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I am talking to you normally"
'I am your inner voice trying to tell you that this is your inner voice'
[I am calling you through a radio, phone or scrolls]
{You are listening or watching the TV or listening to a normal radio}
Project Aegis
Mission 1:
First Step
{START CHAPTER}
Wind breeze over his bare face as he flew over the ocean. His wings, actual feathered wings, were on both of his arms; he wondered how they end up there…
Heck, he wondered how he ended up here, flying over the blue ocean with actual wings wasn't exactly what you call normal…
The sea was a remarkable sight…it appeared to be endless, nothing but blue crystallized ocean beyond his view. Its calmness, beauty, and serenity from its form made him feel...
Free…
Fluttering his winged arms in motion to speed up his flight as wind washed over his bare face…
He honestly didn't care how he ended up here…flying over with a pair of winged arms attached over the endless ocean...
He felt free, a rare feeling…no, a first feeling… if this was how freedom would look like, he will enjoy every second of it…
'Higher…'
Far above him, the bright sun gazed over the ocean. A beacon in this endless sea…
His Beacon…
He needed to go higher…
High enough to see the ocean beyond…
Higher than anyone could have done…
Flying close to the beacon of light…
Close to the sun…
As he grew closer to the sun, the Beacon in this endless field. Excited to finally see the world below when reaches the top
He can finally-
"Have you ever wondered how the world looks from up there?"
He saw an intense light shoot toward him, blinding him from its immense glow.
He flew too close to the sun.
And now he paid for it.
…
…
…
"You're distended for a much greater purpose, my child!"
…..
[YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!]
He woke up. Feeling a cold sweat running down his brows from the dream.
The sudden announcement managed to wake him up from his long nap, the voice of the ship pilot boomed all over the large airship he took back at the terminal.
[We will be arriving at Beacon shortly] the airship's pilot continued with their announcement [Please, when landing, gather your personal belongings and exit in an orderly fashion]
[TIME: 10:43]
He let out a calm sigh after regaining his bearings, the announcement actually managed to calm him down in relief after the long and hectic flight he has been doing in the last few weeks. And considering his displeasure to flying in aircraft, it's a mercy to hear such an announcement.
Rubbing his tired eyes behind his sunglasses, still weary from the flight as the pills he took before leaving to help with his airsickness is starting to wear off from his system, before looking around his surroundings more thoroughly.
He chose to sit near the tail end of the airship he was taking on an empty bench, away from the other passengers' sight. Preferring to avoid any disturbance and rest up for a bit and thankfully he did not bother anyone else as of yet.
Massaging his temples in annoyance he thought back to that weird dream 'It's starting to be annoying at this point…' it has been a recurring thing in the last few months with his dream varying in forms, but this one was different, not as intense as the last few, but odd all things considered 'Especially the wings…' he looked over his left hand which was covered behind a black leather glove, closing and opening it a couple of times in thought.
'I actually felt something…' he continued staring at his leather gloved hands before letting out a tired sigh, to think a dream managed to make him think way deeper than usual and dwelling on it serves no purpose…
Standing up, he grabbed hold of his dark blue coat he set aside and draped it over his shoulders; along with the black leather gloves he wore a long-sleeved turtleneck shirt that completely obscured his arms and neck, black combat pants and boots, a grey holster strapped as his belt with a silver pistol resting by the side.
Really, the type that screams not standing out. Especially with all the flower patterns covering on the shoulders and back of the coat, the brand ACRYNM imprinted on the collar.
To end it all. Rested on his eyes were a set of dark sunglasses that remained in its place during his nap, another ACRYNM product.
Along with his choice of attire, he was tall, close to six feet five, towering over most if not all the other passengers. His hair was slicked back, its black strands managed to shine through the intense lights in the airship.
After cranking his neck and back to ease up the strain before stopping upon hearing the pop. He walked toward one of the larger windows of the ship and stare out the vista ahead of him
The City of Vale, a vast metropolis and capital of the kingdom sharing its name. The simple architecture contrasted than what he saw in Atlas during his short stay there. While lacking the sense of modernization Atlas has over the rest of the world, its appearance was appealing in its own way.
Its calming aura and scent made it even more appealing. Welcoming any and all of those who decide to visit the large city who seek normalcy in their life should they decide to move.
But at the same time, the place looked…average. Dull even compared to Atlas, or heck even Titan
'I give it a plus for the lack of smoke…' he dryly thought at the lack of factories in the city. despite that, its simple appearance has some flair around it.
As the city slowly passes by his viewpoint, his observation was interrupted as something played in the background {The robbery was led by the notorious thief Roman Torchwick who continues to evade authorities} turning his sight to the hologram of the ship as Vale News Network relayed over the current activities in the kingdom. Vale was the one place that Picus doesn't cover as say Vacuo and its social problems or even Atlas and their celebrities, he suspected its due to the lack of any significant activity or events unless it's important.
Which made it even more sense as to why some people find this place dull.
A mugshot of a man with orange hair appeared on the screen {If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Vale Police Department. Back to you Lisa} he stared briefly at Torchwick's mug shot with curiosity. Somehow, the thief managed to steal large ounces of Dust from a ferry near the docks and escaped before anyone noticed it despite the police patrolling the area heavily.
'Guy's dedicated…I'll give him that…' anyone who manages to avoid capture this long and make the cops look like idiots deserve praise, for now.
