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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 3:
The Initiates.
{START}
Tarsus Academy – Five Years Ago – YEAR: 992 A.E
The sun has yet to come up as the twenty students stood at the center of the courtyard half-awake, it is still early morning, many of the recruits have not had a decent sleep after last night's activities, and extremely sore from the intense training the Sergeant has been giving these last few days.
Five days if you want to count.
"Line up Initiates!" Carter voiced loudly to the recruits, waking several of them from their sleep and making stand stiffly like a pole "You had a lot of time to sleep and rest up! And there is no such thing as slacking off in my classes! So wake up and stand straight ya grunts!" the Sergeant bellowed at the students, his voice filled with energy even early morning.
Carter nodded to Miller to begin "Alright listen up! Today you lot will be doing a training exercise in teams," Explained the blond instructor calmly, still wearing his aviator sunglasses despite the sun is barley out "While we encourage individual capabilities, which are expected, teamwork is just as important when it comes to completing important missions" he explained as he brought a large file to read out the instructions "The simulation you will be given is a simple defuse the bomb from a barren site we set up outside the perimeter" explained the blond-haired instructor "You lot will be broken into ten teams composed of two. One team will defuse the bomb while the other will stop the opposing team and protect the bomb"
"Imagine it as a game of counterterrorist you kids play in the extranet" Carter simplified sharply before grinning "Except you'll be using actual explosive" many of the students face turned white at this reveal "Don't worry, a little bit of flash bomb wouldn't hurt much"
That small assurance didn't lessen the fear that held the initiates hearts.
Undisturbed by his fellow interruption, Miller continued as he turned to the next page "All your teammates are randomized, we didn't base this on your abilities nor your capabilities" Miller read out the first set of names "Hermann and Navarre, you two will be Team One"
The towering student saluted to the instructor while the small girl whimpered in fear.
Miller continued assigning the teams until reaching to the last two "Denton" he called for the student who stood stiffly, expressionless as ever "You and Minos will be working together as Team Ten"
Denton turns his sight to his partner for today. He was tall, close to his own, with a dark crimson red hair, which could be mistaken for blood, spiked upward with several streaks of black scattered on his hair.
'Someone looks pissed…' noted JC, the red-haired teen looked like he wasn't too pleased being in the courtyard 'Then again… it's five in the morning, no one is exactly happy being out here…'
As Miller finished with the assignment, Carter walked forward "Expect the unexpected recruits!" stated the old instructor, some students were left unhappy with their choice of partners, either due to personal references or racial bigotry "Certain situations will force you to work with people you never met in goddamn life or work with someone whose guts you hate!" he bellowed "So swallow your pride and work together like two married couple! Let the unknown be the known!"
JC walked up to his partner, most of the students were starting to speak to get to know one another – The ones that weren't against there the choice of their teammates – so trying to have a conversation with your partner wouldn't hurt much.
"Minos…" Denton greeted him formally, while some of the students were either half-asleep or close to falling asleep, Minos had a scowl that JC has seen for the past four days since they began training in Tarsus "Guess we will be partners for today…"
Minos simply grunted in response before turning his head to face the tall man, eyes red as his hair, scowl present. However, the most striking thing other than his hair color was the two things sticking out of them.
'Bullhorns…' JC realized 'A Faunus…' he might be the only Faunus among the class.
"Guess so…" Minos grunted, his red eyes bored into his blue ones, clearly not looking forward like JC in teaming up "Here's an advice Denton, let me do my thing and not bother each other, you'll just slow me down"
Denton raised a lone eyebrow "Look, Carter said we need to work together-"
"I can work just fine on my own, Human" Minos asserted, aggressively "This little exercise will be over with just me, so stay the hell out of my way"
'Someone's confident…' JC thought tiredly, great, he is working with a guy who probably hates humans 'Then again… I can't blame him for thinking that way…' the tall man could feel some of the students were eyeing at their direction, but more specifically at Minos.
Denton sigh "Have it your way Minos… but that doesn't mean I will just stand there and do nothing you know…"
Minos glared "Don't blame me when you get hurt" he started walking away, but not before bumping into his shoulders roughly.
Denton stared at his partner, or whatever you consider a partner now, as he passed by several students, some glared at his direction, which he answered by glaring back.
'Guess not everyone's a morning person…'
"Denton!" Carter yelled at him "Move your lazy ass or god forbid me you'll be getting toilet duty for being slow!"
"Yes, sir…" JC marched alongside his fellow initiates as they entered the nearest building, with his partner being far ahead.
A tired sigh escaped from his lips 'Off to a great start then…'
{DXR}
Beacon Academy – Vale – Present - April 5 – TIME: 7:21 A.M...
JC Denton started blankly at his reflection from the mirror; the heavy steam from the showers covered all the mirrors in the bathroom, so he had to wipe it clean after he finished dressing. Which consisted of a simple tight black long sleeved shirt, combat pants, and boots.
'Blacksmith didn't open today…' he suspected the smithy wouldn't open during the initiation period for the students to use, but checking it out couldn't hurt much when he was out doing his routine morning training 'Guess I'll be using my old gear…' he swung his left arm slowly, exercising it like a clockwork.
Fixing his black hair properly after using the shower to its usual style, the academy allowed for the students to use the gym bathrooms –Where their lockers were located – to freshen up and eat after breakfast was prepared in the building. He waited for the other students to finish up with their showers before using it when he was the only one left.
He needed his privacy.
As he started wearing his leather gloves, putting it on tightly, he thought on today's initiation. The number of possibilities of what Ozpin could be giving them – Beacon isn't exactly a public school like Atlas, it keeps its secrets real close – But one thing that bothered him was the possibility of assigning them in teams, from what Pyrrha Nikos explained to him, the team will be composed of four, something he has never seen the other schools follow 'Or more specifically… Atlas doesn't follow these procedures' JC had to remind himself that he's far from home, the rules are different, and so are the people.
Done with dressing up, JC stared at his reflection once more, not wearing his usual sunglasses, allowing him to stare into his dark blue eyes 'It's been a while since I took them off…' thought the tall man, staring for a moment before his blue orbs glowed a small blue light…
"No dreams last night…" he muttered to himself as he turned his eyes to his gloved hand, clenching and unclenching it "That's a good sign I hope…"
"…?"
His monologue was suddenly cut off as the bathroom door were opened fully, quickly wearing his dark sunglasses and fixing his sleeves as two teens entered.
"I can't believe we've been at Beacon for a full twenty-four hours!" an energetic voice bellowed in the once quiet bathroom as a young man took the lead, he wore a green coat tail, pink trimmings on the arms with a snake-like marking on his coat. Following him behind was a girl whose voice seems to grow more energetic by the second, her orange is as bright as her personality, while the young man seems to be half-asleep.
