(Roderick's POV)
"Wake up lazy bud!" I begrudgingly woke up to the sound of a girl waking someone up. Apparently, I was far from alone. There were five other people around us who were woken up by one of, if not the most hyperactive girl imaginable. Not even Stella was THIS gung-ho about waking up. And, if memory serves me correct, she was ALWAYS looking for someone to scuffle with. I could see the pain in the boy's eyes as the girl sang 'It's morning" over and over again. This day's starting off great, isn't it? "I can't…
(Leichter's POV)
…believe we've been at Beacon for a full 24 hours!" Dear lord, what is with that girl? All I wanted to do was wash my face before getting ready for initiation. Then these two showed up and the girl kept talking. "Not that I thought we'd get kicked out or anything, I mean you're the perfect student and I'm well, I'm me!" And she wouldn't stop talking. I took one turn toward the true victim of her ceaseless dialogue and he looked miserable. How on Remnant is he able to withstand such a long-winded speech that goes seemingly nowhere. "But it's just crazy, you know…?" Of course it doesn't end. Why would it. I spent the rest of my time in the washroom with my ears covered.
(Stella's POV)
"…We've been friends for soooooo long. What are the odds we'd still be together?" Okay, I know I'm the wildest of my friends. And that there are people out there I want to fight with. But THIS girl, she quite frankly scares me. She's a giant bundle of energy that doesn't seem like it will ever stop. HOW the poor boy with her can put up with her for the unforeseeable amount of time he actually has is stunning. I actually dread finding out the girl's Semblance. "Well, not 'together' together. Not that I'm not saying you're not handsome." Okay, WHAT? She just used a triple negative. Which means she just said, 'I'm saying you're not handsome'. Or did she say, 'I'm not saying you're not handsome'? "You are handsome, but that's just be weird… Right?" AAGH! This girl actually confuses me!
(Chihiro's POV)
"Right. So what was I thinking?" I don't think I want to know what she's thinking right now. I'm sitting across from a girl with pancakes shoved in her mouth and she still somehow manages to make coherent sentences. That's pretty admirable in it's own way. But, how? Her mouth is covered. It actually looks cute with her bubbly cyan eyes, and her… NO! Not NOW of all times! Get! Your head! Together Chihiro! Initiation is just around the corner. Focus! "But still, I hope we end up on a same team together." I saw her slurp down an entire pancake in less than a second. I'm completely baffled. Thankfully, she, nor the one she's talking to noticed me staring. "Ooh! We should come up with some sort of plan! To make sure we end up on the same team together!" I don't like the sound of that. "What if we bribe the Headmaster? No, that won't work, he has the school." I'm… at a complete loss for words.
(Roderick's POV)
There's Rubicante. In the locker I left it in last night. "I know!" Oh no… I recognized the voice and turned around. Sure enough, it was the same two people I woke up to in the ballroom. And it seemed she was STILL hyperactive. "We'll have some sort of signal! Like a distress signal!" Will someone…
(Leichter's POV)
I thought I had got away. Just maybe, I could get Safer, my beloved hand-knife with a citrine edge, amber handle and Dust revolver built into it, from my locker before they got here. Nope. Just as I turned to leave, I saw those two again. With the girl continuing her endless rant. "A secret signal so we can find each other in the forest!" Shut…
(Stella's POV)
Here I am in the locker room. I had just arrived to get Starktronic, my pillar with rotating wheels on the outside and a built-in rocket launcher, from the locker I put it in. And, lo and behold, the girl from this morning was still bright, energetic, and still talking. Why me? "Can you imitate a sloth?" This girl…
(Chihiro's POV)
I collected Phasisstutter from the locker I left it in. Then I put in my sleeping gloves in them. I was really uncomfortable sleeping without my hands being covered. I didn't want anyone to know about them. Not even my best friends. To be fair, I've never had a sleepover before. Not even when we were younger in Vacuo. Last night, I looked around everywhere to make sure nobody saw them as I went to bed. Anyhow, after I got my trans-matter glove and the copy from the locker, I saw the hyper girl still talking about her ingenious plan. I looked around and saw my friends. They looked just as miserable as the boy subject to all the talking. Oh dear. I forgot that Roderick has a foul temper, Leichter hates mornings without coffee and he hasn't had any time to make it since we got here, and Stella hates getting confused. It didn't take me very long to figure out what they were thinking.
(Roderick, Stella, and Leichter's POV)
UP!
(Chihiro's POV)
"Nora…" "Yes, Ren?" Nora and Ren. I'll have to remember them. Mostly to talk to them about my friend's morning issues after initiation is over. "I don't think sloths make a lot of noise." He's right. Sloths don't make much noise at all. Although, the baby ones make the most adorable sound ever. I should tell them that. "…That's why it's perfect! No one will suspect we're working together." Never mind. I think that'd make things worse. I saw my three friends. They fell over on their heads absurdly quickly. I think there was a term for that somewhere, but it's name eludes me. "Come on, Nora. Let's go" "but not 'together' together." Oh no… Thinking about those two actually being 'together' together makes me feel… NO! STOP IT! Bad Chihiro! You're better than this! Come on. You got this. Deep breaths. In. Out. Good. Now. To initiation.