The hologram shifted to a silver-haired newswoman who continued with her report {Thank you, Cyril. In other news, this Saturday's Faunus Civil Rights protest turned dark when members of the White Fang disrupted the ceremony. The once peaceful organization has now disrupt-} the news broadcast was suddenly cut off, replaced by what appears to be a blond bespectacled woman, who stood in hologram form, her expression stern and cold.
[Hello newly registrants and welcome to Beacon Academy] the blond woman began, her voice laced with professionalism.
Suddenly a crowd of people started pilling by the hologram, specifically the hologram he was watching, pushing him back a bit with some going forward. which made him tense a bit that some of them came way close to his personal space, not a fan in crowds
He felt someone bump by his shoulders "Sorry about that! Didn't see you there!" the person apologized, he turned and saw yellow.
He replied calmly, his voice lacking any kind of tone "That's fine…" he waved before turning back to the hologram "It happens…"
The person who bumped into him nodded and continued listening to the hologram "Who's that?" she suddenly asked for someone who stood by her other side who he couldn't see.
[My name is Glynda Goodwitch] the questioner let out a small 'oh' at that; [You are among a privileged few who have received the honor of being selected to attend this prestigious academy!]
'Prestigious is a bit farfetched …'
[Our world is experiencing an incredible time of peace, and as future Huntsmen and Huntresses, it is your duty to uphold it. You have demonstrated the courage needed for such a task, and now it is our turn to provide you with the knowledge and the training to protect our world] and with that, the broadcast ended and the blond woman's hologram disappeared.
'At least it's more welcoming than Tarsus…' he thought amusingly.
As the airship climbed higher, a collective of surprise cries and awe for the vista that left many of the new students speechless. Looking through the large window once more, he saw his destination.
Beacon Academy.
One of the top four huntsmen academies in the world.
And his second home.
Just thinking about it being his second home made him tense a bit.
The academy laid near the edge of the kingdom on a cliffside, overlooking the city in the east. The academy was founded along with the other three as the foremost places to train future Huntsmen and Huntresses to fight against the ever-growing threat of the Grimm, giving every new generation an extensive and necessary training to defend the kingdoms.
'But considering the growing tech and weapons Atlas is spitting out…I wonder if any of this is necessary…' he thought curiously as he looked around the students who seemed ecstatic for being here in Beacon.
He remained in his place near the window, looking over the horizon and studied the academy and tuning out the conversing students around him until he felt a small rumble beneath his boots.
The doors of the airship are starting to open downward for the students [Attention passengers, we have landed safely on Beacon Academy. Please do not leave anything of value or importance, airship staff and the Academy are not responsible for any lost items] the pilot announced over the speakers [And once again, thank you for enjoying our services here in Queens Air!]
When the doors were finally open, the new students started to fly out through the door in excitement; he opted to remain in his place to avoid the crowded exit until he was the last person left, not really comfortable with the idea in getting stomped by excited teens…
'Then again…here I am…'
Stepping out of the airship, a large tower was the first thing that greeted him, it stood tall over the horizon, surmounted by a number of green spheres 'Guess I found the Beacon…' he thought amusingly at his bad joke as he walked across the steel ramp.
He still felt a bit dozy from the long flight and the pill he took before taking the airship was starting to wear off.
Reaching for what appears to be the courtyard of the academy, a rather large courtyard, he studied the Academy much closely, zoning out the students around him to observe the marvel of it.
'Impressive…' he wasn't shocked to see the beauty of the Academy's architecture, its gothic like style is unique, not like the military style he was used to seeing. Several different buildings and towers can be seen ahead, possibly facilities made for all the student's tastes 'Council's sure didn't waste any expense in making this place a priority over the normal schools…' he noted over the size of the Academy, a place like this should have its own Blacksmith in looking and taking care of weapons and armor.
He also noted that the place is big enough to house at least thousands of students, and judging from the news articles, this year's probably has more students enrolling Beacon than in the past five years, an impressive feat—
KA-BOOM!
A loud explosion shattered the calm air, interrupting his observation. On instinct, he went to a crouch position and went through his coat as he expected for the worse, feeling a wave of heat and electricity wash over to him. He looked around for the place where the explosion and raised a single eyebrow beneath his sunglasses at the scene ahead.
A couple of feet away, two girls were arguing. One wore red and black clothing while the other wore completely white. The girl in white was berating the other despite of the girl in red trying her best to apologize for what just happen to no avail.
'A Schnee? Here?' he recognized the white-haired girl on sight, her white clothes charred a bit from the explosion. Anyone who lives or lived in Atlas for a time will recognize a member of the famous or rather infamous Schnee family on sight, which is most if not always in a negative light, and many of them tend to stick out like a sore thumb.
'I've been hanging out with Greenhorn for too long' he shook his head as put his weapon back inside his coat, remembering that he is in a combat school, he suspects that most if not all students here were packing weapons, loaded weapons.
He studied the other girl- who was trying her best to apologise to no avail, Schnee's are hard to appease with reason when they get pissed- She wore completely black, the hem of her skirt and sleeves had a dark shade of red, and the most striking piece of clothing was the red cloak that was supported with a hood, which fluttered from the small wind passing by.
'Looks like a cape…' he thought dryly, it looked like it could hinder you in a fight.
