A/n: Hey, yeah... sorry. I know, this chapter was way long overdue. I had originally planned on posting this a week ago, but I got pretty overwhelmed with a lot of schoolwork. So yeah, that made me pretty exhausted and I took a short break from writing. But anyway, I'm back and I feel better than ever so I hope you all enjoy the next few chapters as the story continues. Thank you to all of you for the continued support guys, its what really keeps me going. Well here's to more chapters!
note: Hiya! During my short break, I had actually edited every chapter so far to my liking with a few changes here and there. Without further ado. I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 6: Initiation (I)
The morning sun arose, engulfing the lands of Remnant with its warm heat. Inside the ballroom, the huntsmen and huntresses-in-training were fast-asleep, a few doing their own morning routines as they prepare for the initiation in a few hours.
Among those who were resting, Ruby had just woken up from her slumber, stretching out her body to rid a bit of her drowsiness.
Last night, shortly after the incident of Norman and Phoenix, the sight of Kent still had yet to leave the silver-eyed girl's mind as her face burned bright red the whole time while they were walking back to their respective spaces.
Yang took notice of this, of course, soon realizing her sister's odd behavior and their recent conversations. She then concluded that her younger sister, Ruby Rose, did in fact had taken a liking to her long-time friend, Kent. Seizing the opportunity she had at the time, the blonde-haired girl spared no time before she started teasing her sister.
Yang's teasing proved quite effective, making the latter flustered with each tease. However, the pair had been a little too loud, attracting the attention of a couple of students near them with the most notable being the heiress, Weiss, much to her annoyance.
Weiss then proceeded to scold the two, leading to an argument – well, it was mostly Yang and Weiss arguing, with Ruby trying her best to settle the situation, which she would agree that she was doing a bad job.
Near the corner of the room not far from the three huntresses, an amber-eyed black-bow wearing girl was reading a book. She couldn't focus reading as she was too distracted with the loud voices of the three arguing.
The amber-eyed girl tried to silence out the noise, but it proved too loud as their argument showed no signs of stopping. She then took it upon herself to mediate the three, fortunately, she knew her way around her words as it had finally led to a close.
Ruby thanked the amber-eyed girl, which the latter didn't quite mind. It was then followed up by a long and awkward silence, which Yang soon broke, knowing that Ruby was having trouble keeping up their talk. Starting a conversation with the black-haired girl, the latter then introduced herself to the two as Blake, with the three continuing on for a bit longer, before eventually turning in for the night.
Letting out a yawn, Ruby then noticed her blonde older sister walking towards her. "Morning, little sister. Did someone sleep well last night?" She waved, snickering at her last remark.
"Ugh… Morning, Yang." Ruby replied with an annoyed tone. "Can you not do that this early" pleading to her sister.
"Aww, but where's the fun in that?" Yang snickered again.
"Ugh… I hate you." Ruby muttered, pouting at her blonde-haired sister. "Love you too, Ruby."
Ruby pouted again at her sister before letting out a sigh. She then tried to look for a familiar brown-haired boy in the crowd. – Where is he…
Yang took notice of her sister's silver orbs wandering around different directions, as her sudden silence was enough for her to know that the latter was trying to find something or someone. "Looking for him?"
"N-nope!" Ruby stuttered. "Seriously sis, you gotta get better at lying. Anyways, he's at the back. You can even see him through the window."
Yang isn't usually a morning person, but her sister's sudden actions earlier that morning had other plans. She had been awoken by her sister, who was deep asleep and seemed to be having a dream about fighting, as she kicked the former in the face.
Coincidentally, While The blonde-haired girl was walking around, she happened to pass by the backyard of the ballroom, spotting the two training.
The two siblings then proceeded to 'said' window, and just as Yang had said, outside they saw two shirtless young huntsmen, whom were in a heated a sparring session with both exchanging blows alternatively.
"I gotta say, I just can't get tired of this view." Yang whistled as she stared at the two boy's well-built bodies.
"Yang! Don't say such embarrassing things out so loud!" Ruby hissed, as her face had turned red from the same sight of the two huntsmen, well one in particular.
