner to retrieve them and make your way back to the cliff face. The journey will be filled with challenges, thick fauna, beasts that wish to tear and rend your flesh in two, sharp rocks...all of these obstacles are designed to rob you of your spirit. To sap away your desire to lead and conquer and only leave you wilted and hollow except for the despair of your failings."
His voice carried a finality to it that seemed bottomless as he spoke, hardly even blinking as he peered down his glasses with steel in his eyes. Some of the teens glanced nervously at each other, swallowing heavily as the weight of the Headmaster's words already seemed to weaken their resolve.
"And then, when you've finally given up, an Ursa the size of-"
"Headmaster." A voice whispered harshly. A female voice that glided through the newborn tension with ease yet seemed to suffocate it with its ferocity. "May I speak with you for a moment."
Turning to his side, Ozpin's face depicted the mirror image of innocent confusion. As if for all the world he had no idea how he possibly could have violated the sacred aura of tranquility that mother nature so effortlessly presented. Nodding to his deputy, he made his way over to her in what quickly became a hushed conversation. "Excuse me, fresh soil- I mean prospective students."
"...soil?"
"Yes, Glynda?" Ozpin questioned.
"Don't 'yes Glynda' me Ozpin, what in Oum's name are you doing?"
"I'm debriefing the children for their initiation, is there something wrong with that?"
"There wouldn't be...if you weren't trying to kill their courage before they've even entered The Emerald Forest. Please try to refrain from such action unless you do plan on encouraging them a little bit. You were going to do that, right?"
There was a pause. Some would say the longest pause that's ever occurred between any social engagement in human history. All that was heard was the slight shifting of feet and the gentle breeze, flowing by like a nomad on a quest beyond the pain of mortal minds.
"...Of course." Ozpin delivered with the sincerity of a brick wall who enjoys the folly of people slamming their heads against it. "What do you take me for Glynda, a cruel and sadistic emissary that wishes to destroy the fragile minds of our potential student body?"
"..."
"You weren't going to do that at all, were you?"
"..."
"A plan not subject to change is ill-made, I assure you your input has been duly noted."
The Combat Instructor's expression could not have been more blank.
"See to it that it is."
Clearing his throat and returning to his prior position in front of the first years, Ozpin displayed no sign of being chewed out by what even the newbies had gathered to be the most intimidating presence on the teaching staff. They weren't sure if they should be impressed or disappointed considering the display so far.
"You may be wondering just how you will be getting into the hellish nightmare- I mean expanses below you. Fear not, these launch pads we have set up will remove any worry on that front."
Most of the teens gathered seemed to pick up on something like that quickly. Positioning themselves along a row of pads, some more confidently than others.
"Wait, how are we going to land without splattering against the ground? Is there some kind of trampoline or…?" A blonde questioned.
Ozpin brought his fingers to his chin, a contemplative visage taking over his form. A spark in his eye coming to life as an eyebrow rose in intrigue.
"Trampolines...now that's an idea I haven't thought of."
"Hello?" The boy asked, panic seeming to seep into his voice.
"Oh", Ozpin startled, "You will be using your landing strategy during your descent."
"My landing strategy?" He seemed to question himself, his voice rising an octave.
"Yes, and I have faith you all will be properly motivated to employ Huntsman ingenuity to solve the issue."
"Ingenuity?! Aw man…"
"Mm." Grunted Ozpin, bringing his trusty mug to his lips before steadily lowering it.
"Ah yes, and the first person you make eye contact with will be your partner for the next four years. Choose wisely."
The rest of the students collectively joined the knightly student in his despair.
Danger. Risk. Threat. If there was one thing Blake Belladonna felt right now it was paranoid. At first glance, it wouldn't seem too unnatural to be nervous or jumpy given the task the Headmaster had just set before them. Being launched into a Grimm infested forest with nothing but the clothes on your back and a piece of metal of some kind didn't exactly scream 'secure' or 'sane'. However, her nervousness; for that's what it was, no matter how much her pride may kick and whine at admitting it, was palpable if you knew her well enough. The slight twitches in her ears, the subtle looks left and right as if expecting a cloaked enemy to strike at any moment, constantly checking her equipment was in order. It all melded together into a picture of a scaredy-cat, something racists everywhere would happily slap onto her identity as a Faunus without hesitation.
Left, right, left, right, stop, sniff, scan; Blake traversed the Emerald Forest with utmost care. You could argue to a reasonable extent that making as much noise as possible was something worth risking if it meant finding someone - or potentially many - people to group up with. Hell, she was pretty sure she heard about three or four guys bellowing out their best attempts at flirting as they ground every piece of fauna they saw into the ground. Safety in numbers and a chance to get to know who you're bunking with? A win-win. Pragmatism was never lost on her. But, unlike many of her classmates, she did not come here to make friends and have a good time. She wasn't here to joke around or see who could gain the most hookups; no, she was here for one reason and one reason only.