The orange haired girl noticed JC standing by the sink and greeted "Good morning there!" she bellowed loudly before going back to talking to her companion.
The youth in green simply nodded quietly in his direction.
'Does she realize that this is the boys' bathroom...' a thought crossed his mind as the girl continued talking to her companion, oblivious or probably not caring where she was.
JC nodded back before looking at his reflection one last time and then departed from the bathroom.
'Wonder what they have for breakfast…'
{DXR}
TIME: 8:34 A.M...
The locker room area of the academy had a building all to itself; hundreds of steel boxes were located here for the students to use for their tenure in the academy.
And here's where the initiates would prepare themselves for the upcoming exam.
"So….Pyrrha" Weiss Schnee began, her voice crisped with energy for once as she started speaking with the famous Pyrrha Nikos as they both prepare themselves "Have you given any thoughts to whose team you'd like to be on? Or better yet, with?" she asked, holstering her weapon – a rapier – by her side "I am sure everyone in this exam must be very eager in the idea of working alongside with such a strong, well-known fighter such as yourself" Weiss praise.
"Hmm…" Pyrrha stopped strapping her gauntlets for a second to think before shrugging "I really don't mind; I was planning on letting the chips fall where they may" answered the red-haired girl as she grabbed her golden shield.
"Well…" Weiss got closer to Pyrrha, a little too close. Her eyes having stars behind them "I was thinking that maybe… we could be on a team together" Weiss pressed gingerly, her eyes filled with stars and sparkle, full of hope.
Pyrrha hated that look.
She has seen that look so many times it became the norm for her, praising her first, then buttering up to her just to team up because of her abilities and accomplishments instead of her-
'No…' She shook her head, hating herself for thinking that way. Looking back at the heiress hopeful eyes, Pyrrha hesitantly smiled, she wasn't dumb, she knew as to why Weiss was trying to lead her to this, but she also knows that Schnee has the best intention in working together and not take advantage of her status.
Or so she hoped.
"Well… that sounds grand Weiss, I hope that same" the red-haired champion answered with a small smile.
"That's great to hear!" Weiss clapped her hands happily 'Yes! This is perfect! The smartest girl in the class - Me of course, no one else – combined with the strongest girl in all of Beacon!' she deviously thought, while she can do just fine on her own on Beacon, but at the prospect of working with someone like Pyrrha would help her considerably 'Together we will be unstoppable- No, unbeatable! – I can see it now! We will be popular! Celebrities! We will get perfect grades! Nothing can stop us from-'
"Excuse me…"
"Gah!" The white-haired girl sputtered mid-thought "Excuse you!" angered at the sudden interruption, Weiss turned her sight at whoever had the gall to interrupt her planning "Can't you see I am happily planning my next step! Or are you too dense to not notice wha- oh…" she stopped herself mid-rant. Her face turning paler than it actually is.
"Miss Schnee…" JC Denton greeted nonchalantly, not affected by her angered look but found it odd that she stopped herself mid-sentence before turning to the red-haired girl "Miss Nikos…"
Pyrrha smiled widely, not noticing Weiss sudden change of attitude "Pleasure to see you again JC. And please, No need for formalities" she waved "Pyrrha's just fine" she found it odd to see Denton without his blue coat, showing off an impressive build. His black long shirt fitted his form, black combat pants and boots, and of course, his dark sunglasses.
"Fair enough…" JC nodded before moving past the two and opened his locker – that sat beside Weiss's- and started to take out its contents.
Regaining her bearings, Weiss turned toward the red-haired champion "Wait. You two know each other?".
"Yes" Pyrrha nodded as she strapped her gauntlets tightly "JC helped me in finding the ballroom last night" she explained before looking at Weiss in question "I take you two already met?"
"We have…" Weiss grumbled, "Though I wouldn't call it a pleasant meeting"
"It was quite explosive…" JC commented dryly.
Weiss sighed as she stroked her forehead at the memory of yesterday's events "Don't remind me of that dolt that almost killed me…"
Pyrrha couldn't help but put her hands on the heiress's shoulders in support before speaking to the tall man "Once again, I can't thank you enough for the help you did last night with the whole ballroom".
JC shrugged "No need to thank me, anyone else would have done the same…" said the tall man as he brought out a set of black greaves.
Trying to find something to talk about considering she can see JC is not the type to start conversations – and seeing Weiss not interested in being the one to start it – "Weiss and I were discussing the possibility of us being put in teams".
Weiss, who was planning a way to move Pyrrha to a different location in the gym, whipped her head quickly after Pyrrha revealed to the tall man 'Oh no! My plan being partners going to waste!'
Taking a seat in a nearby bench, JC began to strap the greaves tightly on his legs "I see…" he said in his usual dry tone "Been hearing some of that while I was eating…" he remembered the whole four-person team thing, an odd number to make "Guess you two were talking about a possible partnership?...".
Pyrrha nodded "Yes and if it's true I am sure there are still spots if you want to join up" Weiss's face turned paler than usual after realizing what Pyrrha is suggesting "So… what do you think? I am sure Weiss doesn't mind" Pyrrha smiled sincerely to Schnee, who couldn't help but smile back awkwardly.
"To be honest I don't know…" he answered, rather quickly and without giving it much thought "I usually prefer to work alone…"
"Oh… I see…" While Pyrrha was saddened to hear that, she understood why he would not be all in at the idea of partnership – Heck, she isn't a fan either- but the idea of it is nice.
Weiss, on the other hand, was overjoyed at this 'If he refuses, it might be a possibility of my plan to come to fruition! Pyrrha and I would rule this academy!'
"But that doesn't mean I don't like the idea" Denton's dry voice cut through her imagination like a sword, turning to his direction to see he was finishing with his greaves "So if I was forced to join up a team, I wouldn't mind it" he stood up and walked back to his locker. Pulling out a Kevlar armor and a utility belt.
This made Pyrrha smile at the possibility of working with the tall man, while she doesn't mind teaming up with Weiss, she is aware as to why the white-haired girl fervently pursued her due to her status and experience.
'Forced to?' Pyrrha couldn't help but catch that bit.
"Anything on the exam itself?..." the tall man asked as he pocketed a scroll, each student were given a special scroll tailored to the academy's system, acting as both a communication device and for curriculum purposes.
Pyrrha shook her head "Still nothing. But I've been thinking on what you said and it makes sense if they put us in a combat base exam" It's the only way for them to test us"
"Probably…" Denton commented "We don't know much of this whole initiation thing other than we are to be tested… it could be us fighting against a bunch of Grimm" he faced the two girls, his eyes glowed blue for second behind his sunglasses "Or pitting us against one another in a fight…"
The heiress scoffed at the last part "Beacon isn't a barbaric institute to practice such inhuman thing"
'Tell that to Mistral and Vacuo's education process…' he heard the stories of the… practices of the kingdoms would do in terms of accepting new students, be it Huntsmen academies or Combat ones.