-=O=-
It was a quiet evening, the cold breeze brushing off of a purple-haired boy's face as he took a deep breath, taking in his surroundings. Norman was strolling around the campus as he awaited his brother's return.
That night, Kent had been apparently called in by Professor Goodwitch to discuss some things in private. I mean, it wasn't much of a surprise for him. Even at his brother's young age, the brunette had already been acknowledged by plenty of strong veteran huntsmen and huntresses all across Remnant.
He's really come a long way, hasn't he? – He pondered as the purple-haired boy smiled, staring at the night sky filled with bright stars and the shattered moon.
As Kent's brother, of course Norman was proud of his achievements and everything he's done so far. Though… he would be lying to himself if he didn't agree that a part of him also envied his brother. Of course, he knows it's wrong… yet he still can't help but feel that way.
Being the older brother among the two, beating Kent just by a few months, the former had been tasked the responsibility of you know, being the older brother. And as what most older brothers would do, they set the tone and be a model for the younger one. But… in Norman's case it was quite the opposite.
Whatever Norman had done, Kent's natural ability had always made him feel outclassed towards the latter... and he hated that. Unlike Kent, Norman had to work harder than him, putting in way more hours into his training just to keep up his brunette brother but… – Why can't I catch up to him?
These feelings of envy and anger… as much as it daunted his mind, it still can't outweigh his genuine love and care for the brunette. Since the former knew that even if the latter outclassed him in everything, the brunette remained humble as he always cheered him on while still looking up to him, making him feel the things he seeks for, his acknowledgement.
Just you wait, Kent. I'll reach you soon. - Norman sighed deeply. His thoughts were then interrupted as he heard footsteps heading his way.
"Norman Lee, if I remember correctly?" A familiar gentle-voice spoke.
"That's right. Do you need anything, Phoenix?" The purple-haired boy replied as he turned to acknowledge the crimson-haired boy's presence.
"Nothing in particular. Just seemed off to see you out here without him." Phoenix mused, shrugging his shoulders.
"Right. Well, if that's the case I'll be on my way then." Norman turned his back on the boy, proceeding to walk back to the ballroom.
"So, what's it like to be always be seen as the weaker brother?" Phoenix stated, making the purple-haired boy stop in his tracks.
"What are you going on about?" Norman replied with his back still turned against Phoenix.
"Oh, nothing. I was just curious of how the great Kent Levin deals with such a weakling as his brother." Phoenix continued, seeing Norman clench his fists obviously touching a sensitive nerve in the latter.
"…Shut up." Deep down, Norman knew he was right. He has yet to beat Phoenix in a fight, as he always seemed to fall short every time they face off. The latter's words slowly started to get to him, as his earlier thoughts popped up in his mind again.
"I mean, when has Norman Lee ever been talked by anyone. Exactly, never-" Phoenix was abruptly interrupted, feeling an intense and forceful impact on the left side of his face, seeing a glimpse of the purple-haired boy's fist.
"I said… Shut. Up." The purple-haired boy spoke harshly, as his face was covered by his bangs and his body slightly glowing, especially his fist.
"Oh? Seems you have fight in you after all." The crimson-haired boy was on his knees, as he rubbed the area that was punched, trying to dull the pain. "Now let's see how strong you've gotten."
Phoenix then stood up as flames engulfed his right arm. Norman's punch had made him quite excited as he felt a rush of adrenaline flow in his blood, preparing his battle stance. The former let out a battle-cry, rushing towards the latter, his flames intensifying as he closed their distance with each step.
The purple-haired boy stood his ground, holding his own battle stance as he braced himself for Phoenix's attack. Activating his semblance, both of his arms glowed purple as the green-eyed boy was fast approaching. Norman then leaned forward as he cocked his arm back, preparing his own attack, aiming to hit the latter's face.
Phoenix then closed the gap enough for him to land a strike on Norman's face, throwing a quick and forceful jab towards it. His attack soon landed but not without the former feeling also a forceful jab, landing right where he had been punched earlier.