To move on.
Adam. Every time she thought of him her heart throbbed with despair. Despite her best attempts to bury herself in the ignorance of naivety, he had become the very embodiment of the failings of The White Fang. Despite how much she wanted to believe he could return to who he was before The White Fang turned into what it is now, the train incident buried any hope of doing so. Destroying Atlas security bots was one thing, but sacrificing women and children? No, even as much as she didn't want to let go that was the breaking point. As much as it tore her apart to throw away what quickly became the biggest part of her life. Damn him...
Shaking her head and steeling her nerves, she soldiered on. As much as she'd like to escape her feelings and move forward she couldn't do that if she failed initiation. She had to focus and make sure she found someone she at least could see herself being amicable with for an extended period. The question was; who?
She'd seen a lot of her future classmates. If she was being frank she couldn't truly gauge much of them besides the fact that they were huntsman in training - which meant they at least wanted to do well at that - and were teenagers. As evidenced by the very obvious looks and glances she and many others had received during the time before lights out. Something that annoyed the part of her that had often been sent on recon missions deep into enemy territory, coming back with nothing was never a satisfying feeling. You may as well say that the grass is green or water's wet. Those jokes got old fast when you're an active member of the fang, she shivered slightly at the horrors of much too little getting done and way too much time on your hands.
Just as she was about to brush her way past some tree branches she heard something. A low growl that her enhanced hearing picked up ever so slightly. Crouching down and finding a nearby bush to hide amongst, she slowly crawled closer. Despite the earlier ambiance of birds and laughter, it was suddenly deathly quiet. The only sounds she could hear either coming from the twigs and leaves she parted through and the opening ahead.
'It could just be a Grimm, they aren't exactly in short supply around here. Better be careful though, there's no way to tell how many may be lurking in the area.'
Blake always preferred to err on the side of caution. The boons of stealth and planning ahead having been impressed upon her since her early missions with The White Fang. However, nothing can prepare you for the blood-curdling scream of someone on the precipice of death. Nothing can prepare you for seeing the light in someone's eyes fade away as they blame you for leaving them to die. It always chilled a part of you you couldn't comprehend. Speaking of which…
"AHHHHHHGGH!"
Before Blake knew it she leaped into action.
Throwing caution to the wind, she slashed and sliced her way through the forest. Gambol Shroud was expensive and most importantly, well maintained, so like lambs to the slaughter every extension of nature was decimated with ease, the Grimm she'd detected earlier howling with rage. Blake burst into the clearing, met with a sight that, while relieving, absolutely betrayed what she ascertained earlier. Her breath came out in slightly harsh pants as she stared with what could only be impressed bemusement.
"I'll say this right now; this blood is not mine," Yang assured.
"I'm glad, what I'm more concerned about is that Ursa that's now become...one with that tree. I thought you needed help." Blake questioned.
"Me? The great Yang Xiao Long? Need help? Hah! That'll be the day. I was more concerned about the transgression that Ursa committed by messing with my hair. My hair. All this doesn't just happen, you know?" Yang proclaimed, gesturing to herself with the air of someone posing for the masses.
"Right", Blake agreed, her voice practically flooding with sarcasm. "Why am I not surprised this is what's going on?"
"Because of your great Huntsman intuition! That sounds like a quality I'd like in a four-year partner of mine."
Blake sighed. What could only be described as one of the most bombastic and peacock-like Beacon prospects had inadvertently duped her into a partnership. Lowkey already seemed far gone in her dreams of a quiet, respectable team.
"I'm stuck with you now, aren't I?"
"Yep!" Yang chirped.
"You're not going to be willing to pretend this didn't happen, are you?" Blake questioned.
"Nope!" Yang spoke.
Black and blonde began their ever-volatile walk into the unknown.
The sky was clear. A beautiful day marked with infinite possibilities and strewn with the dreams of the next generation. The wind was soft, almost caressing the creatures that navigated the booming Valeian countryside with care and gentleness unfit for this world. All was well, all was aligned and all was right. Picturesque even.
It disgusted Cinder more than could be put into words.
Of all the things that could've occurred during her rise to power, there were a few impossibilities that came to mind. One was personal failure. Yes, she entertained the idea of failing, all good strategists do, however, her planning isn't even relative to that of a bonafide military war veteran. It doesn't even come close to even the most decorated generals of the Great War, no, what she does and what she manifests into being is completely different. Her mentor, before the dark clutches of Salem and her dominion, was pain, and suffering. She bled and screamed and raged and lied her way through any obstacle put in front of her, any man that thought they could have their way with her, any fool stupid enough to believe that what was presented to him simply held nothing more. The delusional always perished first.