As he finishes his preparation, JC slowly closed his steel locker shut as he grabbed hold of an assault rifle that rested inside his locker. Showing off his Kevlar armor, his weapons holster – where his silver Zenith is resting at the side - a utility belt where a set of grenades rested, a large number of them, a combat knife and… not much else.
Pyrrha found herself studying the tall man, who was being scolded by the white-haired heiress for carrying such little equipment with him. Other than the Kevlar armor worn over his long sleeve shirt, he carried around much basic weaponry, even the assault rifle seems simple enough to use, though it looks Atlas made from the numbering on the side. However, what caught her eyes the most were the greaves on his legs, the color fit his taste if it wasn't for the apparent dents and scratches all over, indicating overuse.
The other intriguing thing was the symbol printed over the greaves, that of a silver wing.
'Seraph…' she recognized that symbol, being around blacksmith talking about the 'winged armor' on occasions 'I thought they stopped production…'
"Alright, let's hope it doesn't jam like last time do…" JC worded out dryly, staring blankly at his hands as he clenched and unclenched them.
A small, three bell alarm sounded off in the area as the intercom systems started blaring.
"…?"
[To all newly-registered students please report to Beacon cliff for the initiation exam with the needed tools and equipment you've been given in your lockers] Professor Goodwitch business-like tone came out from the speakers as she ordered the students [And I won't repeat this but do please clean up your locker when you're done] and with that, the announcement ended.
"Come Pyrrha, the sooner we beat the crowd the better" Weiss walked ahead and passed Denton, giving him one last look of contempt before walking toward the exit.
"Well… umm… it's nice seeing you again JC" Pyrrha gave the tall man a smile before dashing ahead, passing through the crowd of students.
Waving simply, JC tightened his gloves and long shirt for one last checkup as he waited for the crowd to disperse from the room, still not comfortable in possibly getting stomped by a crowd of excited teens…
"Lagging behind there Shades?"
"…?"
He turned toward the voice and saw two familiar girls approaching him.
"Aren't you doing the same?..." Yang Xiao gave the tall man a wide grin with Ruby – who oddly had her hood on- following behind her"
Yang shrugged "Eh… the exam thing's on nine, we still have fifteen minutes to take our time" explained the blond-haired girl "Plus, not a big fan of crowds"
Despite trying her best, Yang studied the tall man up and down. Finding his taste in clothes to be quiet… militaristic for her taste, but hey, he still wore a nice long shirt.
'Still with those glasses'
"Guess that makes the two of us…"
"Three actually!" Yang patted over Ruby's head, which earned a glare from the young girl "This one here is the worst when it comes to meeting new people. All she wants is to fight Grimms and eat candy instead of growing up" she explained "And we are all out of candy"
"Tragic…" They started walking toward the exit as the crowd seems to have dispersed a bit.
"You don't have to make it sound so bad!" Ruby swatted her sister's hand "Okay, first of all, what meeting new people has to do with fighting? And secondly, I don't need people to help me grow! I drink milk!"
"I don't think your sister meant physically Ruby…" JC explained with a dry tone, his head forward as he leads the trio outside "She meant mentally here…" he pointed up which Yang nodded in response "Meeting new people can help you grow a bit as a person…"
Ruby frowned "I still don't get it… I mean, I have you two, why do I need anyone else?" she noticed her sister frowning before quickly giving her a small smile, but she can clearly see that her sister was not happy with her statement.
"But what about when we form teams?" Yang asked.
Shuffling her feet, Ruby knew that her sister will ask that particular question, all day she has been hearing nothing about the exam except the team formations.
"I… I can be on your team or something…" Ruby murmured quietly.
Yang tugged a piece of her hair, a quirk Ruby has seen a thousand times whenever her sister becomes nervous about something "Why… why don't you try being on someone else's team? Like…" she tried thinking of a name before turning to the nearest person "Like JC?"
JC slowly turned his head to Xiao Long, while still sporting his emotionless expression, Yang could feel the look of disappointment behind his shades.
"My dear sister Yang" Ruby spoke with a clipped tone, clearly angry at her sister "Are you implying you do not wish to be on the same team as me?"
While trying her best to hide it, Yang could see that Ruby was really scared, frightened at the idea of both of them in possibly being in separate teams. She knew the young girl was never comfortable with people she didn't know, but Yang knew she could not smother her for long.
She has to grow up.
Yang sighed "Ruby no, that's not what I meant" She worded carefully "I just thought that… I dunno… would help you break out of your shell or something…"
Ruby's mouth was agape "What?! Break out of my… I don't need to break out of my shell! That's ridiculous!-"
"She is right, Ruby…" JC's dry tone stopped her rant. Turning her head to see the tall man staring at her, his sunglasses acting as a mirror for her reflection "Staying in a comfortable zone for a long time will not help you grow as a person, it will only make you reclusive, introvert even…" Denton explained "Meeting new people can help you in the long run…"
"But…" Ruby tried to think of something, JC's explanation was sound but a bit blunt "But what happens when I work with someone I don't know or worse…"
JC remained quiet for a second, they were walking toward wherever the initiation is being held.
"My old instructor used to tell us 'Expect the unexpected' and 'Let the unknown be the known', it's like a mantra of his" JC said with a dry tone "That there will be a time where you won't be working with something familiar, the expected, the known" JC waved to Yang for an example, something Ruby was familiar with "Certain situations where you'll be forced to things or work with people you are not familiar with" he motioned the yard they were walking, a new environment for someone like Ruby, for anyone who is new to this place "We have to adapt to that change and make the most out of it…"
"Even if… even if it's someone I don't like?"
"Especially that…" He concluded, "We won't grow if we remained in a bubble…"
'Now I am starting to sound like Carter…'
Ruby shuffled her feet nervously but it seems she was less fearful that a few minutes ago after JC's explanation.
"And if you did end up working with someone unpleasant and can't play ball… well… you have us to take care of things…." JC assured the young girl, giving his and Yang's support should things don't go well.
Yang smiled broadly at this, happy to see her sister's mood better than a minute ago. Easing her mind in time of the exam.
"Didn't you just say we have to 'adapt' or whatever you were talking about if we ended up working with a dickhead?"
Ruby gasped "Yang! Language!"
"Oh! Sorry about that"
JC turned to the blond girl "I did, but that doesn't mean whoever you're working with doesn't do the same…" He explained, "Gotta make some double standards here…"
"Heh… I agree" Yang nodded as fist-pumped her hands together "Welp! Now that we are pumped! Let's kick this exam as- I mean butt!"