Standing up straight, he thought over his next course of action before feeling something rolling toward his feet 'Hmm?...' looking down to see a vial of Dust, a white snowflake logo etched on it, the symbol of Schnee Dust Company.
'A Schnee mined Dust…' picking up the vial and studied closely, he remembered someone mention that a Schnee Dust product has more purity than normal Dust or 'punch' as they explained to him once.
Once again thinking over his next course of action, he could just leave the two to themselves and continue his walk toward the Academy but it looks like their arguments might escalate far worse after seeing the other girl becoming more annoyed and angry with the Schnee girl's continued insults until another girl walked up over to them, she wore a heavy black vest with a white shirt inside, black pants and boots, and a rather large bow atop her head.
'Hmm…' he wondered at the girl who seems to share his taste in color 'Cute bow…'
{DXR}
"Unbelievable!" the white-haired girl once again started chiding the younger girl who fell on her neatly placed luggage she brought, filled with enough Dust that can cause enough damage that it may warrant an emergency.
In addition, during her process of teaching the young girl for her carelessness and warning her of the dangers of Dust, she went and detonated one anyway! "This is exactly the kind of thing I was talking about! Have you been listening to what I just said! Or are you too stupid to even understand like a normal person!"
The younger girl in red and black clothes pressed her fingers together nervously, unable to look at the angry white-haired girl in the embarrassment of what just happen "I am really, really sorry!" she said apologetically to her.
"Ugh! You complete dolt!" she said in disgust "What are you even doing here?! Aren't you a little young to attend Beacon! Or did I end up in a secondary school by mistake!"
"W-W-Well… I-I…" She stammered over her words, clearly taken aback by the white-haired girl's outburst.
"This isn't your ordinary combat school. We are not here to practice and play pretend! We are here to fight monsters, do important work! Something a child like you will not know!" she continued insulting the girl "So go back playing pretend with people close to your age!"
"Hey!" the young girl had enough, she was trying her hardest to apologize for what just happened and she was willing to own up to it, but it seems the white-haired girl was not giving her any chance to do so and continue to hurl insult after insult at her "I said I was sorry! Many times! But you are not listening at all!" she said angrily "You didn't have to say those things at me, princess!"
"Its heiress actually…" someone approached the two girls, stopping the argument from escalating. Turning their attention to a black-haired girl, carrying a large book in hand "Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Dust Company" said the girl. Her black bow that sat atop of her head was her most striking feature "One of the largest producers of energy propellant in the world"
"Finally!" Weiss Schnee smiled smugly at this "Some well-deserved recognition!"
"The same company infamous for its controversial labor forces and questionable partners"
The younger girl could not help but giggle at the way Weiss Schnee sputtered at what the black-haired girl just said.
"Now listen here!" as she was about to retort back, a large shadow cast over the white-haired girl.
"Excuse me…" a voice called from behind her, stopping on what could possibly be another argument.
"What is it?!" Schnee yelled at the person who had the gall to interrupt her. Turning her head to berate the person but stopped herself dead upon seeing the interrupter.
He was tall, close to six feet five, towering over all of them. Wearing completely dark clothing except for his trench coat, which was dark blue, floral printing marked over the shoulders that reached all the way to the sleeves of the coat. His black hair swept back, with a single large strand, adorned to his clean face was a dark tinted sunglass that completely covered his eyes.
She could have sworn she just saw his eyes glow behind the sunglasses for just a moment.
Clearly, she wasn't the only one who was taken aback from his sudden appearance as the black-haired girl had her eyes narrowed for a moment while the young girl who caused all of this seemed to be confused.
"Sorry to interrupt this…little dispute…" he waved a single hand around them. His voice, detached and emotionless, cold enough to make the heiress and the black-haired girl wary due to how monotone his voice was. Bringing forward something he carried in his hands and brought it to the white-haired heiress closer "But you dropped this…" he handed her the vial of Dust.
Her fear momentarily dispensed, clearly not expecting to be given a vial of dust "Oh!" she realized the content he was holding upon seeing the Schnee symbol "Ah…thank you…" she trailed off before taking the vial from his gloved hand.
The young girl tilted her head in confusion at this, one moment the white-haired girl was close to exploding in anger at both her and the black-haired girl, and the next she is calm and nervous after the tall man appeared before them.
'Weird' the young girl thought confusingly, while clearly taken aback by the tall man's sudden appearance. What confused her the most is how Schnee's outburst came to a screeching halt, as if…the tall man's mere presence somehow managed to calm her?
'She seems…scared…' the young girl looked at Weiss nervous form worriedly.
"You should use steel briefcases with locks anytime you carry this amount of Dust, Ma'am…" the tall man advised courteously "Dust is a dangerous product to carry around unprotected…" looking down to the young girl, silver eyes met his dark shades "Or someone from sneezing the stuff…"
The young girl looked at her feet in embarrassment.
"I…I will think about your suggestion, thank you" Weiss stood there for a moment as somehow the tall man's sudden appearance managed to stop their arguments to a dead halt.
The tall man titled his head slightly, noticing how the Schnee girl seems nervous to even look at him "Is everything alright ma'am?..." he asked worriedly, or how they can guess to be worried considering he still talked in a monotone voice "You seemed…pale…"
"I-I am fine!" she answered hastily, too quick to warrant some worry. She ordered some of her butlers who stood and watched the event unfold with no reaction to grab her things and leave the area, feeling tired of everything that has happened by now.
