A/N Alright, this chapter is slightly longer than the past two. Hope you enjoy.

Volume 1: Chapter 3: Into the Forest.

A distant voice shouting to someone else to wake up perturbed the calm veil of sleep. The same voice continued to announce in a sing song voice that it was morning, an annoyingly obvious fact that Arian Ardolph was beginning to become very aware of by the light on his once peacefully closed eyes. He sat up slowly, glancing around. The victim of the overly energetic voice seemed to be far calmer than Arian would have assumed, but then he didn't know the person. Shrugging slightly, he stood up and walked over to a mirror to help prepare himself for the day. The first things he began to do was slide on his golden armor. It was a slightly lighter shade of gold than his eyes, something that would occasionally bother him. But it wasn't worth changing the armor for. His gold like hair nearly matched the tawny colored wolf ears that emerged from amongst it.

Being a Faunus had always been a bit of a mixed gift and curse. People judged him because of it at times, but it was never anything worth being upset over. Well normally it wasn't. He still refused to fight humanoids no matter how annoyingly judgmental they could be towards him for being a Faunus. He continued mulling this over as he attached his twin weapons to his armor. To the casual observer the two weapons would appear to be little more than large metal gauntlets attached onto his armor. Triggering one of the Lupa's, his right weapon, modes, he inspected the two white blades that emerged from it. His other weapon was known as Fenrir. As he allowed the blade to retract, he began walking towards the lockers and breakfast. The meal itself was a bit of a blur as he tried to keep his stomach calm. He was never the biggest fan of change and now he was about to begin whatever process it was that Beacon used to prepare students for fighting Grimm. He placed his elbows on the table and rested his chin on his hands as he prepared himself for what was to come.

"You shouldn't be afraid." A voice came from his left. Arian glanced over to find a large human in crimson armor. "You won't be alone."

"I'm not afraid." Arian countered with a slight shake of his head. "I'm simply preparing myself for the killing I'll have to do, whether today or tomorrow, or after that."

"You do not enjoy it?" The man questioned with a raised brow.

"No. I have no qualms killing Grimm. I just like to focus myself." Arian countered. "But let's not worry about that yet. I'm Arian Ardolph. You are?"

"Mars Auburn." The crimson warrior took his hand, "It is always a pleasure to meet a fellow warrior."

"I don't see myself as a warrior Mars." Arian looked at the red-brown eyes of the man sitting beside him. "Merely as a guardian."

Mars nodded in approval. "I can respect your views. After all we are all here for the same purpose, defending humanoids from the Grimm."

"What did you just say?" Arian interjected abruptly. It was a stupid thing for him to pick up on, but it was so uncommon a term, "You used the word humanoids. Why?"

"Because our duty is to protect the greatest amount of humanoids possible, human or Faunus. To build the safest tomorrow for those who cannot truly defend themselves. And to stop as many Grimm from ever harming our friends and families again. I assumed you were here for the same reason."

Arian gazed at Mars in surprise. Not many people used the term humanoids. Many just used the word humans or, in the White Fang's efforts to justify itself, Faunus. Rarely was it inclusive of both. "I am. And I'm glad to see you don't have any discrimination in your voice."

Mars shrugged, "Faunus, humans, they are all part of the same species group. I assume at least. Even if they are not, they are all equally skilled warriors. To judge one because of their differences from the majority is to shun the diversity that gives us an advantage over the Grimm. It is to shun those very people we swore to defend. Discrimination gains nothing but discontent and infighting."

Arian continued to stare at him. Then he nodded slightly, "Well Mars. I hope to see you again in this school after today."

Mars gave him a slight smile, "I get the feeling you will. Now if you'll excuse me, I must prepare my weapons."

Arian waited until Mars left to turn back to his unfinished food. He thoughtfully scratched his chin. Mars definitely seemed to be an interesting person, one who may hold similar views to Arian. Unless he was lying, a small voice in the back of his mind whispered. Arian dismissed the naysayer and stood up. Walking towards the lockers now, he continued to ensure his armor was ready. He had no way of being certain what was to come next, but he was prepared for it. Most students had their weapons in their lockers, but Arian had forgotten to put his in their as it had still been attached to his armor. As such he was now waiting restlessly for the next objective. He glanced to his right and saw a girl in frost colored armor with ice-like crystals leaning against a nearby locker, her cold eyes defocused.