Ruby cheered along with her sister while JC opted to remain quiet, he's not exactly the cheering type.
The trio continued onward to the Cliffside, where the exam will be held.
{DXR}
Time: 09:03 A.M...
The Emerald Forest, one of the largest woodlands in Remnant, covering close to a hundred miles if not more so from one end to the next.
It was a beautiful sight to behold from a high ground until you realize the place is literally feeding grounds for Grimms.
A perfect place for an exam to be conducted.
Standing by his side as always, Professor Goodwitch quite down the students as each of them stood on a white platform. Many of which were either nervous, ecstatic or calm.
Clearing his throat to speak, Headmaster Ozpin began addressing the students "For years, you have trained to be warriors, to be future defenders against the darkness" the headmaster surveyed the students, his eyes hidden behind his glasses "and today is the day you will test those abilities here" he raised his free hand while his other held his cane "In the Emerald Forrest".
Goodwitch stepped forward "Now I am sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of 'teams' since after the ceremony. Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion." her eyes looked over the students, scaring some students off at its intensity "As of today, each of you will be assigned with a partner and teammates"
"What?..." a voice squeaked from the students, the Headmaster turned a corner of his eye to the source of the sound and found the young girl Ruby Rose, who seems a bit disheartened at this development "Ohh…"
The girl herself stood nervously between the two people he expected her to be with. On the left was her sister Yang Xiao Long, who seems disinterested in listening to what's going on, picking her ears to pass the time instead.
While on her right was JC Denton, who stood rigidly with both hands behind his back and stared forward, dressed in what you would expect to prepare themselves for a fight.
While he hid it and hid it well. It seems even he wasn't too happy with this development.
Quite the polar opposites.
"These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here in Beacon" elaborated the Headmaster "So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone whom you can work well"
Many of the students groaned, with the loudest being young Miss Rose.
Not skipping a beat he continued "That being said, the first person you make contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years".
'Hmm?' he could have sworn he heard some glass shatter somewhere but shrugged it off.
Ozpin continued "After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern part of the forest, the scrolls you were personally given act as any other scroll you own" the Headmaster explained, making some of the students to bring said object out "But it is tailored made by the academy for you to use as a communication among you and for the curriculum".
The device looked just like any other scroll that was made albeit it had specific restrictions the students can use out of it.
"The device has a compass for you to use should you get lost in your search, but be careful, you will meet opposition along the way" the Headmaster warned, causing some of the students to stiffen. "Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path… or you will die"
Several students shivered as they started to whisper to one another, fearful for what seems to be their death sentence being given.
"Please everyone, quiet down" Glynda clapped her hands to silence the students, letting Ozpin continue.
"You will be monitored and graded through the duration of your initiation, but our instructors will not intervene. You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pair must choose one and return to the top of the cliff" he explained carefully "We will regard that item as well as your standing in your grade and possibly place in the academy" he surveyed the crowd, allowing the students to sink in the information he has given them "Now, are any questions?"
None raised their hands nor ask.
"Good!" That satisfied the Headmaster "Now take your positions!"
Everyone struck a pose on their tile except for JC Denton, who remained standing with both of his hands behind his back. The platforms they stood on is revealed to be a catapult as one by one, students were thrown straight into the forest, giving them enough airtime for their landing strategy.
Each had six seconds to prepare for each launch.
Yang Xiao Long winked at her sister as her turn came close "See you on the other side, Sis" she said before turning to JC "And you aren't the only one who looks good in sunglasses, Shades" She put on a pair of lilac-colored aviators to match his dark shaded ones before being launched off the tile and flew off, letting out an excited yell.
"Good luck…" Ruby said hesitantly, still not on board with this team's thing, before she too was springboarded into the air.
Letting out a breath, JC Denton finally allowed his arms to fall by his side as he prepared himself to be propelled.
Six.
"Just how many of my cameras have you found, Mr. Denton?" Ozpin asked JC, breaking his concentration.
Five.
JC stared at the Headmaster "You can take a guess just how many…" he answered in a dry tone, before quickly lowered himself to crouch position "Really against the whole privacy thing aren't you…"
Four.
Glynda was taken aback at the tall man's comment but said nothing.
Three.
Ozpin took a sip from his coffee mug, which he somehow brought out from somewhere "Then...I wish you luck for the initiation".
Two
"Same goes for you…"
One.
Launch.
{DXR}
Winds rippled over him as JC dove closer to the forest head first, feeling the wind streamed over his body and bare face, his black hair moving at the speed of his fall the closer he got to the Emerald.
He avoided hitting a large tree, indicating he was entering the forest. Shifting his weight, JC brought both of his legs forward and arms back, eyes flared blue as he activated his 'landing system'.
Blue electricity started flowing, starting from his hands. Creating a sphere like dome around him as the electric current flowed around, slowing his descent and landing safely in a crouch position.
Rising slowly, JC brandishes the assault rifle and scanned the area around. As noted, the forest is extremely thick with trees, covering to what he might guess to be a hundred miles if not more.
'And the perfect Grimm feeding ground…' of all places they could have chosen for an examination they chose the Emerald forest, an odd way to weed out the baggage, but not the worst place he has seen.
*CRACK*
He swiveled his head after hearing something crack from a distance, possibly a tree branch, and pointed his rifle to the direction where he heard the noise, looks like the party is coming for him.
"Let's test things out…" he took a breath before exhaling, his eyes flared behind the sunglasses "HUD… On" blue veins appeared from his neck that reached all the way to his head before disappearing.
Behind the trees came out a large wolf-like creature, the Beowolf. The Grimm stood tall on its hind legs, pitch black skin with numerous spikes protruding from its back and its bone-like mask present.
Following the creature were its brethren as the pack entered the area, teeth gnashing in anticipation of what it is to be their meal.
But found nothing.
Not a single thing in the area as their scent indicated.
Like it disappeared completely.
{DXR}
Beacon Cliffs...
Atop Beacons Cliffs, Glynda Goodwitch monitored the students through multiple hologram screens that her scroll conjured. The Headmaster personally installed numerous cameras and sensors in the forest as a way to monitor the students and as a security measure for any Grimms that may wonder too close to the academy.
Glynda studied each screen, looking through each student to what they are doing at any moment should things go awry with the creatures.
"Weiss Schnee and Ruby Rose have partnered up," Glynda said as she watched both girls, who more specifically Weiss Schnee, started bickering with one another.
"Quite the pair those two" Ozpin commented, sipping through his coffee mug. The events of yesterday that happened between them still fresh "But very interesting"
Most of the students are making their way in locating the temple and the relics, engaging and killing any Grimm they come across, using their training and skills to its fullest.
A common approach most Huntsmen and Huntresses would do.