Before leaving, the white-haired heiress glared spitefully at the two girls one last time before taking her leave quickly.
"I'll make it up to you!" the younger girl in red called to the white-haired girl; still sorry for what happened with the Dust and everything. Turning to the other girl who at least managed to help her somewhat "Guess I am not the only having a rough first day…So! What's…" as she was about to say something to the black-haired girl only to see her walk away as well.
Collapsing from exhaustion, feeling an immense headache coming "Welcome to Beacon…thanks, Yang…" Not even five minutes went by after her sister basically abandoned her to the wolves here and already it's a mess, she continued laying there on the ground contemplating on what to do next before a large shadow cast over her.
"Not a great first day huh?..." the tall man asked her curiously as he stood over her, diverging his sight from the white-haired girl to the young girl.
The young girl sighed "No…I knew that I wasn't good with people but this is…a lot to take in…" said the girl in red, seating up to look at him, her silver eyes reflected from his dark sunglasses.
"I know the feeling…" he said cryptically, his tone oddly becoming less cold. He stretched out his hand for the young girl who, taken aback by his action, smiled and gracefully took it and helped her up
"Thanks!" she smiled at his advice. Getting up from her seated place, she managed to get a better look at the guy, he was tall, extremely to the point he towered over the much younger girl. She half expected that he might be a teacher instead of a student.
"But what was that about?." she asked.
He tilted his head "Which is?..."
"That Schnee girl was ready to yell at us after what she said." she pointed at the black-haired girl who was already far from them "Then you show up and she just…stop I guess?" she worded out carefully, still remembering how she turned from a frightening person to frightened upon laying eyes on the tall man.
The tall man looked over the other side, the white-haired heiress has already managed to cross the courtyard quickly, pushing through the crowd of people with haste, clearly frightened somewhat.
Turning back to the younger girl, he gave a small shrug "It really wasn't my intention to make her nervous, I just wanted to give her the Dust vial…" he lifted his hand to emphasize him handing the vial "And probably try to diminish the whole incident from escalating…" he explained calmly.
The young girl scratched her head in embarrassment after being remembered of the whole 'blowing someone's Dust off to an explosion', its not what she calls a great first day "Well…thanks for stopping it anyway…or for trying to stop it" she smiled thankfully "Honestly, never expected to get yelled at on my first day"
"Neither does blowing up Dust on school grounds…" the tall man said, "But hey…I've seen weirder…"
"You don't have to say it like that you know…"
"But you'll get used to getting yelled at in the morning…I know I have…"
The young girl tilted her head in confusion "What do you mean?" she questioned.
"In Tarsus Academy, most if not all instructors greet you like any Drill sergeants you've seen…insulting you for coming and telling how worthless you are…"
The young girl was horrified at his explanation "That sounds horrible!"
The tall man simply shrugged in response "Maybe…They usually do it as a way to motivate you…" he explained the reason "The insults they hurl at you are really something…"
She laughed nervously at this, not sure at what he meant.
"But in all seriousness…Don't let this whole mess overwhelm you…" he advised the girl "Give it time and you'll be able to adjust your feet here…"
The young girl perked up at the tall man's advice "Thanks for the advice and for helping me back there"
The tall man titled his head, confused for a moment at what he meant before realizing she was talking about him intervening before Schnee could go off on the other girl who insulted her.
He shrugged and answered "Don't mention it…" he intervene for two reasons, one was to stop the Schnee heiress from going off further after what the black-haired girl said, and the second was to give her the vial of pure Dust as anyone else untrained with its content could wind up on the worse end of things.
She remained quiet for a moment, mulling over something that managed to cause the girl to have a migraine before clapping her hands "Well…" she began and took another wide breath "M-m-my name is Ruby Rose!" she extended her right hand to him close, much closer to his personal space "Pleased to meet you!"
The tall man simply opted to stare at her hand for a second, raising a single eyebrow beneath his sunglasses at the sudden action.
"Please shake it back…" she said through gritted teeth, embarrassed for being forward 'And Yang said to try and make some friends on my own…' she feared about he was about to say or laugh at her attempt
"Guess you're really bad with people…" the tall man noted, "But you don't have to be so loud in greeting…"
Her face flushed at his comment "Hey! Cut me some slack for trying!" she said embarrassingly "I am just…trying to make friends…" she muttered, remembering her sister's words at trying to make friends on her own.
"First steps huh?..." she nodded, her hands still outstretched to the tall man, their height difference all too apparent with him towering her two-fold. Her silver eyes and face reflected from his dark sunglasses, wondering whether he would shake it back or not.
She was taken aback at the sudden feeling of his leather gloves touching her soft skin, the contact wasn't the reason she was taken aback, it was the cold and rough touch she felt from his hand. It felt…
It felt like she was touching steel…
"Likewise Ruby Rose…" his voice broke her thoughts. Looking up, she saw the unexpected, the calm and stone-faced tall man was giving the young girl a small and rare smile and introduced himself
"Name's JC…JC Denton…"
{DXR}
"Sooooooooo…." Ruby began as she along with the first person she became friends opted to walk around the Academy inside its walls, mostly to familiarize themselves with the place "What does J.C stand for?" she asked curiously.
Both students- which the tall man confirmed that he was a student attending Beacon after she asked him- walked beside each other in what they can guess to be the gardens judging from the rows of trees in the area, a small lake running by the side and a couple of marbled benches for the other students to sit on.