As both the two students' hits landed, they were sent flying being launched back from the impact of their punches, leaving craters on the courtyard on where they had landed. Both were now covered in dust, removing small debris in their clothing as they stood on their feet again.
The two students then again activated their semblances, both staring at each other's eyes with a determined look to defeat the opposition. Shortly after, they again bolted straight for one another as they prepared their attacks. Norman had covered his fist's again as well as Phoenix, with both aiming to punch the other. Their fists soon clashed, creating yet another large crater beneath the two. The impact of their fists had caused a blinding light to appear that was followed by an explosion, sending a large shockwave, making the ground shake a bit as the two were once again covered in a cloud of dust.
"Gah!" Norman groaned in pain, clutching his forehead as Kent had just headbutted the former. "What was that for?"
"You're not focused, that's why you reacted too slow." The brunette replied to the purple-haired boy, who was lost in his thoughts while they were sparring. "Anyways, when are you gonna tell me what happened last night."
"I keep on telling you; it was nothing!" The purple-haired boy muttered aloud.
"Those bruises don't make it seem like nothing." The brunette scoffed, wiping off the sweat from his fairly toned-body.
Kent shortly continued as he started lecturing Norman, giving him an earful to ensure that he learned from his own mistake.
The scuffle between Norman and Phoenix last night ended with a draw, due to the latter's brother's intervention. As much as the purple-haired boy tried avoiding the topic, he knew all too well that it was inevitable, knowing that Kent always brought out the truth from him.
"Look what's done is done, but aren't you supposed to be the older and more mature one here, Norman?" Kent mused as he finished lecturing, with Norman flinching in response.
"Th-that's… I-I'm sorry… I let my emotions get the better of me." Norman softly spoke, looking down in realization of the brunette's words.
"You don't have to be sorry about anything, Norm. Long as you understand, that's enough for me." Kent answered, patting his brother's shoulder before giving him a warm and comforting smile.
"So, this is where you went" A familiar soft-spoken and sweet voice spoke, interrupting the moment the two huntsmen were sharing.
The two then looked at the direction of the voice, their eyes were met with a pair of vibrant crimson-red orbs with panda ears that were slightly twitching.
"Good morning, breakfast is ready you two." Rae stated as she greeted both Kent and Norman with a cheery and energetic smile.
"Mornin'." The two siblings replied simultaneously. "Sleep well last night?" Kent asked the vibrant panda Faunus.
"Hmm… It was alright." Rae answered before putting her index finger on her chin, pondering on her thoughts. "But… come to think of it, I did wake up when I heard a loud boom! …Then I fell asleep again."
As Rae finished speaking, she couldn't help but notice Norman slightly flinch once he heard her say 'boom'. "Sorry about that…" Norman spoke softly, slightly embarrassed of his actions.
"Oooh~ So, it was you. They were talking about it earlier." Rae spoke with curiosity, with Kent lightly laughing at the former's response.
"Yup, caught him red-handed, Rae." Kent chuckled, patting the back of his purple-haired brother.
With Norman being caught, he had explained what had happened last night to Rae, who somehow managed to sleep through all of it, though Kent wasn't surprised to say the least.
"I see. Well, glad no one got hurt in the end. Such a shame…" Rae said the last part soft enough for only her to hear, slumping her body downwards in disappointment.
"You say something, Rae?" Kent asked, tilting his head a bit as he stared at the crimson-eyed girl. "N-Nothing!"
"Okay… Well, anyway, shall we head back then? The brunette mused with a smile.
"Yes, please. I'm starving from all that sparring we did." Norman replied with his body slumped sluggishly forward.
The two siblings continued on their conversation with Rae while getting their belongings before they made their way back to the ballroom for breakfast. As the three entered the ballroom, their conversation was put on hold, seeing that inside awaited a few unwelcoming glares towards them.
"Seems a lot are pretty pissed, huh?" Kent stated before chuckling at his brother, patting his shoulder.
"You could say that again…" Norman answered with a defeated-tone, making his way through the crowd. "I just want the initiation to be done and over with, now."