And it was always delicious.
Another was people not playing to what makes them tick. What constricts them and confines them into the individual that they are. To the people, they care about and to the ideals they hold. Human beings hold an unpredictability that can be devastating if not properly tempered. If not properly harnessed. That's what she, among other things, was best at. Manipulating the brash and even the cold and calculated into falling over themselves with despair with only one solution; her. That's what brought her to where she is now, the failings of her enemies and the graces of her superiors, always playing to their personalities and favours, always giving them what they want without them even questioning how she does it. That's what results were, and that's what the results had been.
Until Roman Torchwick somehow failed to rob a dust store.
She sighed in a rare moment of palpable irritation, a glass of wine resting on a counter nearby as she picked it up and toyed with the contents. Swirling the devilish liquid like a sophisticated hurricane. Roman's resume was impressive, something that attracted her to acquiring him as a wonderfully effective tool in her oh so evil machinations. For a long time, he had been nothing but useful, accomplishing any task put in front of him so long as he got enough Lien to fill his coffers with cigars or ridiculously fashioned suits. And now he was all but imprisoned, literally and figuratively, so deep in enemy territory she was debating the idea of even getting him out. She expected him to fail sooner or later, she being long gone when that inevitability came to fruition. But, as even the most powerful of emperors or the most dastardly kings realize, she was simply blindsided. Blindsided by a variable she had no control over and likely will never have control over at this rate. That damned 'Huntsman for fun' or whatever he liked to call himself.
Cinder didn't play around. As soon as she got word of Torchwick's capture she immediately analysed and looked into every element at play. She wasn't supremely surprised - although she'd personally argue the timing was somewhat suspicious - that a huntress in training had attempted to stop Roman. It's not like they're a rare breed in Vale or lacking the noble desire to right the wrongs of the world. She wasn't even surprised that Beacon got involved, after all, they're the very school that relies on the citizens of Vale to keep their little academy alive. No, what caught her attention the most was who Roman was defeated by. Someone that had somehow eluded even her knowing in what was ultimately a very small and detailed world as far as who mattered and who didn't.
Bald, unremarkable, terrible fashion sense, absolutely no ties to any known academy on the face of Remnant, Saitama or 'Caped Baldy' as some witnesses to his heroics had referred to him as was an absolute enigma. He'd never received any formal training in the local channels, something that wasn't entirely uncommon but also raised more questions than it answered. He'd had a normal and largely generic upbringing, as well as, career history and most importantly; he was not employed as a Huntsman. Something that her best contacts had assured her was without a doubt fact.
So, what this all led to was one simple question; how, in Oum's name, did a faceless nobody all but obliterate one of her best underlings in what was described as a single instant? No talk, no prolonged battle, no twists and turns, nothing. Just simple and utter annihilation. Something that not even seasoned Huntsman had been capable of since Roman's early days in the criminal underground. It made no sense, it tread no water in every pool of evidence available to her. Yet it happened. And she had no answer to it.
Back then, that is.
Cinder liked to keep her hand close to her side, never revealing anything more than necessary to accomplish her goals. Only displaying her full might when victory was all but assured. When nothing could be done to render what someone had been served into anything but absolute defeat. Now she was aware, now she knew of a threat that had not previously shown itself to her in her long campaign to get where she is now. Now she knew what she had to do.
Her scroll rung, the vibrations echoing throughout her mind as she almost couldn't contain the smirk that was building behind her lips.
"Yes, Ma'am?"
"I have a task for you dear Mercury."
"So soon?", Mercury questioned, "I thought I wasn't gonna enter the picture till later on?"
"That was the plan," Cinder confirmed, "However, the plan has experienced some alterations as of now. I want you to make a good impression on some lovely people your age. Can you do that for me, dear?"
"Of course, Ma'am. Send me any extra details and I'll be right on it. Heh, I'm assuming you want it to be a...life changing experience for those involved?"
Cinder grinned. "Absolutely."
"I want to make sure they never forgot their first taste of initiation."
Jaune was lost and he'd be the first to admit it. Sure, when most people say that they mean it literally - and he does - but he also would admit he was lost on all fronts. Physically, mentally, spiritually, whatever 'ally' you want to add onto something; he was it. How could he have gotten himself into a mess like this? What could have possibly befallen him to find him knee-deep in a woefully deadly forest with nothing but a hand me down and pants to piss in?