The tall man, JC Denton seemed…odd, the way he suddenly appeared before them without anyone noticing was impressive, along with the fact that the way he speaks calmly and tonelessly can be a bit…frightening to most. Heck, even his clothes make him seemed unapproachable
He even looks out of place the more she looks at him
'Like me…'
J.C Denton let out a sigh, obviously not the first time someone would ask what his initials mean "Junior Cop…" he answered simply which took the young girl back, he continued his explanation "My brother said that they named me after reading an old detective series called 'Junior Cop', so after I was born my brother was given the choice to name me…"
"Wait…really?" she asked incredulously, that could not be true that someone would actually name him like that, and from his brother no less!
"Of course not….I would legally change my name right there if that happens…" he answered her which made Ruby glare at him for making her believe his story but let out a small laugh at that. The young girl also noticed the longer they spoke JC's tone became less cold and emotionless and filled with warmth, though still dry "But my brother had a habit in trying to guess what it means…every now and then he would think of names that match the initials…and it gets annoying by the tenth name…"
Ruby giggled softly at that, remembering how her older sister tends to show her love a bit…too much, even if she was old enough to take care of herself, there are days where her sister would be showering her with care a little too much for her liking.
She appreciates it, she really does. Her older sister showing affection to a younger sibling is great and all. But she needs to control it every once in a while.
"Like what? Other than Junior Cop that is" she asked curiously, trying her best to not laugh at the name.
"Mostly random names, but his favorite name was Justice Call...said that because I have a habit in helping others in need…" he stated while sounding annoyed at the memory of his brother's name callings.
Ruby can't help but notice to JC's voice turning less cold and robotic to warmth the more he spoke about his brother 'Guess he is really close to his brother' Ruby thought, remembering at how her sister would usually tease her about some of the stuff she likes.
She let out a small laugh at his explanation "Well, he isn't wrong" JC raised a lone eyebrow but said nothing as they continued to walk in the garden "I am sure he doesn't mean it in an endearing way
Ruby continued asking "But aren't you a bit curious about it?"
The tall man shook his head "Honestly no…it didn't bother me as much as you think…" he explained simply, not seeming interested at all from his name "I've always thought it to be nothing special…"
"Hmm…" Ruby put a single finger beneath her chin in thought, curiosity wrote all over her face over the tall man's name, rarely if ever does she hear a name like his being used in this day and age. Smiling broadly as she turned her attention to JC "I say it's neat! In a mysterious way, like a puzzle just waiting to be solved!"
JC shrugged "Never been a fan in puzzles and the mysterious to be honest…" thinking this kind of stuff can be nerve-racking, especially after the last couple of months in work "But I see your point…"To him, it's was a name he was given since birth, he would imagine it would have some meaning but he never had a chance to ask his parents before they passed away in that car accident.
Nor did he ask his brother…
'Now that I think of it…it does make me somewhat curious'
Both continued to walk in silence, enjoying the small breeze of air they were feeling, Ruby noted how beautiful the academy's garden was, the calm air around her really brought her back to Patch, her home island. The air and trees around her made her feel like she was still at home.
Stopping their stride momentarily beside the running lake, JC, who was studying the area around them, called for the young girl's attention "If…you don't mind me asking, Miss Rose…"
Ruby blinked twice, rarely did anyone who isn't an older adult calls her by her last name "No, I don't mind!" she smiled brightly "And you can just call me Ruby"
"Alright Ruby…" he turned his head away from the lake, his tone becoming more like normal "But…how old are you?"
She was taken aback by the odd question "W-W-Well…"Ruby brought her fingers together, clearly embarrassed at the question "I-I-I am fifteen"
JC raised a lone eyebrow at that answer "Really? A bit young to be attending Beacon…"
"Hey!" she glared at the tall man, clearly not expecting that kind of response from him "Just so you know I scored first in marksmanship back at Signal!" she said loudly, puffing her chest with pride. Back at Signal, she managed to score the highest in marksmanship in the academy's recent history, though she was unable to beat the established record…
"Does that include blowing people up?..."
Ruby sputtered at his question "What? No!" she glared at the tall man in anger "And I told you that explosion was an accident!"
JC seems unconvinced, or what she thinks to be him unconvinced due to his unchanged expression "You sure? It looks like a hidden talent…"
"Of course not! Why anyone would want something like that!"
"Why indeed…." He said simply, ignoring the glare from the younger girl.
"Well…" quickly trying to change the subject and forget the events that happen with the white-haired girl "How about you?" she asked quickly "How old are you?"
"Nineteen…"
Ruby grinned widely at that "Well, aren't you a bit too old to be a first year?" she asked smugly, or trying her best to sound smug. Which the taller man found amusing.
"Got me there…" he admitted, still staring at his reflection from the small lake "An old man like me couldn't possibly compete with you guys…" while he didn't try to show it, Ruby could see a small smile form from the tall man.
She giggled softly at his response, the more she spoke with the man, the more like an actual the more it seems like he spoke comfortably with someone, the less he would sound so…robotic.
They remain quiet, trying to bask in the calm air for a moment with Ruby continuing to stare at her reflection from the running lake and JC continued to look around the area here and there that might catch his interest.