But one student decided a different approach altogether.
"Augmentations had always intrigued me, it seems there are no limits in displaying their capabilities. Sarif, Darrow and everyone who worked on the project has always believed that we can go beyond our limits" Ozpin cited as he watched JC Denton aim his weapon at the approaching Grimm.
Before disappearing from thin air.
"Augmentations will forever be the pinnacle of our advancement… and Mr. Denton represents the latest of that advancement" Ozpin stared at the screen, quite amused at the confused Grimms in the area "It's not every day we see Nano-augmentations in action"
Glynda nodded, Denton took a different approach and avoided direct confrontation against the creatures of darkness, a smart move to take as the entire idea of the exam is retrieving the relics, and not engage against the foe "I do hope he knows how to properly use his augmentations considering his…. Classification" Glynda said warily as she brought Denton's file from her tablet, showing multiple crossed out spaces and blanks everywhere "And his position in the academy".
"Let's see how he handles something out of his familiar element," said the Headmaster simply "Might surprise us".
Glynda sigh in response before continuing to watch the other students in the initiation "So far, fifty-nine students have paired up, with the latest being Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie" Glynda stared at the pair, Ren was having difficulty in fighting a King Taijitu on his own before Nora Valkyrie landed and helped the young man to slay the two-headed serpent "Poor boy… I can't possibly imagine those two getting along".
"Hmm…" Ozpin simply hummed, not paying attention to what the blond professor was saying, focusing on the screen where Denton was last seen before turning back to watch Rose and Schnee.
'I have high hopes for Miss Rose…' he stared at the monitor where Weiss Schnee and Ruby Rose continued their back and forth with amusement before turning his sight to another monitor which has of yet to pick up the Nano-augmented man 'But I wonder if you will live up the rumors about you, JC Denton…' thought the elusive Headmaster, sipping through his mug in satisfaction at the taste.
{DXR}
Time: 10:13...
Ruby Rose let out a tired sigh as she laid down on the grass. Not believing her continued bad luck getting any worse.
Not only did she had to partner up with someone, it had to be with the last person she wanted to be partners with.
Taking a deep breath, she remembered what JC told her earlier 'Adapt the situation and make most out of it'.
She sat up and looked at her partner, Weiss Schnee, the last person she wanted to do anything with, who not two seconds since making eye contact tried to walk away from her, guess she wasn't the only one not looking forward to this partnership.
Catching something from the corner of her eye, she saw a group of butterflies gathered in front of a rather large wall of grass, probably grown after some time. One lone butterfly flew away from the group and grew close to her, bringing her hand out, the creature landed on her palm.
"At least one of us is welcomed. Huh, little guy?" Ruby asked the small creature, while things didn't go as she liked, she would try her hardest to make it at least.
Weiss Schnee was not a happy woman, everything she planned just went to a blazing glory, and it wasn't even a glorious one. Of all people she and to be partnered with, it had to be the dolt who nearly blew the speck of Dust yesterday.
'Why can't anything go right!?' she thought in anger as she paced back and forth, holding her scroll in getting it to work "Why doesn't this thing work?!" she yelled in anger at the device.
"Uhm…" Ruby tried to call the heiress as she played with the butterfly, staring at her in worry but was ignored.
"Quiet you! I am trying to get this broken device working and your voice is not helping it!" she huffed, her mood still sour.
The heiress' voice managed to scare the creature off Ruby's hand, flying back to its brethren floating around the wall of grass.
She turned her eyes back at the heiress, narrowed in annoyance "You know you don't have to yell, I am right here".
"Do I look like I care?! Everything I planned just went to flames the moment you looked at me!" she shook the device "And this thing just won't work!"
Ever since 'partnering up' they went through a lot of nuisances in the last hour, from the fact they are partners, fighting a group of Beowolves and nearly interrupting each other during the said fight, and now the scroll they were given just refuses to work!.
Yeah her luck was definitely not by her side today.
"Are you still mad because of what happened with the Grimm?" Ruby asked tiredly "Look… you were just taking too long in… whatever you were doing"
"Too long?" Weiss took offense to that "Excuse me but who almost got stabbed because someone had the bright idea of getting in front of me!"
"Because you were taking too long! It would have been easy!" Ruby yelled back, her patience is growing thinner by the second.
"Well perhaps if you had exercised even the slightest amount of caution with the placement of your strikes, I wouldn't have set the forest on fire nor stab you by accident!"
Ruby scoffed, also taking offense at her comment "What's that supposed to mean? Are you telling me that I suck at fighting?"
"I meant you lack at communications during fights!" she bit back "You talk so much about fighting but you lack the basics in communicating properly! You are basically useless!"
"Look who's talking?!" she chided "If you think you're too good to win fights without my help, then I can do just fine on my own too!" Ruby raged, before walking away from the heiress and toward the wall of grass the butterflies nested.
Weiss huffed before she continued shaking the scroll, trying to get the accursed thing to work. She realized something 'Wait… I could ask her for her scroll…' her eyes turned back to the young girl, who seems to be talking a group of butterflies on a grass wall 'No… she said she can do just fine on her own. So why bother…' Weiss said to herself in anger before going back to her own scroll.
Ruby tried to bury her negative thoughts behind her, Weiss telling her that she is basically useless in fights, something she took offense to. Ruby has always taken pride in her fighting skills, and someone telling her that she is useless.
'I am not useless!' she thought in anger, standing in front of the grass wall the butterflies nested 'She… she is just angry… she doesn't mean it…' she calmed herself 'Getting angry would make things worse…'
She stared at the group of butterflies, smiling that at least there is something pretty just at this exists in this place. Holding her hand out for a butterfly to fly over, making sure she is not intimidating enough to scare them off.
'Hmm?' she felt… something off from the grass wall... Something buried.
Something calling her…
"Sorry about this little guys" she apologized to the butterflies and tried to move some branches away, revealing the green has grown over some kind of cemented wall…
Cemented wall…
'Wait…'
"I am really, really really sorry you guys" Curiosity got the better of her and she started to move more grass away, slowly revealing what the grass wall has been hiding behind all that green.
"…!" her eyes widened at the sight "Uhmm… Weiss…" Ruby called for the heiress, albeit hesitantly.
Sighing, the white-haired girl turned to the young girl, her scroll still not working properly "What is it now? You actually found something useless to waste your time on…"
"…."
"Well? Why are you not answer-" her words died out after seeing what the girl found behind the grass wall.
It was a cemented door.
Something she didn't expect to see this deep in a Grimm filled the forest.
And the other oddity is the insignia drawn over the door, indicating a heraldry of some kind that she recognized right away. Which is a stylized representation of a flaming sword pointing downward.
The heraldry of the Knights Templar.