'Heroic fantasies and fraud, if I remember correctly' his mind seemed to taunt.
Bad brain, always betraying him when he needs it most. Why do brains always do that?
Alas, he knew most things about this situation were his fault. Flights of fancy were one thing, everyone experiences that as a youngster, but risking your life to pursue a job in slaying monsters? Not exactly something any parent wishes upon their child if they can help it.
"A Huntsman's life isn't something to treat lightly, Jaune. Despite what the schools or history would have you believe it is cold and unfeeling. An empty void that must be filled by those of us willing to sacrifice glory and pride for the sake of our society. My grandfather and his before him forced it upon us since we were kids, I won't do that to my children."
It was so unfair. The sting of rejection still wound its way around his stomach like a snake. How could dad even say that? It's not as if he was forcing Jaune to do anything. Jaune wanted to do it of his own volition. He knew the risks, he knew he could die out there to some heartless animal with nothing but his failure. It's what anyone experiences when they fail one last time, it's no different than a train conductor dying in a freak accident. Jaune just didn't get it.
'All I know is that a man needs to follow his path, no matter who or what stands in his way. I'm doing that but...why does it feel so wrong? Surely it doesn't matter if I paid my way in, no one was willing to teach me! All I need is a chance, one chance to prove myself. They'll see, everyone will see. Saving people doesn't have to be exclusive to the gifted.'
For a moment only the eerie silence of the forest accompanied him and his thoughts. The gentle breeze increased in intensity as the trees rustled and the shadows seemed to leap out at him. Almost like he was surrounded...yet alone. A chill ran down his spine.
"..."
"Hello!"
The scream Jaune let forth was one so ungodly he thought his vocal cords had torn.
"So...you're not...a Grim...that's...good...to know. Give me a sec." Jaune panted.
"I tried to make my approach obvious to not startle you but I guess my combat instincts kicked in. I saw your...unique landing and did my best to stop it. Turns out I'm a little rusty on long-range shots with Miló." Pyrrha laughed. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah," Jaune nodded, any semblance of exhaustion all but gone for a split second before he let out another breath of relief. "Just thought I'd gotten pounced on by a nasty Grim."
The redhead giggled at his confession. Jaune took this moment of reprieve to get a look at his...almost saviour? Saviour. Let's go with saviour.
Her golden armour and steely figure cut an intimidating pose, however, her slight smirk and amusement in her eye betrayed any ideas of aggression. Standing tall she almost radiated confidence. Ease of mind that seemed so right and cemented into her being she couldn't help but suppress it almost. Her eyes were as if someone had harvested emeralds out of the harshest Atlas mines and gently slipped them into someone's eye sockets. Not to mention the naturally taut and fit figure that came with someone who undergoes a Huntress's strict physical regimen. Now that he thought about it, she seemed familiar. But the real question was...
'Just what in the hell is going on in this profession? They may as well be breeding superhumans on every front, does every chick here have to be a supermodel?!'
Make that two, two real questions that needed answering.
Continuing to laugh as if they weren't smack dab in the middle of what the headmaster had readily described as a forest of death, she continued to reassure him. His paranoia slowly succumbing to her soothing tone and nonchalance. "It's quite alright, you can't be too careful. Say, still have spots on 'Team Jaune'?" she questioned. A cheeky smiled painted across her expression.
Jaune recalled his earlier words by the lockers. So that's where he recognized her from, cheeky minx. That also meant she had a front-row seat to his failure, always a smooth one with the ladies, Jaune. He couldn't help but pout.
"Maybe," Jaune relented. "Who's askin?"
The redhead blinked.
"Pyrrha Nikos?" Pyrrha offered.
Jaune folded his arms.
"..."
"Pumpkin Pete's Marshmallow Champion?" She tentatively offered.
Jaune brightened. His vigour seemingly returning to full strength as the more pleasant end of the locker incident came to light. Yes! He knew he wasn't a total failure!
Smoothing his hair and gaining the gait of a champion, he shot her what he thought was a supremely confident expression. Even adding a wink and a click for emphasis, though from the outside looking in he looked more like someone's grandpa mid-stroke.
"Now that sounds more like it. Onward, my dear follower!" Jaune declared. Trekking deeper into the forest as he let himself be carried by the moment to moment that becomes so lost in worries and anxious thoughts. The high couldn't be ruined.
"Uh, Jaune?"
"Yeah?"
"We're supposed to go the other way."
"..."
"...Right! I was just...assessing your navigation skills! Onward, Pete's chosen!"
Red and blonde began their gleeful walk into the unknown.