Thinking of a topic to talk about, Ruby turned to JC as she fished out something that was strapped to her back "So…I got this thing…" it was a large weapon, far larger and longer than the young girls own height, which JC wondered how a girl like Ruby managed to carry it with such ease "Meet Crescent Rose!"
"A Scythe?..." he observed the menacing construct, painted in black and red 'She even gave it a name…'
She nodded before swinging her weapon easily and smoothly, which once again made JC think how such a small girl like Ruby could do such a feat and started to change shape. The blade lowered inside the compact and the lower part of the scythe came forward in a barrel-like shape.
Ruby grinned brightly at her weapon as she continued "It's also a customizable high-impact sniper rifle!" she cocked her rifle for emphasizes.
JC whistled and studied the weapon closely, blade seemed sharp enough to cut through a horde of Grimm and the sniper rifle can pick them off at a distance, great two-way punch "Not Bad…" he studied the rifle-scythe "Whoever made this, did it masterfully, though a bit excessive…"
Ruby laughed nervously "Well…it was actually me who made"
He blinked "Wait, you made it?..." he asked, impressed.
"Of course!" she smiled "All students forge their own weapons"
"And you decided to choose a scythe and rifle combo?..."
She nodded "Yep, but I kind of stole the idea from my uncle…" she shyly explained.
The tall man hummed in thought before nodding "This is really a beautiful masterwork Ruby, last time I've seen one was back on Titan…" Ruby blushed at the praise "Due a bit excessive…" he repeated his major critique.
They started walking again, the lake by their left and the garden the right.
She laughed sheepishly, bringing her hand behind the back of her head "Well…I'm kind of a dork when it comes to weapons" Her smiled widened warmly, like a mother proud of her child "But I am really proud of how Crescent Rose ended up!" Ruby folded her weapon back to its compact form and hugged it close.
JC raised a single eyebrow before letting out a small chuckle, a rare action for him to make, and took the younger girl back at his sudden change of emotion "I can see why…" he motioned her weapon.
Ruby grinned widely before asking "So… how about you?" she looked at him curiously.
JC stood still, he should have expected her to ask him about his own gear. His hands began closing and opening a couple of times, his shoulders tensing. It has been a while since he actually felt something run down his arms….
He opened his arm to answer before noticing the sparkling glint behind her silver eyes looking below, he followed where she was staring before settling at the holster he carried-
"Most of my gear is still on the ship…" he pointed out as he unstrapped the holster, bringing out the silver handgun he carried around. Its sleek and clean frame shined from the sunlight, the words ZENITH etched on the side.
Ruby instantly recognized the silver gun "That's a Zenith!" her silver orbs brighten at the weapon "The C-40 series too!" her eyes followed its movement as JC twirled the gun a couple of times. She asked "How did you get it? I thought the new series wasn't out of Atlas. And most of them are sold at-"
"Titan…" JC said, stopping twirling the weapon for a moment "Lived there for a couple of months so I was able to get the recent series…" while it is cute seeing a girl like Ruby look at a Zenith like it's the most impressive but where he came –Atlas as a whole- Almost if not everyone has a Zenith carrying in their person, places he'll rather refer not mentioning "Weird that you recognized it on first sight…"
Ruby giggled "Well, been reading some of their recent stuff through the extranet and their magazines!" she said excitingly, nearly bouncing "And you lived in Titan! Is it true the sun doesn't shine down there?"
"It's more of the factories poisoning the air than the sun not bothering in visiting…" he explained, "Place is literally a city of gun making companies…"
If it was even possible, her silver eyes glinted more so than before and started speaking in quick succession "Did you bring anything else? Like an elite version of a Zenith? How about an X-Bow? Those are expensive from what I've read. Or a Gep Gun?! Please tell me you have a Gep Gun..." she named another set of weapons he has heard before and hearing them for the first time. Each time getting closer and closer to his personal space.
He felt a sweet drop 'Yeah… Definitely a gun freak…'no one knows this amount of released and unreleased number of weapons by heart. Bringing his hand to her head to stop the girl before she got too close "Slow down there Crater face…"
She stopped and glared angrily "Hey! I said that explosion was an accident!"
"Sorry about that, just wanted you to breathe a little…" he raised his hand in defense after she started pouting "To answer your question, yes. I've practiced some of the weapons you've mention back at Tarsus…" her eyes brightened "And no, I didn't bring any one of them with me…" her eyes died down 'Unless you want the Council on my ass for bringing Atlas weapons to Vale without a permit'
Ruby let out a sigh of disappointment, clearly expecting to see at least some of the weapons, but then again, regulations were put for a reason.
"Sorry for not having anything impressive to compete with your scythe…"
"That's fine! Really!" she stated, recovered quickly from her short stupor "It's not like anything can beat my baby here!" she pated her compacted weapon proudly.
He ignored the fact she just called her weapon 'her baby' "But on a serious note, it's quite impressive that they encourage you guys to forge your own weapons…"
Ruby tilted her head confusingly "Don't they teach you the same in your school?"