-=O=-
"Nora." A man with long black hair with a magenta streak on the left side and also had magenta eyes.
The man seemed to be wearing a dark green, diagonally-buttoned, long-sleeved tailcoat that is red on the inside, with black and gold trimming and pink cuffs. The trimming goes down the right side of his torso and forms a black collar. Along with this, he wears a black, long-sleeved shirt beneath the suit and light-tan pants with black shoes.
"Yes Ren?" An orange-haired and turquoise-eyed girl replied.
She was clad in a collared black sleeveless vest, with a blue central front section with red accents. Under the vest, she wears a white sleeveless t-shirt with a heart-shaped cutout above her breast line in the center accompanied with a pair of white detached sleeves on each arm. She sports a short pink skirt with a single white layer under it.
"I don't think sloths make a lot of noise." Ren stated as he hid his weapons which were a pair of fully automatic pistols with sickle-like blades attached vertically under the barrels.
"That's why it's perfect! No one will suspect we're working together!" Nora replied enthusiastically, seeing that her plan seemed to be, as she said 'perfect.'
As the pair continued their conversation, Ren led the way as Nora shortly followed after him towards the area where the initiation was being held.
They seem close – Ruby thought to herself as her eyes trailed the two before it met her sister's lilac-eyes. "Wonder what those two are so worked up about."
"Oh, who knows. So, you seem awfully chipper this morning." Yang donned a grin on her face as she crossed her arms.
"Yep, no more awkward small talk or getting to know you stuff. Today I let my sweetheart do the talking." Ruby answered as she held her weapon, Crescent Rose, tightly in her chest.
"Mmhmm. Is that all?" Yang asked, noticeably teasing her little sister.
Yang's plan working perfectly as Ruby slightly got flustered, stuttering her sentences here and there.
"W-what do you mean? Of course, t-that's all!" The red-faced Ruby replied.
Stupid Yang saying stupid Yang things. - She thought as she tried to regain her composure to lessen the redness of her face, especially before Kent arrives.
As she thought of the brunette, and right on cue, she soon spotted a group of three students consisting of the person she was thinking about beside Norman and Rae, heading their way.
You've got to be kidding me. – Luck was not on Ruby's side the past two days, and it seems that it isn't gonna be at her side anytime soon. But fortunately, her redness had finally calmed down bit as her once red-face had returned to her pale white one, appreciating her small victory.
"Yo, Mornin' guys-" Kent's greetings were abruptly interrupted, as Rae bolted straight for the red-cloaked girl, giving her a hug.
"Ah! Ruby!" Rae said aloud as she wrapped her arms around Ruby's chest.
"Gah! Ugh… Hey, Rae. Good morning to you too." Ruby, who was now wrapped around the panda's arms, replied to the brunette.
As Rae continued to hug the red-cloaked girl, she couldn't help but feel someone staring at her. "And you're… Hmm… Blondie?" She asked as she turned to face Yang, who had been glaring at her ears.
"Sup, it's Yang by the way. Panda-ears."
"Who you callin' Panda-ears?!" Rae huffed as she released her grip on Ruby, staring daggers towards the Yang as she stood in front of her face.
Yang answered back with her own glare as sparks clashed with their stares before they were both separated by Kent.
"Easy there, Rae. She's Ruby's older sister and a good friend of mine. Yang, meet Rae. Rae meet Yang."
Rae's with intent-to-kill gaze quickly softened up, reverting back to a cheerier and gentler one. "Oh, you should've said that sooner. Well, nice to meet you, Yang." She spoke with a calmer voice, smiling with warmth.
Her sudden change of attitude spooked both Ruby and Yang, as the two siblings glanced at one another before Yang replied. "Right. Nice to meet you too, Rae."
"She's definitely as weird as you, Yang." Norman added, snickering at his remark.
"You wanna go, tough guy?!" Yang spoke with an angered tone, as she clenched her fist, standing in front of the purple-haired student's face.
"You're on, war animal! If I recall isn't it currently 15-13." Norman challenged with a grin on his face.
"You cheated last time, and you know it!" Yang growled as the two student's foreheads crashed with one another.