So far Ruby had not had the smoothest of initiations. Sure, she expected some roadblocks, some bumps along the journey, but there was a sassy, white-haired bump she all but did not want to get into right now. Unfortunately, she's not talking about a pimple, she's talking about-
"Do you have any idea where we're going, Ruby? Where we are? I was taught how to read maps from a young age, I could tell the difference between a minute patch of moss and a flaking leaf from Forever Fall. We need to go this way."
"You said that about the other three directions you tried, Weiss! How about we head where I saw other groups going? I scouted the area from a tree as you were heading in the 'right' direction."
Weiss scoffed. "What do you know? You barely know about basic dust handling procedures, how can I trust you to lead us to where we need to go?"
Ruby wanted to scream. "This again?! I told you it was an accident. Who waves flammable dust around in someone's face? I could've gotten hurt ya know!"
"You could've gotten hurt?! What about me?! I can't have deviants like you ruining my career before it's even started."
"If we follow your directions neither of us will have a career to ruin. Please listen to me Weiss, I'm not as much of a kid as you think I am."
"Didn't you say you drink milk so you can 'grow up'?" Weiss questioned.
"..."
"That's not relevant here! My point still stands. We have to work together, Weiss. Whether you like it or not."
"...I suppose. But I've got my eye on you, don't think you'll get away with goofing off and ruining my initiation or anything." Weiss relented. A look of utter suspicion dwarfing any feelings of mutual appreciation of their situation.
"Yeah, 'who' would want that," Ruby whispered.
"What did you say?!"
Ruby's idea of becoming best friends forever with her partner wasn't exactly going well. A part of her had hoped Yang would be her fated find in the Grim infested Emerald forest but, not everyone gets what they want. She knew things may be difficult, ie, socializing without the help of her big sister. However, she wanted to give it her best shot before she inevitably came crawling to Yang for help. When she tried, and her dumb anxiety shut up for once, she gave it one hundred and ten percent. No one could take that away from her. And she had had some success with that blonde guy. What was his name? John? Jack? Jaune? Jaune. It was Jaune. She liked him much better so far, sure he seemed a little...interesting with the ladies...but he seemed nice! Easily not as haughty as Weiss, she doubted anyone could take that crown away. Back to the present...
Holy crap Weiss was the monster in the closet of every socially awkward human on Remnant! She knew some people were more difficult to get along with than others but sheesh, she may as well throw any chance of peace or cooperation into the fiery pit of a volcano. She didn't like to judge, she knows what it's like to be ridiculed and taunted about silly stuff like whether capes are for people her age or why she refuses to stop trying to grow without vegetables and only milk but...come on! She can't even get a word in without Weiss tearing her to pieces! She'd taken Saitama's words to heart when they broke up their earlier scuffle, she swore she did, but it's not the same! She'll have to live with her for the next four years! Not to mention the other two people who may side with Weiss or be real meanies. To say dread had rapidly consumed her excitement for Beacon right now would be an understatement.
Surprisingly, once their pace settled and things quietened down their trip to the - hopefully - relics went kinda smoothly. Sure, there was a snide comment here or there but she focused on the prize of becoming an official student of Beacon. That's what kept her from being a little too careless with Crescent Rose whenever the occasional Grim popped up. Not that anyone would know if they asked. No one. Not even dad.
"We're coming up on a clearing." Weiss voiced.
"We are?" Ruby questioned.
"Yeah, though the wind's really picking up. Are those people down there?"
The trees parted way as they found themselves facing what looked to be some kind of ruins. Gigantic slabs of stone littered around as columns stand proudly despite the obvious age and damage they've received. Like moths to a flame, Weiss and Ruby picked up their pace. Gaining sight of figures in the distance. A shock of yellow sparking recognition. Ruby perked up.
"Hey, I think that's my sister down there!"
"That blonde bimbo?" Weiss questioned.
"Yes!...wait a minu-"
The tense duo found themselves feeling weightless. Like a feather lazily drifting through the wind.
".."
".."
"Weiss, whatever you do, don't look down."
Weiss sighed.
"I should've known nothing would go right today."
Mercury hated children. They kicked, they whined, they screamed and above all else; they didn't understand who was in charge. You'd think a guy like him wouldn't exactly be beating up orphans given his involvement with Cinder, she hardly gave such pettiness the time of day, however, sometimes you had to get your hands dirty. Sometimes life threw you into the proverbial pit of difficult choices with only one outcome of success; survival. He knew it all too well, his cybernetic legs a testament to this harsh reality. An assassin like himself never gave much thought to these concepts, this line of work teaches you from the get-go how life works. The cogs and wheels of society that most people never glimpse. Ignorance was bliss but embroiling yourself in the truth held a unique flavour of its own. Yes, the truth of what mattered. Huntsman hopefuls always liked to tout their ideals, god how he wished they understood things beyond the veil of altruism. It'd make them shut up for once.