"Tarsus?..." she nodded "No… in Tarsus, or Atlas, in general, it isn't encouraging to build your own weapons in non-huntsmen schools…" JC ran down a single arm over his other. His tone slowly turning back to its cold and stoic pattern "You are told you are the weapon, anything else is just an extension…" he looked up to the sun, reminded of that dream he had and its meaning before putting at the back of his mind, it means nothing. "My instructor used to remind us every day that we are nothing more than a gun to be pointed at the enemy…" He did not realize that he started to stare empty road ahead of him at the memory
'Like a prayer…'
Ruby expression were that of shock, clearly not expecting him to explain his old school's teaching methods "That's horrible!" she walked closer with a worried expression "Thinking you guys as tools and not people…" she honestly never heard of Tarsus, nor any other academies out there that are not a part of the Huntsmen training academy. She started wondering if there are any other schools sharing this kind of philosophy… where only the strong thrive…
JC simply shrugged, not bothered by it "There were some positives… like learned how to make my own tools and weapons…"
"You mean like a blacksmith?"
He shook his head "Not to the extent you think… just smaller devices, gadgets, and tools…" he remembered how his old instructor used to drill him the necessary components in building 'Anything can be a weapon' said by one Samuel Carter, crazy old bastard but he learned a lot from him "Might teach you something here and there… that if you can teach me how to build a weapon like that…" he said as he gave the young girl a small thin smile, which Ruby responded with a wider grin.
"Deal!" she said happily, while she has yet to see the tools he mentioned, but she imagined them to be quite the sight.
Once again taking their stride beside the lake as they enjoy the fresh air around them. More so for JC due to how rare for him to see clean air after staying in Atlas for a while now.
Ruby fidget in her place as she thought of her next word "Uhh… JC?" he looked at her direction, for some reason he was focused on a specific spot on their left. It made her even more nervous after seeing her reflection from his sunglasses but muscled through her words "Thank you…" she whispered lowly but it was enough for JC to hear.
He raised a single eyebrow, confused "Hmm? What for?..."
Ruby stared at her foot for a second before continuing "For helping me back there." She said first, he explained it wasn't his original intention but thanks to him he managed to diverge a dumb argument from getting more intense than it should have. She then turned to look up at the tall man, her smile widens toothily "And for being my first friend in Beacon!"
JC stared at the girl before letting out a small chuckle which made her giggle alongside him, it has been a while since he laughed this much for a long time "You're welcome Crater face."
"Hey!" she glared at him, or tried to glare, "I told you that explosion was an accident!"
"And I believe you got some hidden talent, you sure it isn't your Semblance?"
"It isn't" she answered in a huff "And no, I won't say what it is" she let out a 'hmph' as she turned her head in anger.
There was a moment of silence between the two before Ruby – who couldn't contain herself – broke the silence and burst out laughing, which made JC give her a thin smile once more.
After gathering her bearings, Ruby looked around the area they were in "Hey" she called his attention "Where are we going?" she asked JC, who was looking around the area as before.
"Tagging for cameras." He answered nonchalantly which made the girl look oddly at him before giggling "But to answer your question, we've been going around in circles…" he pointed at the large statue of a Huntsman and Huntress standing victoriously over a Grimm, probably the center of the Academy "Sure I've seen that statue eight times by now…"
"Wait… how long have we been walking around?."
"Close to twenty minutes…"
Her eyes widened "The Ceremony!." she realized "They will start any minute now! Oh, I hope Yang isn't worried!."
"Ten minutes to be exact… we got plenty of time." he looked ahead "Guess that huge building could be the main hall, place looks the part…"
"But that building over there looks the same." she pointed the building at the left "That too." she pointed on the right.
JC looked around and realized that yes, almost every building in the academy is close to the same size and appearance, no way differentiate between the other "We got plenty of time…" he repeated after some thought, clearly at a loss just as the girl.
Ruby couldn't help herself but giggle softly, it's weird seeing someone like JC become confused and lost at something, guess you can't judge a book by its cover.
"Come on!" she grabbed him by the hand and dragged him to the closest building, ignoring the cold and harsh feeling of his hand after grabbing it. JC raised a lone eyebrow but said nothing, allowing the girl to drag him into a random building with a blank expression but inwardly he was bemused at this. "We can't find it if we stand around doing nothing!"
"Hmm…" he simply hummed in response as the young girl dragged him to the doors.
{DXR}
Beacon Tower - Same Time
The office was dark save for the several computer screens as the only form of light.
Seated behind his desk was a gray-haired man staring intently at the screen that shows some sections of the academy, changing the screen from time to time.
He sipped through his freshly brewed coffee as he watched the newly arrived students walking toward the main hall, some chatter along with themselves while decided to look around the authorized areas in the school itself.
This year is certainly the most of registered students they had in the last ten years, not since the days of the War of Heaven. Many of the students were some he personally recruited but there were some unexpected arrivals.
'Weiss Schnee and Pyrrha Nikos. Never thought I will see the day one of the members of those two families to join Beacon, let alone two of them at the same time and year' he sipped through his cup as the screen changed into a split view, allowing him to see two things at the same time and watched the two teens in separate places, with Ms. Nikos talking to some of the students who recognized her politely, her red hair vibrant that would make her stand out and Lady Schnee who didn't seem to be bothered in socializing with the others.
There are a large number of students that have caught his interests, from prodigies to potential prospects in being the elite huntsmen and huntresses, future defenders against the Grimm.
But two students, in particular, caught his interests the most.
The first being Ruby Rose, who was happily dragging along a tall man down the hallway. A young prospect from Signal Academy has the potential to be greater than she is now, her skills alone were unparalleled, already achieving the highest in marksmanship in the academy, nearly shattering an existing record. While age can be a factor in this considering she is still fifteen years, in time she will grow into it properly. He can see her going further down the road through training and learning here in Beacon.