{DXR}
At the same time…
Pyrrha avoided another swing from the Beowolf at the last second and swung her weapon, severing the creature's arms. Seeing her chance, the red-haired champion lunged forward and stabbed the creature through the heart, killing it.
Ever since she first landed, a group of Beowolves was waiting for any student that may land close by, and that student ended up being her.
'I am probably close to a nest…' she thought grimly, the worst case scenario in facing Beowolves is fighting a pack of them, and if it's a nest that would mean more will hunt her down.
Another pack of Grimm came out from the forest, she has been fighting a number of them in an open area as a way to get a specific head count of the creatures and give her a better chance to fight the creatures instead of tight spaces between the trees.
Time slowed down around as she tried to read the situation 'Seven…' she made a headcount, gripping her sword's handle tightly, fighting against a small group of Beowolves was easy enough for the red-haired champion to handle, but a full pack of them will prove difficult 'Definitely landed near a nest'
Four Grimms began circling around her, teeth gnashing in anticipation. Feeling a small sweat forming from her temples, waiting for them to strike.
One of the creatures who stood behind the circling group launched itself toward the famous champion headfirst, with the intent of taking her by surprise.
Pyrrha didn't move out of the way, anticipating something like this would happen, distract her with the group circling around her while forgetting about the others. Timing her strike, Pyrrha swung her sword just as the creature came close to her, swinging it forward and stabbed the Grimm through its head first, killing it instantly.
Another tried to take its chance by attacking from behind, swinging its tree size arms in the confusion. Seeing she had no time to avoid it she instead moved her body, making sure the creature hit the shield that was attached to her back, bouncing the creature's arm off from the powerful shield.
This gave her an opening and stabbed the creature through the chest before finishing it off by slicing its head off.
'Five left…'
From the side, a larger Beowolf charged towards her in anger after witnessing its brethren fall.
She brought out her shield just in time as the creature came closer, using all of her strength to block the Grimms overwhelming strength that managed to send her back a couple of feet.
'Behind me!' two other Beowolves joined in, realizing they are using their numbers to try and overwhelm her and make a mistake, but she knew better.
Regaining her footing, Pyrrha quickly changed to defending herself. Dodging and sidestepping the two Grimms, while the creatures where doing the same whenever she tried to strike back.
These Beowolves, compared to the last two she killed, are smaller, quicker on their feet and more vicious with their attacks. If she slows down or slips in her defenses even for a second it would lead to her possibly getting hurt and injured.
Or worse, her death.
And she has the other three to contend with.
The larger creature charged once more, using its size to send the red-headed girl from the ground.
"OOF!" She spat out as her body hit a standing tree. Despite her shield blocking the worst to blow, it still sent her flying into the air. "Not a pleasant landing…" she coughed out as she tried to regain her footing, her eyes widened as the two Beowolves went to the offensive once more, launching themselves.
'Defending myself is useless' her emerald eyes intensified 'Time to take offense' almost on instinct, she threw her sword toward one of the Grimms, which went through its head it mid-leap, killing it.
The other didn't stop, still intent on attacking her, it swung its claws to the red-headed girl. But she sidestepped, thinking she will take another shot with her shield, the creature tried to move its body away in time.
Knowing the creature would avoid her, Pyrrha quickly moved her body around after she sidestepped and dropped on one knee, extending her other leg to sweep the Grimm's unnatural legs, knocking it down on the ground.
Not wasting any time, Pyrrha used her shield's outer edges and brought down on the fallen Grimm, cutting its head off cleanly.
'Three…' she stood up, the larger Grimm and two others were all that remain. She killed close to four Grimms, not to mention the eight when she first arrived, but she wasted too much time in fighting these creatures while she could have already been on her way to the temple.
Sensing some movement at the side, Pyrrha readied her shield as more Beowolves came out from the forest, and she couldn't make a distinct headcount judging from the number pouring out.
'Dammit… I can't beat them all until that nest has been taken care of…' Pyrrha thought on her next course action, continuing on fighting will just waste her time and energy. But she could always use her…
'That would make things easier… but I'll be a seating duck if I overuse it' she thought grimly, but she had no choice, she needed to get out of here.
Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, Pyrrha held out her shield as some of the Grimm started to circle around her.
On what felt like a full minute, Pyrrha opened her eyes. Her body started to resonate a purple aura around her, looks like she will go all out-
*BOOM*
A bomb was set off nearby.
{DXR}
A couple of minutes before the bomb was set off…
"Uhhm… Weiss?"
"Quiet you! Can't you see what we are looking at?" Weiss Schnee scolded the young girl as she studied the solid wall with interest "This is an extremely important discovery!"
Ruby tilted her head in confusion "But's a door. Kinda an old looking door, but still a door" it's been close to five minutes of Weiss studying the door and whenever she tried to ask her of its content all she could get were Schnee's usual ignorant comment of her being a dunce.
"You dunce! Can't you recognize a Templar temple when you see one?!" fumed the Schnee heiress "To think you're a citizen of Vale and can't recognize something trivial as this!"
"Oh…" Ruby studied heraldry for a second before answering "Nope! Still can't recognize it!"
Weiss felt a migraine was about to hit her "Read a codex… might give you some ideas" said the white-haired girl "You know what, why not read more codex's. It WILL help you considerably"
Ruby narrowed her eyes, she might be young but she knows an insult being given when she sees it.
Sighing to herself, arguing with Schnee would be a fruitful task, fighting the urge to bring out Crescent Rose and just cut something to remove her stress, but she'll save it for the Grimms.
Knowing that the heiress might take her time in looking at whatever that door is. Ruby laid down on the grass once more, watching the clear blue sky above.
'Wonder how the rest are doing…' Ruby thought as she watched some birds fly by, which looks rather big 'I bet Yang and JC probably found some good partners by now… and probably got the relics too…'
She sighed once more before going back to watch the skies, the birds still circling around her…. Who looked rather large even from a distance…
…
Nearby, as the two girls dillydally around in the area, unbeknownst to them, a giant feather floated around before it slowly drifts to the ground, neither noticing it.
{DXR}
Confusion rang around the area as Pyrrha and the twenty or so Grimms were shocked at the sudden explosions going off.
'Wait… that explosion came from the nest!' Pyrrha realized as do the Grimms as they howled and screeched in rage-
Load gunfire was shot through the air as several Grimms fell on the ground, each of them getting a headshot. One by one the creatures fell as an unseen force shot them with relentless force.
The shooting stopped, but she couldn't make headcount to how many were left in the area but were still a large number to be worried about.
Taking her chance of the distraction, Pyrrha ran and grabbed her sword from the ground before stabbing one of the smaller ones through its back, killing it instantly, before cutting another one down.