"Did you keep your weapons on you as well then?" Arian asked casually. The sudden glare he received from her made him think he'd somehow insulted her. Then the expression returned to a distant cold. "I was just curious."

"I don't need weapons." The girl replied icily.

Arian raised a brow and debated whether or not to ask another question. The chill he felt run down his spine from the girl made him decide it would be best for him to just wait. He followed her gaze and saw a pale but sturdy man reaching into his locker. He withdrew a massive handgun looking weapon. It had three barrels that formed a triangular shape. Each barrel had a sword blade between it and the neighboring barrel that met in the center of the weapon, creating a sharp point. As he placed the weapon along his back, the man looked over and gestured something with his hands. Arian stood dumbfounded, trying to figure out what had just been done. A similar, yet slightly different gesture was performed by the man. Again Arian remained clueless of what he was gesturing about. He glanced over his shoulder to see if there was something around him or someone else the man was gesturing at. Seeing nothing caused him to return his gaze forward. A sideways look at the man revealed nothing except yet another gesture.

The girl next to him finally spoke, startling Arian. "He says, what do you want?"

"Huh?" Arian questioned. "What do you mean?"

"He's mute." The icy girl clarified in a bored and exasperated tone. "So he uses a sign language that only some people understand to 'speak' in a way. He wants to know why you were looking at him."

"I was simply admiring his weapon." Arian returned. "I didn't mean to cause some distrust."

The pale man in black gestured back to the girl. She sighed before translating, "He appreciates that you like his weapon. He also suggests we introduced ourselves so this conversation isn't all pronouns. He's Schwarz Umbra and I am Raaka Isolde."

"Arian Ardolph." The wolf Faunus replied as he held out his hand.

Raaka stared at it for a lengthy moment then looked back at him. Her arms remained folded "You probably don't want to have cold hands today, so I suggest you spare me the courtesy."

"So those are actual ice dust crystals embedded in your armor I take it." Arian said in a relatively lame tone.

"Yes." Came the simple reply. The three of them stood there in awkward silence before a voice came over the announcement system.

"Would all first-year students please report to Beacon Cliff for initiation? Again, all first-year students report to Beacon Cliff immediately." Arian recognized the voice as Professor Glynda Goodwitch, the lady who'd spoken when they were on the air ship. As he began walking along, he heard a comment from a student in dark red armor.

"A cliff? What do they want us to do there, climb it?"

Rot's question was answered shortly after he asked it as he found himself, and all the other first year students, standing on a cliff. The platform he was standing on gave him the feeling that he was not going to like what was about to happen to him. He glanced to his right and saw a gold armored Wolf-Faunus. To his left was a girl in black clothing with twin Chakram adorning her hips. He let out the comment in his mind. "Well, I bet you three lien that we're going to get catapulted."

"I'd take that bet if I wasn't on the same page as you." The gold armored Faunus replied. "Name's Arian Ardolph, you?"

"Rot Blitz." Rot replied. He turned his gaze towards the girl next to him. "Hey sweetheart, you want to tell us your name before we get launched."

The girl turned towards him. "The name's Ebony Veil. Also, call me sweetheart again and I'll make sure you're flying long before they launch us."

Arian got a strange expression in response to her name, but was cut off as Rot gave a chuckle, "I think I like you."

His follow-up reply was cut off by Professor Ozpin. "For years, you have trained to become warriors, and today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest."

Rot smirked in expectation. This would be one of those battles he relished, he could feel it in his blood. Ebony's serious expression remained unchanged. Arian's eyes gained a slight gleam as pressed his hands together. This was going to be good, Rot could sense it.

Professor Goodwitch spoke next, "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."

Rot blinked, "Well that'll be abrupt. How are they going to decide who we should be paired with when they haven't even seen us fight?"

"Or you know, figured out who we get along with?" Arian rhetorically asked.

"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." Ozpin intoned, giving Rot hope for an answer. "That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years."

A distant high pitched "what?" was followed up by Rot going, "The hell?"

Ebony rolled her eyes while Arian just stared at the headmaster like he had two heads. The silver haired gentleman continued speaking. "After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path... or you will die."