Cinder had been clear, her orders were never vague. Disrupt Beacon's initiation and cause as much shock as possible. No serious casualties, simply probe their defenses. Cement yourself into their minds whilst also being so far removed from their knowledge they have no idea what's coming. What your goal is. If he was being frank he preferred to make his debuts in people's lives a bit more consequential. Heh, with the upgrades he'd been receiving there's a chance he won't be able to hold back. However, what held his desire to wreak havoc in place was the retribution Cinder would inflict should he cross the line. You didn't survive her reprimands one day, best to not get reprimanded at all if you can help it.
Pouring his concentration into making sure he entered the Emerald Forest without detection, his thrusters hummed quietly as he ascended the cliff face Beacon sat almost dangerously close to. Courtesy of his boss he'd undergone quite a few physical changes. For one, his new legs held an impressive arsenal at their disposal. Not only were his kicks and jumps enhanced but his mobility increased tenfold. Flying capabilities a boon amongst micro-sized missile clusters to boot. At first, it was tricky, you can't exactly prepare yourself to go from regular joe on the sidewalk to flying madman of badassery but with time he made it work. If nothing disturbed his flightpath he could theoretically go wherever he wanted in Vale. Above all, his greatest combat improvements were on the sensory and stealth fronts. Equipped with an inbuilt tracking system along with thermal and long-distance magnification for scouting, as well as, a robust cloaking system to give him an edge against the more lackadaisical opponents. He had no idea why Cinder's people had invested so heavily into him but he couldn't complain. As far as he's concerned he's only so much more important of a piece in their grand plan.
He wasn't an architect, far from it really, but putting a school right next to such a colossal drop off made him question the sanity of these educational types. Successfully making it to what may as well have been the backdoor of the Emerald Forest, he quickly scanned his surroundings. It was unlikely any stragglers would be so far beyond the initial starting point but it was better safe than sorry. The sheer amount of times Em had berated him for running in all gung-ho impressed upon him more than he would care to admit. Finding nothing, he continued to lurk through the Grimm infested area. You could honestly say that about most places on Remnant but luckily there wouldn't be much suspicion at a stray dead Grimm. Students are supposed to kill their heartless adversaries, right?
Activating his thermal sensors, he quickly spotted where the meat of the students had congregated. They looked to be around some type of ruin, though there were a few pairs still navigating the edges of the forest. With so many opportunities to strike, it was almost hard to choose. The sheer ignorance of his prey brought him back to simpler but no less bloody times. They had no idea what's coming to them…
'They have no idea what's coming to them.' Ozpin thought. His scroll showed him that many students had found themselves a relic or two but some electing to search elsewhere. Namely Pyrrha Nikos and the blonde boy that had questioned him at the launch pads. Jaune Arc, if he recalled correctly. Sipping his mug he felt a sense of contentment he hadn't felt in a longtime wash over him, this time of year always denoting a feeling of accomplishment when he realized that corralling a horde of superpowered teenagers into one confined space hadn't resulted in mass injury. He knew he was good but damn, he'd really outdone himself.
"-in, -pin…"
Trampolines. He'd never considered them. Sure they seemed childish at first glance but hey, aren't we all children waiting to show our true colours? Waiting to be free of the confinements society so cruelly places upon our shoulders? With the right engineering, they could truly hold a place at the academy. Gymnastics/exercise amongst many other applications just waiting for the right creative direction. The right leader. Yes. He knew what his next staff motion would be, it was only a matter of time.
"-zpin, ozpi-"
For someone so old you'd think he'd seen it all but yet again the next generation had opened his eyes. Once all this was over he ought to congratulate the boy, perhaps even let him in on the upcoming projects as a reward should he pass the initiation. Now if only-
"OZPIN!"
He held his train of thought.
"..."
"Yes, Glynda?"
The headmistress huffed, her face uncharacteristically red as she rapidly regained her composure and adjusted her glasses. For the sake of their safety, no one present seemed to comment on this fact. Glynda flatly staring Ozpin down like a demon attempting to reign in their desire to tear the person in front of them limb from limb. "What do you think of the progress of the students? I know this is a formality for you but remember we do have a new member of staff who isn't so experienced. Remember?"
The ensuing silence was terse. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife and plaster it all over a sandwich. It was a bad analogy because Ozpin almost felt compelled to ask if the cafeteria was serving any particularly ravishing symphonies of bread and the like. He once again sipped from his bottomless mug.
"...I'm impressed. While some pairings seem troublesome the majority are as smooth as you can expect in a situation like this. I am concerned for Miss Rose and Miss Schnee, however."