The large Grimm howled in anger after seeing two of its brethren disappear, preparing to charge head-on-
"No need to howl that loudly, big guy…"
An unseen powerful punch hit the Grimms white mask, which was powerful enough to propel it back and send it flying to a nearby tree, destroying it completely due to its large size.
"..!"
Pyrrha and the other Grimms stopped in their tracks after witnessing the large Grimm, which Pyrrha guessed to be the Alpha, fly through the air and crashed on the tree.
*CRACK*
Before the creatures could react, a violent bone breaking sound was heard around them as one of the distracted Beowolves had its head unnaturally diverge to the other direction, holding its head was a tall man, wearing dark clothing.
The Grimms howled at the man, angered at this display. But the man suddenly disappeared, like a ghost.
Another torrent of gunshots soared through them, killing and hitting some of the Grimms. Despite their attempt at finding their attacker, one by one the remaining Grimm either had their heads being unnaturally placed in the opposite direction, shot or stabbed through their white-masks.
In the middle of all this chaos, Nikos could see a dark figure appear and disappear after killing a Grimm, either by breaking its unnatural neck or by shooting it through its head. He looked like he was teleporting from one place to the next because of his speed.
Pyrrha jaw dropped as all the creatures were completely overwhelmed by an unseen force, and it happened in a matter of a full minute.
'What's… what's going on?…' one minute she was seeing close to a large number of Beowolves pouring from the nest, then the next, nothing, The Grimms were gone…
And it made her uncomfortable to how the Grimms were dispatched rather… brutally…
"I usually would have asked if you needed a hand…" a calm and dry voice was heard in the empty area, which Pyrrha recognized right away "But I guess I gave it without asking…"
JC Denton decloaked from his invisible form, revealing himself starting from his head all the way to his boots before appearing fully to the red-haired champion, still wearing his Kevlar – which had scratch marks now- and his long shirt. Carrying along with him is the assault rifle on one hand and a knife in the other, smoke still coming out after using it in taking down the Grimms in the area.
Pyrrha beamed after seeing the tall man appear, wondering whether his ability was a cloaking or a teleportation of some kind.
"It would have been more polite to have to ask" Pyrrha joked, trying to hide her uncomfortable feelings at how JC dispatched the creatures in such a brutal fashion "But I guess this makes us partners," she said as her emerald eyes reflected from his dark sunglasses.
"Sure looks like it…" he answered with a dry tone, exercising his left arm before looking around the area "There are way more Grimms than I expected, most are even traveling in packs…" JC said, he has been avoiding any conflicts unless he needed to intervene, and Pyrrha being by herself fending off an entire nest made him stop his stride and try to help the red-haired champion.
Pyrrha nodded in agreement "A pack was already waiting when I first landed, but I never expected to land near a nest. Which I see you took care of it"
"A bomb is a bad choice in close quarters, and putting it in a cave is no different…"
A Grimm nest is basically where the dark creatures hibernate, digging themselves underground in large numbers to rest before continuing with their hunts. And destroying one would save a Huntsmen a whole lot of trouble.
"You would think they planned this all along"
"Probably will be in discussion the next time the Grimms are menacingly planning on their dinner table…" JC said dryly.
Pyrrha couldn't help but imagine a small group Grimms gathered around at some table and ominously talk about the next phase of their plan, it's quite the picture to laugh at.
"But we'll worry about that for later, we are still in the red…"
Confused, Pyrrha tried to ask on what he meant before something burst out of the trees nearby.
The large Beowolf Alpha exploded from its spot, woods, and branches flew everywhere as the creature charged on its hind legs, its rage-filled eyes focused on the two.
'Fast!' Pyrrha thought in horror. Despite its size, this Beowulf is extremely fast, surpassing even the smaller Grimms she fought earlier. Quickly raising her shield in anticipation of the attack before the creature leaped towards them, her eyes widened after realizing who's its targeting.
"Watch out!"
Denton fired upon the Grimm, but with its size and the fact it's jumping towards him pissed beyond belief would ignore the bullets hailing at it.
The Beowolf opened its massive jaws the closer it got to bite the tall man. Not sidestepping to avoid its attack, JC took the creature head-on, lifting his left arm to defend himself as the Grimm's took a massive bite on his arms, trying to tackle the tall man to the ground.
Pyrrha draws her sword, thinking of a way to try and pry the massive creature off the tall man but stopped, not expecting what she saw next.
JC remained standing.
Even with its massive size, the Grimm couldn't tackle JC to the ground, not one bit.
"Hope you like the taste carbon wolfie…" he dryly said to the Grimm, not showing a hint of pain despite the creatures attempt to chomp his arm off. His eyes glowed blue behind the dark sunglasses, using his entire strength, JC lifted the Grimm up high, shocking Pyrrha at this display of strength, before slamming it down on the ground, hard.
Dazed from the impact, the creature refused to let go of his arm. Using his free arm, JC brought his fist near to its face "Persistent Grimm aren't you…" suddenly, a black blade came out from his arm, tearing through the sleeves of his shirt and gloves as it pierces the Beowolf through its white-mask, instantly killing it.
Pyrrha rushed toward the tall man as the Grimm disappeared, shocked and relieved that JC was alright "Are you ok, JC?" she asked as she approached closer, concern.
"Peachy…" he answered with a usual dry tone "Guess I'll be needing a new shirt…"
Pyrrha sighed in relief "At least you're alright" she studied the tall man more thoroughly "You aren't injured or-" she stopped herself before she could ask him anything, feeling like she skipped a breath, the Grimm managed to tear through his sleeves completely, exposing his arm…
…
…
An awkward silence came, unable to think of something to say before blurting out "JC… You're-"
"Augmented…" JC stopped her, confirming her as he tore off both sleeves completely, revealing his cybernetic prosthesis arms, pained black as his clothes "I wanted to tell you guys after the initiation, but I guess the earlier the better right?..." he explained, opening and closing his hands.
Pyrrha studied the prosthesis arm, unlike those she saw back home, which looked like a set of mix and match metals you find in junkyards as the more advanced ones were far more expensive to buy. The one JC had was more pristine, smooth and clean, much thinner compared to the oversized ones back home.
'Now it makes sense…' Pyrrha realized, most of the things he managed today couldn't be just the work of Aura or a Semblance, this amount of damage and the fact he has retractable blades makes it even more impressive 'That's why he doesn't carry much with him…' she remembered his gear earlier.
"Look…" JC cut off her thinking process, which caused Pyrrha to be a little embarrassed after realizing she was staring for too long "You can ask me about my augmentations all day after the initiation… we already have a lot on our plate…"
Pyrrha nodded in acceptance, both her and JC are officially partners now as per the rules, she has all the time to ask him whenever she can. But for now, they need to finish the exam first.