Rot grinned. The Grimm of the forest wouldn't be a challenge if experience served. Though he supposed there could be one or two dangerous creatures that rested within. Meanwhile Professor Ozpin was still giving instructions, "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. You will guard that item, as well as your standing, and we will grade you appropriately. Are there any questions? Good, now take your positions."

Rot could have sworn he'd heard someone try to ask a question, but realized it wasn't worth worrying over as he noticed the first person in line, Grau Schatten, was launched away. Ebony was launched seconds afterwards. Bracing his feet against the tile, he prepared for takeoff. He had just enough time to look over at Arian and yell "I told you so," before being catapulted towards the clouds.

As he soared through the air, he glanced back to see more and more students being launched into the sky. He then set loose deciding how he'd best survive this fall. Judgment wasn't the most useful weapon at landing, but he was sure he could figure something out. Ebony was ahead of him. He watched as her graceful figure grasped a branch with a surprisingly strong grip. She then used her momentum to launch herself into a series of flips before landing on another branch. Rot looked around before seeing a tree with a decently sized branch. Charging up Apocalypse, he unleashed a small little burst of energy. The flash of red lightning was enough to redirect him towards the branch. He slammed down onto it boots first, feeling the jolt work its way up his legs. He grimaced slightly. In theory he should have found a better landing strategy, but it got him down in time to see the others around him.

Arian, the golden wolf-Faunus, extended his twin weapons' claws. He stabbed the black claws into a nearby tree. The momentum swung him towards the trunk, but he avoided hitting it too hard by slamming his other blade claws into the trunk. He turned and saw Mars falling. Before he could see the result, the branch beneath him gave out, causing him to fall, yet again. This time to the ground. Due to his carelessness, he hit the ground at a rough angle, sending jolts of pain through his body. As he stood back up slightly groggily, he heard a twig break nearby.

He spun around, refocusing himself, with Judgment's barrel leveled at the brush. Cocking back the hammer, he waited. The forest around him was unnaturally still. He could attribute this to the animals being shocked that a human had just landed in their midst, but this kind of silence was normally caused by a predator hunting in the nearby vicinity. He waited patiently for his foe to reveal itself, as he had no doubt it was near. His blood was still rushing from the fall with the beautiful feeling of adrenaline coursing through him. An eternity seemed to pass as he waited, still, ready to strike. Then the brush parted, revealing the source of the noise. A man in simple grey clothing with twin katana based weapons sheathed along his hips. Rot smirked as he lowered Judgment.

"Well Gray, I guess this means we're teammates."

Grau Schatten looked Rot up and down. "I suppose it does. But please for the love of all that's good tell me you'll get my name right."

"Gray, Grau, eh it's all so similar. But don't worry, it'll all come in good time." Rot countered playfully, "I mean after all, where's the fun in life if I worry about things like that?"

Grau stared at Rot with an expression of exasperation. Before he could reply, a growl was heard behind them. Grau grimaced as he spun around, one of his Katana in hand. Rot smirked with the satisfaction that he was right about there being nearby predators. A Beowolf charged towards them. Rot watched as his new partner pressed his thumb against a button on the Katana's handle. He could almost see the gears working within the weapon as it fired a metal projectile from a tube that ran along the left side of the hilt. The Beowolf stumbled as the dart embedded itself within its throat. Grau flashed his Katana in an arc that decapitated the Grimm.

"You weren't going to help?" Grau raised a brow at rot's unmoved stance as he cleaned the blade on the Beowolf's coat.

"Nah." Rot replied while eyeing their surroundings. "It was just one Beowolf. I figured you had it under control."

Grau looked at the dead beast, as if sensing something else, "But where there's one Beowolf…"

Growling could be heard around them. Rot raised Judgment with a grin, "There's bound to be more."