Professor Oobleck and Port respectively nodded in agreement, Saitama opting to hum as he lifted a finger towards his nose but wisely lowered it once more.
"They do seem ill-fitted for each other, we predicted they'd both potentially run into trouble with fitting in with their peers. Saitama mentioned a prior scuffle they had on arrival yesterday."
"It wasn't a big deal," Saitama said. "Schoolgirls don't get along sometimes but they'll come around. Though sometimes they don't, suppose it's up to them I guess."
Slightly yawning and rubbing his eyes, the rest of the staff could only accept what the newbie had said at face value. As far as they were concerned he was correct. Listening to Ozpin and Bart talk so much often smothered them with linguistic strings to riddle even the most sound of minds. Perhaps that was why Saitama's dry takes packed so much punch. For such a fanciful man he lays his cards out on the table.
"What I am concerned about is Mr. Arc," Glynda revealed. "His test scores are high but so far he hasn't impressed upon the quality of huntsman we train here at Beacon. Are you sure he'll be alright, Ozpin?"
"Yes," Ozpin affirmed. "In my eyes, he hasn't disappointed thus far. Do give everyone a chance, will you?"
Glynda narrowed her eyes. The ease with which he denied her concern considering the obvious evidence setting off alarms in her mind. For now, she'd let it be.
"Well, at the very least we'll-"
"He's gone." Professor Oobleck chimed in.
Everyone swiveled on their feet.
"Who?" They all questioned.
"Our newly instated professor, he's gone."
Something told them they should've somehow seen this coming.
'They really should've seen that coming.' Saitama thought. His descent into the forest had been a little quick but not at all surprising as far as he's concerned. Many times he had attempted to inform them he saw some suspicious activity. Hell, the sheer amount of noise coming from the cliffside should've alerted them that someone was trying to set a record as to how fast they could be arrested on school property. Not since the more delinquent centric students at his high school gave smoking in the principal's office a go. Those were wild times...
Aside from being sneaky, the assailant seemed intent on disturbing the first test or whatever. Like the witch lady said, he was new around here. For all, he knew this was another teacher whose sole purpose is to watch over the students and make sure nothing bad happens to them. However, he knew sometimes you had to take the initiative when it came to your learning. He wanted to see for himself what this school's all about, without his fellow professor's getting in the way.
'I also haven't seen much action since that dust store incident. I'll admit, as much as this new job stuff is overwhelming, I'd feel right at home with some monster slaying.'
It was a little selfish of him, his new role required him to make the right decisions for the benefit of everyone around him. That was pretty much his job prior, now that he thought about it. That's what a good huntsman does. This time, however, the people in need held very familiar faces and will be with him for a while. His memory may be terrible but he at least knew who people were if he interacted with them long enough. He didn't want his conscience to become too burdened but he may go stir crazy if he sits and waits too much.
Sailing through the air, Saitama gracefully landed on the forest floor. Some leaves were disturbed as he caught his bearings and surveyed the area. He'd seen the guy run off in the direction of the kids, that much was certain. However, he honestly could be anywhere by now. The thing with sneaky people is that they were usually quick enough to evade notice from most people. Scratching his chin thoughtfully, he decided to use a technique he employed when an environment was annoyingly crowded with brush and structures. A deep breath flowing through him as he slowly brought his hands together in front of him.
Weiss and Ruby were barely holding on, the nevermore taking them for a joy ride steadily climbing through the air on a quest to see how much their stomachs could take before combusting. Shouting at each other, only snippets of words reached their ears. The wind howling around them making it difficult to even get a grasp of what's going on. The evident panic on their faces making it somewhat easier to communicate clearly.
"WHAT SHOULD WE DO, RUBY?"
"WHAT?"
"WHAT SHOULD WE DO?"
"-UMP!'
"DID YOU SAY JUMP?! I DON'T THINK JUMPINGS AN OPTION!"
"WHAT ELSE IS?!"
"I DON'T KNOW, HOW ABOUT-"
Clap!
They both blinked, suspended in the air in front of each other as, for a moment, the world seemed still.
"WOW, DID YOU REALLY JUMP?"
"OF COURSE NOT!"
"DID THE NEVERMORE SHAKE US OFF?"
"THERE'S NO WAY, I WOULDN'T OF LET GO IF MY FATHER OFFERED ME A MILLION LIEN!"
"WHY AREN'T WE FALLING?"
"..."
"MAYBE OUR LUCK'S TURNING AROUND?"
"..."
The pair quickly realised that gravity, once again, deigned to work as intended. Their descent almost seemed more of a hindrance than a terrifying prospect.