"Come on… with the number of explosives I set off, we are bound to get some unwelcomed guests after the ruckus I made here…" said the tall man as he reloaded his assault rifle "The sooner we get the relics the better…"
Behind them, smoke was starting to form high above.
'Ruckus is an understatement' Nodding, Pyrrha followed the tall man "The Headmaster mentioned the relics are located north, right?"
"The scroll can tell us where we should go, so all we have to do is walk north until we find something that looks like a temple…"
"Hmm… I don't know if I should mention this but I read an old transcript detailing that the Emerald Forest was an old prayer grounds for the Order" she explained, remembering the books and codex she read during her studies back home "And there have been a number of temples built here after the war"
JC sighed, that doesn't sound good "The Order still with their crap in the other side in the world…" he dryly said to himself before continuing his stride "Let's cross our fingers and hope we don't go tomb raiding ancient temples randomly…"
Pyrrha giggled softly at this, feeling the stress she went through just a few moments ago subsiding the further they walked.
"Question…" JC turned to the famous champion.
"Hmm? Yes?"
"Do you have any candy bars with you? Or any protein bars in general?..."
Pyrrha was taken aback at the odd question "Ahh… No, I am sorry but I don't have any" she shook her head, giving him an apologetic look.
"That's fine, but I guess I'll need to reserve my energy from now on…"
"Why? Are you getting hungry?" Pyrrha tilted her head in question.
"Not yet…"
The newly partnered students continued on with their journey, avoiding any unnecessary fights and enemies as they looked for the fabled relics Headmaster Ozpin has set up.
{DXR}
Beacon Cliffs…
"The last pair has been formed, Headmaster," The blond professor said glibly as she watched the two "Pyrrha Nikos and JC Denton…" Glynda trailed off on her words, unable to fathom of such a partnership.
"Frightening combination," Said the Headmaster, unlike Goodwitch, Ozpin was more amused from this development "The Prodigy of Sanctum and The Nano Augment student…" Ozpin trialed off as he watched the replay of JC dispatching the Grimms tactfully, starting with him blowing up the nest nearby, distracting the creatures long enough for him to kill close to every Grimm in the area, in such a brutal fashion that even Glynda was uncomfortable at this "Or better yet… The Hybrid Aug"
And he replayed the scene where Denton removed his sleeves, revealing his mechanical arms to the red-haired girl, replaying it close to five times to make sure as Glynda would say.
"How is this even possible?" Glynda questioned as she watched the pair walk deeper into the forest "It's already difficult for someone to be nano-augmented without being crippled or even comatose, and being both would be an instant death!" she exasperated, every report she has read from Atlas latest technology at how impossible such a feat to happen.
Many people died trying it, many more with Nano-augmentation implementation.
"It seems that Mr. Denton is no simple man as you thought to be," Ozpin said nonchalantly, taking another sip from his cup "But I understand why he never discloses what kind of augmentations he carried around when he applied with us"
"You are not even shocked at this development?!" Glynda asked angrily.
"Nope" Ozpin replied nonchalantly "I've always suspected Mr. Denton kept more to himself when I spoke with months ago, and seeing a hybrid is certainly interesting to see firsthand" He watched the screen one last time before changing it to watch other students fighting a group of Grimms "And being classified as an Ogre, especially at such a young age, leaves you nothing but imagination to what he is capable of" taking another sip "So no, I am more intrigued than shocked"
From a distance, smoke started to form high up, the nest that Denton blew to hell.
Glynda narrowed her eye at the sight "I'll a word with the young man about bringing explosives without permission" and by permission, she means herself.
"I am sure Denton won't go blowing off buildings randomly, Glynda"
"He started a forest fire"
"I just sent Port a message to take care of that, so no worries"
Glynda sighed, massaging her temples in annoyance "Your leniency can be infuriating at times, Ozpin…"
The Headmaster chuckled in response before both of them continued watching the rest of the students and assessing their initiation.
'A Hybrid Aug…' thought the Headmaster as he watched the screen where Denton and Nikos walking deeper into the forest 'You are truly a unique person, Mr. Denton, truly revolutionary…'
Taking one last sip from his cup, the Headmaster turned to the other screens, he still had other students to examine after all.
{END CHAPTER}
Entry: Augmentations
Augmentations is a scientific and technological term used to describe improving one's physical performance organically through cybernetic, mechanical, pharmaceuticals and even nanotechnology. Enhancing a person capabilities similar to Aura.
Originally created as a way to help those affected during and after the Heaven War by the use of prosthetics limbs with the intent to restore normal function of the missing body part that Aura wasn't been able to heal.
Eventually, Ebon Darrow, a philanthropist and head of Darrow Industries of Mantle, created the first series of mechanical augmentation as the next evolution of prostheses technology to help the populace, and because of that discovery and creation, Darrow is hailed as the father of augmentation which inspired many companies to recreate it.
Those who recreate where Seraph Tech of Atlas, led by Darrow's old student David Sarif. Who, with the help from Schnee Industries, took the existing idea that Darrow created and implemented Dust properties on them, which proved to be revolutionary as various military, huntsmen and mercenary company were benefited from this experimentation, helping even non-Aura users to be a helping hand in the society.
And because of Sarif's creation, it turned Atlas into a powerful force to be reckoned.
But this creation is not without controversy, various anti-augmentation groups have risen out of fear of the possibility of the populace will take full advantage of augmentations, becoming less human and more robotic, among those group are Humanity First and the Order Church.
{DXR}
Entry: The Knights Templar
An ancient organization that roots back since the days of the Grimm Wars, called the first 'Huntsmen'. Formed during the War, a group of veteran and religious Grimm hunters came together in what's to be believed Pre-Vale in a place of prayer of the ancient ones, seeing that the war must end at some point but with a renowned focus, the hunters formed together after hearing stories of the old nights that defended the lands before the Grimm emerged, but with the purpose being is the eradication of the dark creatures and bring about true peace the land disparately needs.
Led by a priest who serves under an old religion, the group formed under the name of the Inquisition and hunted down many ancient and powerful Grimm. And with the help of beings simply known as The Maidens and another Grimm slayers who are simply called as 'Silver'. Changed the tides of war and eventually ending it after helping an ancient hero known simply as Apostle.
With their goal fulfilled, the group agreed to lay their arms to serve the newly established Order Church and work as their main martial arm in service of the divine, renaming them as The Knights Templar.
{EXTRA}
Note:
I went through these chapters with the idea of establishing JC Denton and I hope I did enough to convey it.
Another important note, the fights will be realistic as I have come to find out that writing a fight scene is a hell lot more annoying, plus its more entertaining in writing a realistic fight, so there's that.
EndNote.
Constructive criticism is always welcomed and appreciated.