Spectating what was happening in front of them, Kent and Ruby face-palmed at the sight of their sibling's pettiness clashing. On the other hand, Rae watched with amusement, her eyes practically filled with excitement as she watched the two bark at one another.
"Sorry!" A voice spoke aloud, attracting the attention of Kent and the rest.
On the other side of the locker room, there they saw a blonde boy, leaning against the wall while he sat on the floor. In front of him were three more students that they were all familiar with, the friendly crimson-haired, Pyrrha Nikos, the ice-cold heiress, Weiss Schnee, and the loudmouthed red-head, Phoenix Nikos.
It seemed the blonde – Jaune Arc, had tried hitting on one of the two girls, and as the situation showed – he failed miserably. The three soon headed on out but not without Phoenix noticing Kent's group, staring daggers towards Norman before the three walked out of the room.
Poor Jaune. – Ruby thought as she stared at the yellow-haired boy, who was soon approached by Kent.
"I think those two are out of your league right now, Jaune." Kent snickered as he offered his hand to the disheartened blondie.
"I don't understand. My dad said all women look for is confidence. Where did I go wrong?" Jaune stated as he stared sadly on the floor.
"Like I said, outta your league, buddy. Try again next time, I guess?" Kent mused as he pulled Jaune up.
"He's right Jaune. I mean, you can always try again next time. Come on, let's go." Ruby insisted as they all headed on their way towards the initiation.
-=O=-
Kent was now standing on a silver tile in Beacon Cliff, along with the other students. In front of them were both Professor Ozpin and Professor Goodwitch, who were overseeing the first-year students.
The headmaster seemed to be eyeing each student, analyzing their faces as he familiarizes himself with each one of them before eventually speaking.
"For years, you have trained to become warriors and today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest." The headmaster spoke, glancing at the scenery beneath the cliff.
The blonde-haired professor then alternatively took over with her own instructions. "Now, I'm sure that many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of teams. So, we will put an end to your confusion; your teammates will be decided… Today."
"These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon. So, it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well." Professor Ozpin added to the blonde professor's instructions.
Oh no… - Ruby's luck had once again kept going down the drain, as her fear of having to socialize with others had come to light.
"…That being said, the first person you make eye-contact with after you are sent out there, will be your partner for the next four years."
"What?!" Ruby shouted in panic.
Hmm? …What was that? - For some odd reason, Kent had somehow heard glass breaking, the source of it being around where Ruby was, confusing him.
"See, I told you!" Nora excitedly whispered to Ren.
This had interrupted the brunette's train of thought, who soon shrugged it off, convincing himself that it was just his mind playing tricks on him as the headmaster continued speaking.
"After you've partnered up make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path or… you will die."
All the students reacted excitedly at the challenge the headmaster had given, all but one blonde-haired boy, Jaune, who let out a nervous laugh before gulping a lump, as fear and anxiety ran through his mind.
The headmaster again continued speaking, addressing how the initiation would be done, as well as being graded. It was a treasure hunt, the headmaster had tasked each pair to claim a relic that awaited them somewhere deep inside the forest, finishing his instructions. "Are there any questions?"
Jaune had tried to ask one but was abruptly interrupted by the headmaster himself. "Good. Now take your positions."
Everyone obeyed the instruction given as each student prepared their stances, with the exception of nervous-looking Jaune, still seeking an answer to his question.
"Hey, Ruby!" A voice shouted towards the red-cloaked girl. Ruby then towards the voice to see Kent, smiling at her as he continued. "Loosen up a little. Just try to look for either Yang, me or any of us."
Norman, who was beside the brunette, donned a grin on his face, winking at the still furious Yang as he was launched by the silver tile below them.
"See ya, Red!" Kent shouted as he was soon launched off right after Yang.
One-by-one the students were launched in short intervals before eventually stopping as it launched the final student in the cliff, the unprepared Jaune, who was launched screaming for his life.
"Hmm… I wonder what they would be serving in the cafeteria later."