(Stella's POV)
I dusted my self off after my anime-fall. The world didn't get much anime in Remnant, apart from the cultural-heavy parts of Mistral. That's where I grew up actually. I was never a big fan of the finer arts, but the animated television shows struck a chord with me. I kind of liked them. "Jaune, is it? Do you have any idea who you are talking to?" I turned behind me again. There was Weiss, berating Jaune for who knows what he did. Actually, no. Judging from things, he tried buttering up the amazon-like girl next to Weiss… Wait, that's Pyrrha! I didn't know her very much personally. She went to Sanctum and I went to Altar. The two schools were literally on the opposite ends of Mistral. I did know she was pretty popular though. "Not in the slightest, Snow Angel." I facepalmed. Jaune, please tell me you're more than a lost cause. I think you have potential, you just need to show it. "This is Pyrrha." "Hello again!" I knew Pyrrha was always polite. I never got the chance to spar with her when our two schools actually met for a joint field trip to Haven. Well, maybe I'll get that chance. "Pyrrha graduated top of her class at Sanctum." If Jaune was as ignorant as he made himself out to be, he wouldn't catch on to that. And what do you know… "Never heard of it." Must be a hometown Vale guy. Also must not know about the four kingdoms all that well. "Ah! She's won the Mistral Region Tournament 4 years in a row… A new record!" That was a bit of a sore spot for me. Every time I entered, I was one round away from moving on to the final round. My Semblance may let me be immune to knockback, but my stamina still gets affected. And it's actually pretty expendable if I take too many hits. Each time, I missed my shot at Pyrrha because my opponent was able to exploit my weakness by striking me numerous times in quick succession. One day, I'll get strong enough to withstand more pressure. It's why I have Starktronic. When it's wheels spin, it hurts anyone who touches its surface. I hold on to it like that to further increase my stamina. And if worse comes to worse, I use it like a bo staff and rocket launcher instead of using its main function. "The what?" Oh dear. He must really be unknowledgeable if he doesn't know about the biggest event in all of Mistral. What else could Pyrrha be renowned for… Oh no, Weiss, please don't go there. "She's on the front of every Pumpkin Pete's Marshmallow Flakes box!" She went there. "That's you? They only do that for star athletes and cartoon characters." And, of course, THAT'S how Jaune recognizes her. I take it back. Jaune is a lost cause. Anyway, might as well enter the conversation. I do need to get my mind off of this morning. "Yeah, it was pretty cool." Pyrrha was modest about it too. I did hear she never was the one to boast. "Isn't that cereal horrible for your health though?" I asked, entering the conversation. "Yes, sadly." Pyrrha seemed to not like the cereal. I get it. She does need to be in top form for whatever comes her way I suppose.
"So after hearing all of this, do you really think you're in a position to ask her to be on your team?" Oh Weiss. Still as pompous as ever. "I guess not… Sorry." Well NOW I feel bad for Jaune. Pyrrha walked up to him. "Actually Jaune, I think you'd make a great leader." That has yet to be determined. I haven't seen him in combat, so I can't say for sure. "D'oh, stop it!" Pyrrha, what on earth are you saying? I know you're supposed to be polite and all, but there are times you have to be honest. "Jaune, why did you do that? And can you not do that again, please?" What Jaune did there in response to Pyrrha's compliment disturbed me. "Yes please." Weiss seemed to agree with me. "This kind of behavior should not be encouraged!" Jaune ignored this and went towards me. "Well, who are you, my fair maiden?" That's even more disturbing. "Stella." I saw Pyrrha's eyes look curious at me. As if she knew me from somewhere. I couldn't focus on that because Jaune was trying to butter ME up now. "Well Stella, Weiss, sounds like Pyrrha's on board for team Jaune. Spots are filling up quick. Now I'm not supposed to do this, but, maybe I could pull a few strings for you two. Find a place for the two of you. What do you say?" Oh what the hell? The way he's talking is totally creeping me out. I've already dealt with one pervert, Chihiro. But SHE knew when to control herself. JAUNE on the other hand… Ugh… "Alright, that's a bit too close!" Weiss seemed just as uncomfortable as I was. "Hey! I have an idea. Maybe I'll join you if you can best me! What do you say?" I activated Starktronic. It's actually a pendant when it's not in weapon form. That's how I get it from place to place. Unfortunately, Ruby happened. "Oh! That looks so cool! What is it? What does it do? How does it work? How do you use it? Can I hold it? Please? Please?" Next thing I know, I had been glomped on by Ruby and she started asking me so many questions. It happened so fast, Ruby actually moved me a few feet away from Weiss and, thankfully, Jaune. Speaking of which, as Ruby was asking me her 20 Questions, Weiss asked Pyrrha to help, in which, she skewered Jaune's shirt and pinned him to a wall. But I had to time to thank Pyrrha as I was bombarded by Ruby. I decided to answer her questions. "Well, it's a…" "Would all first-year students please report to Beacon Cliff for initiation?" Saved by the bell. "I'll tell you later. Don't want to be late." I went on my way to Beacon Cliff. I heard Pyrrha take the spear out of Jaune's hood. Ruby stayed behind to help him up.