Pyrrha and Jaune stood stock still, the cave around them shaking violently as their impromptu exploration seemed to only get worse the deeper they went.
"Pyrrha, that was you...right?" Jaune gulped.
"That wasn't me, Jaune." Pyrrha denied.
A light in the dark signaled the potential of the heavens showing mercy upon their plight. Hastily making his way forward, Jaune dropped the torch they had been using to light the way.
"Look Pyrrha! There's more than one light source down here! We're saved!"
The light source seemed to bob and weave around Jaune's attempts to capture it. Frustrated, Jaune growled in annoyance.
"Jaune, I don't think lights move out of the way when you try to grab them."
Red eyes lit up the narrow rocky walls more than even the extinguished torch seemed to, vibrant crimson pulsing like a heartbeat angrily defying any and all health recommendations.
"Pyrrha, please tell me that's you…"
"My eyes are green, Jaune."
"Right," Jaune agreed, "A completely reasonable observation. I say a tactical retreat is in order,"
The beast roared an angry and vicious noise that only meant one thing.
Jaune Arc almost lost his voice for the second time in what was fast becoming one of his worst days.
Mercury had no idea what just happened. One minute he was preparing to pounce upon the last of the students finding their way to the relics, the next nearly every tree in the vicinity seemed to lurch in an explosion of leaves. Like a deer in the headlights he had been clinging to what essentially became a naked collection of branches, shock the only thing present on his face as he all but couldn't compute what just happened. No one mentioned this. Cinder didn't mention this. God didn't mention this. There was only one thing left to do…
"Watcha doing all the way up there, fellow student?" A ginger girl questioned. Her eyes were full of nothing but curiosity.
Raise all kinds of hell for this injustice.
Wiping his hands as if he'd just spent a day hard at work in the fields, Saitama let out a sigh of relief. Using one of his serious moves wasn't something he liked to do all the time but hey, time was money as they say. He hadn't decided on a name yet, 'The clap' or 'Thunderous smack' not having a hugely charming ring to it. For now, it was unnamed, though the objective in its use was obvious enough.
Beginning to trek towards what was now an obvious path towards the relics, Saitama waded through piles upon piles of leaves with way too much experience to be normal. Like a mole expertly navigating the depths of the earth. He liked this move because it reminded him of his youth when he would jump into piles of leaves and always wonder how trees could even make so many.
'From the screams, it may have rattled some people. I hope it wasn't too upsetting, too many times have people accused me of being the villain for somehow scaring them. I know bald people can be suspicious but come on…'
Too many times had his earlier days as a newly bald man left him with a sour taste in his mouth. Society was cruel sometimes, unrelentingly so. If you even made one slightly annoyed expression with no visible hairline people may as well label you a terrorist. Coming upon a clearing, he soon realised that his students were not alone.
The dead will rise. A phrase often associated with cheesy horror movies and poorly crafted cartoons. Normally Mercury didn't give any of that crap the light of the day, he was a connoisseur of true art. Comics never relenting in their quest to be recognized as contributions to the writing sphere. However, he had to say that his 'entrance' may as well belong in a cheesy horror movie everyone saw. And he meant everyone. The blank stares of the students to be creating an awkward silence that not even the most rambunctious of the kiddos wanted to disturb. God how he hated his life sometimes.
Sighing with the exhaustion of a grizzled veteran, he slowly climbed down the tree he was occupying. Muttering under his breath as he brushed himself clean of any errant vines and leaves that permeated the ground.
Finally standing with some form of dignity, he faced his victims. The sheer ignorance present amongst them of the threat they are about to face digging deep into his ego and howling in laughter at any form of confidence he may possess.
"All of you may be wondering what just happened."
They nodded in agreement.
"I'll be honest, even I am wondering what the hell just happened. But! Allow me to explain what you need to know. What you all will be in for once I'm through with you."
They nodded once again.
"For all of you, this will be a learning experience, a painful and heartbreaking event that will forever haunt your memory as you wonder how life could've gone so wrong. How the hopes and dreams you possess failed in the presence of such an overwhelming and despair-inducing foe. I'm sure you're all eager to test yourselves as huntsman and huntresses but allow me to teach you what truly matters; nothing you do will ever succeed in the face of true adversity."
Mercury waited a moment for his words to sink in. The knowledge of their doom gave him immense satisfaction as he could almost taste their expressions of horror as they pleaded for mercy.
"..."
"So are you...trying to do an impression of the headmaster?"
'What?'
A bald face emerged from an obscene pile of leaves like a gremlin being revived in a ceremony of twisted nightmares.
"He's a pretty interesting guy"
Both parties had never been more terrified.