Kent pondered as he was fixing his position mid-air. With him and Norman not being able to eat much earlier that morning, he had been daydreaming of food that he wanted to eat.
His thought of food soon came to an end as he had caught sight of a large tree that he was heading towards. The brunette then stretched his arms forward as he reached for a branch that he soon spun off of, all while increasing his speed with his semblance.
As he landed on the ground, he was surrounded by vibrant green trees, taking it all in before dashing towards a direction where the abandoned temple could be located. While he was running, the brunette was suddenly forced to stop in his tracks, as a group of Beowulfs surrounded him.
Kent, who was in the middle of them, could only let out a chuckle before a devilish-grin formed in his face. "Guess it's time to warm-up then."
The blue-eyed huntsman-in-training then stretched out his body, leaving the Grimm confused of his acts as they shared glances at one another before one decided to pounce on him. The Grimm was swiftly slain as the Beowulf met with Kent's Dark Flash, slicing it in half.
"Come on, ain't got all today." Kent cockily spoke, motioning his finger towards the Grimm to attack him.
This seemed to have angered the Beowulfs, as they shortly attacked in waves, determined to kill the brunette. Two of them pounced again towards Kent, who avoided their attack by jumping in the air before vanishing with blue sparks. The brunette then used his superior speed to dish out an onslaught of attacks towards the pack as they were slowly picked off one-by-one by him. He then finished off the last Grimm, decapitating its head as he sheathed his weapon.
"Wonder if there are any stronger ones somewhere around here…" Kent thought to himself as he looked at the Grimm, who were all vanishing into black smoke.
Suddenly, the brunette soon heard the sound of metal clanging and slashing through trees, somewhere near him. Kent's curiosity got the better of him as he walked towards the noise.
As he got closer, Kent was surprisingly welcomed by a dagger that bolted towards him, which Kent narrowly parried just in time. He walked closer towards the dagger, picking it up as he inspected the weapon – Isn't this Rae's?
Walking deeper in the forest, there he saw Rae, sleeping peacefully on top of a boulder all while her daggers were flying around, killing off anything that she considered a threat – even if it was an ally.
While he was staring at Rae, it seemed the latter's consciousness had picked up his presence, as the former saw all of her daggers pointed towards him. "We are seriously going to have a long talk when this is over, missy." He muttered aloud.
Shortly after he finished talking, he was quickly assaulted by a wave of daggers headed right at him. "Ah, huh." He muttered, unamused at what was in store for him, dodging the first few daggers before parrying the next few.
Kent was gracefully dodging and weaving, while he attacked in between his movements as he yelled, "Rae! Wake up!" Hoping that it would be enough to wake up the sleeping red-eyed panda, but met no response.
He tried a few more times but had no progress it waking her up. Kent was getting fed up of managing through his situation before a loud voice echoed loud enough to startle both him and Rae, pondering on the voice – …Was that?
"Huh?! Who's there?!" Her eyes shot wide open as she shouted in response to the loud noise. She then shortly noticed Kent, who was still dodging her daggers before she putting them all to a halt. "Oh… oops?"
Kent caught his breath before glancing at Rae with an unamused look. "We… can talk about… it… later…"
"Yes, sir…" Rae spoke softly, slightly embarrassed as she stares on the ground.
~A few minutes earlier~
Somewhere in another part of the forest, Norman found himself clearing a pack of Grimm of his own. It was a breeze for the purple-haired boy, having experienced facing stronger Grimm during the times he had tagged along with Kent during his missions.
He was now relaxing, having decided to look for the relics right after he had taken a breather. His senses then alerted him of a presence that was slowly approaching him. As he prepared for an encounter with whatever it was, it was soon revealed to be the person that would be his partner.
"Seriously?" The voice spoke with a frustrated tone from the sight of the purple-haired boy.
Kill me now – Norman thought as he slumped his body in defeat, realizing he'll be spending the rest of his time in Beacon Academy with the person he least likely wanted to be paired with, a crimson-haired and green-eyed boy, Phoenix Nikos.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Norman shouted, loud enough that it seemed to have echoed all throughout the forest, alerting everyone Grimm and students alike.