(Roderick's POV)
Beacon Cliff. Site of initiation for Beacon. There were a few people here, about 24 or so, who were awaiting Ozpin's instructions on how to proceed. Among them were Ruby, Yang, Jaune, Nora, Ren, Weiss, Chihiro, Blake, Stella, Leichter, Pyrrha, me, and twelve others I didn't know. Finally, after an extended period of silence, Ozpin began. "For years, you have trained to become warriors. And today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest." Glynda spoke up next to Ozpin. "Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of teams. Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates… Today." I heard a few concerned and scared noises from the small crowd. I'm could've sworn I hear ruby among them. Ozpin dismissed them and began again. "These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon. So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well." A few more noises from the crowd. I, however, was a bit more skeptical. There had to be a catch. It couldn't be so simple as to pick and choose who you'd want to associate with. "That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next 4 years." I knew it couldn't be THAT easy. This is a professional school for Huntsmen and Huntresses in training. There were many more responses of paranoia among us. I think I heard Chihiro say 'meep' in there. I saw Leichter yawn of boredom. Seems he didn't care. "After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path, or you will die." We all knew what he was referencing to. The Creatures of Grimm. I heard Jaune whimper a little. That was a bit unprofessional. I knew Chihiro was scared, but at least SHE could hide it. "You will be monitored and graded for the duration of your initiation. But our instructors will not intervene." So we're entering No Man's Land essentially. I wonder how dense the concentration of Grimm is here? "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. We will regard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately." So that's how it works. Although, I wondered how the teams would be formed. It was safe to say that your partner would be among your teammates, but how would you be placed with the other two. "Are there any questions?" I was about to raise my hand but decided against it. I was curious, but I wanted out find out for myself. Jaune had a question though "Yeah, um, sir-" "Good! Now, take your positions." It seems Jaune wasn't going to get his question answered.
It didn't take long for everyone, except Jaune, to get ready for deployment. One by one, the panels we were standing on launched us into the Emerald Forest. Blake was the first one in. Then it was a man clad in dark grey. Two more went in. Then Leichter was the next one thrown into the fray, Safer in hand. Then a tan-colored armored man went in. Three more joined shortly after. Then it was Weiss's turn, and she flew in professionally. Pyrrha was up next. I knew her from the Mistral Region Tournament. There was barely any time for leisure in Atlas, and when that was on, it was one of the only times I got. Pyrrha went up in the sky after my thought had finished. "So, this landing strategy thing, uh, w-what is it? You're, like, dropping us off or something?" Jaune asked as three others flew off. One of them being Stella. Which was surprising, since her Semblance made it impossible to launch her anywhere. Did she figure out how to turn it off? I'll ask her later. "No. You will be falling." Ozpin gave Jaune his answer as a man with a light-green mohawk braced himself for the air. I was the last one to go, so I had to listen through all of Jaune's insecurities. "Oh, I see. So, like, did you hand out parachutes for us?" Jaune asked, as Chihiro and someone else were catapulted into the forest. He's still oblivious to what's going to happen, despite what IS going to happen is happening right next to him. Nora went off into the wild blue yonder next, still as eccentric as when I woke up to her chatter. "No. You will be using your own landing strategy." Ozpin told Jaune. Ren had been launched as Ozpin finished. "Uhhuh… Yeah." Jaune still doesn't get it. A man in silver-gray and gold armor went off, ready for battle. Yang was next and pulled out a pair of sunglasses from her pocket, winked at Ruby, and went off. Ruby was not far behind. "So, um, what exactly is a landing strate-" Jaune was FINALLY cut off as he went flying and flailing into our destination. I chuckled at his misfortune a little. "Well played, sir." I told Ozpin. "Thank you." Lastly, I was next. I heard the floor under me tick. And then I took off.
Author's Notes
It has just come to my attention that I forgot to put a date for this chapter in the last one. My bad. I will try not to make that mistake again. Chapter IV should be up within 8/22 and 8/25. I'm giving myself a margin of time as my schedule will probably not allow me to complete it in one sitting. Also, I had to address with someone else, who will remain anonymous, but I will not disclose any information about this story. Whether it be future ships, alterations of fate, or otherwise. And another thing, I don't hate Nora or Jaune. Nora's eccentricity made RSCL's first morning in Beacon irritating, which I found to be funny. Well, except Chihiro. Unlike her future teammates, she IS a morning person. And no, it's not a spoiler since we already know who RSCL is. It's not exactly hard to figure out. Jaune, on the other hand, I didn't have a fondness for at first. In the beginning of RWBY, I found Jaune's incompetence to be a little annoying more than sympathetic. There are good ways to make a zero-to-hero story, but Jaune was, in my opinion, not one of them. Once the events of Volumes 3 and 4 happened, I found Jaune to actually be a good character as he finally grew to be the Knight we all know and love. One last thing, and I am obligated to say this every chapter. I do not own RWBY or any of it's characters. I only own Team RSCL. I will only list characters I own in chapters they are mentioned in or appear in. Until next time, I'll stay Enigmatic.
-UltimateEnigmatic