The little boy curses himself for not being strong enough, for his inability to protect himself, for his scared, shallow breathing and his clumsy hands. He forces his legs to move, to carry him faster and faster through the forest, to lead him somewhere safe - some place he could call a sanctuary. He glances behind him briefly, the monster pursuing him gradually catching up. A muddy puddle causes him to slip, and his obsidian eyes stare directly into the blood-thirsty gaze of the Ursa that had been chasing him. His panting deepens, his hands shaking in trepidation while positioning themselves in front of him, trying desperately to defend the frightened, little Faunus. He shuts his eyes; somehow, the little boy hopes, this would protect him.

His ears perk up at the sound of a thud, and slowly, charcoal-colored orbs reveal themselves, gawking blankly at the logo stitched on the back of his savior's coat. He could recognize that symbol anywhere. "W-White Fang?" He mutters so quietly that his saviour almost missed it.

"Let's go, kid." The man holds out his hand, and immediately, the little boy takes it.


Noctis sighs, rolling his eyes as the Schnee heiress pesters him for bumping into her when exiting the airship to Beacon Academy. He shifts his feet uncomfortably, taking note of the untied shoelace of his left boot and adjusting the black holster tied to his waist. He tugs on the zipper of his jacket, the sleeves ending just before his elbows, and admires the navy blue color of his pants before finally turning his attention toward the troublesome girl.

"Watch where you're going!" She scolds. "You should always watch where you're going. Attending Beacon Academy is a privilege, and the least students here can do is act accordingly." She crosses her arms, staring straight at her victim, and Noctis could feel the icicles piercing through his very being.

"Sorry." He deadpans, further frustrating Weiss and driving her to continue berating him.

"And what is with the cap?" She points toward the small, black beanie he is wearing, thinking but not admitting that it complemented his raven hair. "It looks ridiculous, and I'm sure it's against the school dress code."

"We're not even in uniform." He retorts, taking a step away from the heiress. "We're not even students yet."

She grumbles in response, and he hears something along the lines of "I'm sure I'll pass," and "You'll be lucky to make it," before she stomps passed him, making sure to nudge his elbow with her own. Rolling his eyes, he resists the urge to chuckle.

Sharp, golden eyes hypnotize him, mesmerizing him in familiarity but only for a brief second. He knows those eyes; he contemplates, and he knows who they belong to. Orbs of onyx widen slightly in acknowledgement, pools of light amber following suit, before Noctis fixes his unknotted shoelace, and Blake Belladonna walks off with a book clasped in her hand.


A/N: I do not own anything