He'll make sure of that, preparations are needed.
The other being JC Denton, who was simply following the young girl absentmindedly as she dragged him around. A latecomer entering a Huntsman Academy and the exact opposite of the girl, in height, appearance, and personality. Contrast to the young girl who you can read like an open book, Denton was difficult to read, an odd one to be part of the this year's roster considering his age being exceeding the norm, nineteen to be exact. The most glaring thing was his record which most of it is either sealed or voided upon his entry except for a few tidbits, that he was raised in Atlas.
A true ghost.
Despite that and as good as he tries to keep people guessing, there is one thing of note he has noticed.
He was Careful, JC Denton is a very careful person, as every now and then when Ruby Rose would start speaking with him about a subject, he would search around the area they were in, he did in the courtyard and now he is doing it inside the academy, spotting the various cameras installed.
'Not minutes went by when he grounded and he is already looking for cameras' he thought amusingly, taking another sip from the cup.
A loud 'ding' rang out the office, turning off the screens before looking forward to the elevator doors opening, revealing a blond woman carrying a file.
"Headmaster" Professor Glynda Goodwitch greeted him as she entered the office, her ever cold expression present "It's almost time for the ceremony to begin" she glared at how dark the room is and went to a nearby wall and clicked for the lights "And do please start using the lights we have installed, you will hurt your eyes" she scolded.
Headmaster Ozpin rubbed his eyes behind his dark sunglasses at the sudden light coming in the office "Noted Glynda" he said amusingly before standing up and grab his cane rested by his side "Have we the exact number of students joining this year?"
"Close to one hundred, not counting the extra students you decided to add on your own" she answered quickly and professional like.
Impressive, close to hundreds of students were accepted to the academy, not counting the other papers that were denied from entry "Impressive feat for Beacon to make"
"More like headache going to the next year…" she sighed before entering the elevator.
Ozpin chuckled "Quite true. But you have to admit this year's batch is possibly the liveliest we have in a long while, don't you agree, Glynda?" he asked as he walked toward the waiting professor, cane in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.
"I have my reservations to one of the students, however, I will trust you in this… risk you are taking" she commented as she pressed the button for the ground floor "But has anyone, in particular, caught your interests? Other than Miss Rose that is"
"None" he said honestly, sipping another drink from his cup as The elevator sped downward the Headmaster answered "My view on Miss Rose is simply making sure she is accommodated in a new and unfamiliar environment" he sipped through his cup "Showing favoritism will simply be against my place as an instructor and against our teaching here" Explained the Headmaster "All students in Beacon have the potential to be what Remnant needs in future conflicts."
Glynda agreed on that thought "As you say Headmaster" the elevator let out a bell sound, indicating they reached the ground floor "I hope you prepared a speech this time" she looked at the Headmaster for confirmation but was met with silence "You didn't? Again?" she glared, which intensified after he let out a small chuckle.
"I am sure I'll make something along the way, not the first time I went off script," he said musingly, which made the blond professor to sigh tiredly as they exited the tower and walked toward the nearest building.
'This will be an interesting year indeed' Ozpin thought as he looked up at the blue sky, the sunlight illuminating brightly down on the academy.
Truly, it will be a year to remember.
YEAR: 997 – APRIL 4
{END CHAPTER}
Codex Entry: Titan City.
Part of the growing project 'White', a project founded in an attempt to create more major cities similar to the four capitals in the Kingdoms. Located in eastern Atlas, Titan City is an industrial-focused city and the most successful to ever come out of the project after several attempts led to failure or abandonment such as Perses Island.
Known as the 'Future of Remnant'. The city has become a hub for various technological advance and studies that rivals even Atlas in terms of funding and work rate. Close to hundreds of new products such as vehicles, medicine, and weaponry are created by the corporations who made a foothold within the city, and with the support from the council, Titan has become one of the most profitable cities in recent memory.
Companies such as Schnee Dust and VersaLife has made a foothold in the city and made it as their main hub of operations on developments and manufacturing their product. Mercenary companies such as Tarvos Security and Belltower are also present in the city with Belltower acting as the city's main law enforcement and peacekeepers.
The city has also garnered some controversy due to its nature as an industrial-focused city with a large amount of work rate being put on the employees and its pollution made by the working factories has affected the weather on the region as a whole, causing several groups such as Humanity Front, an anti-augmentation group based on Vale, has called the city as nothing more but the 'Doom of Remnant' if it continues on with its intended vision.
Currently, the city is working on projects that are said to change ALL of Remnant with VersaLife at the helm
With its main project titled 'Panchaea'.
{EXTRA}
Note:
And thus it begins.
I've made JC here as a combination with the other main protagonist in the Deus Ex series (With Adam Jensen and JC Denton as the core traits and quirks, hence his appearance) and other traits from comic book characters that you'll find down the line.
While I can choose Adam Jensen for his established personality, I decided to go with JC due to him not having that much of characterization and complexity like Adam, making it easier for me to write and add new things to the character.
As many of you have noticed, yes, I replaced Jaune Arc with JC, and no it's not because I despise the character (Jaune is my second favorite character because I liked how well developed he ended up being) I have my reasons as to why I replaced him, story reasons. You'll see it down the road if I continued with the story or end up dead somewhere.
EndNote.
Constructive criticism is always welcomed and appreciated.