Several of the creatures charged each of them. Rot fired Judgment twice into the knees of one. As the beast slid along the ground, one of its brethren tripped over it. This Beowolf's throat landed right on the waiting blade of Judgment. Rot withdrew the blade from the deceased monster and waited for the next creature to rush him. As it did, he parried the savage claw attack and severed the limb. He spun around and stabbed this beast in the back, bypassing the spinal column and hitting what he assumed was its heart. Unfortunately the blade was a little more pinned than he had expected. Another Beowolf took advantage of this opening and slammed into him, knocking him backwards. Recovering his footing, Rot raised both fists. The creature charged him and swung. He easily deflected the creature's blow with the metal padding of Apocalypse. He dodged a couple of more savage attacks before swinging his leg low and hitting the Beowolf's legs, causing it to stumble. Apocalypse's blade was out within a second, which Rot slammed into the Grimm's head. Another monster rushed him from his left, forcing Rot to move quickly. He used his mind to charge up Apocalypse. The lightning dust flowed into his arm through the weapon. He could feel the very slight sensation of his blood coursing with the energy before the weapon unleashed a burst of red lightning that stopped the flanking creature and killed it.

As Rot tore Judgment out of the deceased Grimm, Grau was continuing to hold his own. He sidestepped a strike from one Beowolf. Then he swung his Katana in an arc that cleaved its head from its body. He sliced at another Beowolf. The creature of darkness leapt back from the dangerous blade, waiting for a better chance to strike. Then two of them charged together once more. Grau leapt back and fired four darts from Geist, his right handed Katana. The darts slammed into the Beowolf and caused it to stumble. While this creature was attempting to recover from the poison within the projectiles, Grau squared off with the other. Two arm swings were easily dodged before Grau plunged the blade into the creature. He withdrew it and turned towards the remaining four that had chosen to face him. He unsheathed Spiritus with his left hand, preparing to dispatch them as swiftly as possible. He triggered both weapon's dart launchers. Several projectiles flew into the creatures farthest from him before he was rushed. The beauty of fighting small Grimm such as Beowolves was their soft furry skin that couldn't withstand the sharp blades of his twin Katana. He swung Spiritus through one and flowed into an arc that cut both blades through the second creature. The third monster however caught him off guard as it slammed into him. This sent him flying into Rot.

Rot stumbled from the impact of his partner and was promptly tackled by the Beowolf he had been taunting moments ago. The monster opened its jaws and leaned towards Rot's face. Rot grimaced as an acidic smell filled his nose. "Your breathe stinks dude."

Using the seconds he had, he placed his left hand in front of the advancing mouth. The huntsman in training activated Apocalypse once more, this time the red lightning flew into the beast's throat. The full weight of the dead monster collapsed onto Rot, prompting him to exhale a sarcastic, "Brilliant."

Grau in the meantime dodged one of the three remaining Beowolves. The other two charged him, forcing him to leap backwards. A quick glance around informed him of a nearby tree that was thin enough to be cut through. One of the Beowolves continued rushing Grau, who simply dodged to the side while slicing Geist through the tree. The once tall plant collapsed on the Beowolf, pinning it to the ground. Rot had finally pushed the dead carcass off of him, just in time to see a Beowolf lunge for him. Swinging Judgment in a swift arc, he dispatched the creature. Grau meanwhile stabbed both blades through the remaining Beowolf. He then ripped both blades sideways, trisecting the creature. The two huntsmen in training stood still, regarding each other and the dead Grimm around them. Rot then looked at Grau.

"We're going to have to get used to the whole teamwork thing I feel." Rot commented with a slight grin. "Cause I get the impression you're not used to fighting alongside someone else any more than I am."

Grau sheathed his twin Katana. "Indeed. That red lightning, what was it?"

"My blood basically supercharges any dust fed into it via Apocalypse here." Rot explained as he gestured towards his gauntlet. "But let's not worry too much about how that works."

"Fair enough." Grau agreed in a reserved tone. "Now shall we head deeper into the jungle and find this objective?"

Before they could progress the pinned Beowolf started to howl. Rot turned towards it and fired Judgment into its head in one swift motion. Upon noticing Grau's stare, he was prompted to ask, "What?"

"That was a sudden movement is all." Grau shrugged a tad slowly, "I wasn't expecting it."

"It would have died anyway; I merely sped up its death. Also this way it won't alert others that we're here." Rot retorted as he opened up the cylinder of Judgment to reload it. That's when he noticed Grau's downed hood and the grey-black hair. "Hold on, I thought you were a student?"

Grau ran one of his hands through his hair before gaining a sudden expression of frustration. "I am. It's just that I suffer a disorder where my body looks years older than it actually is. No it doesn't make me feel any older physically, but it looks strange."

Rot hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Okay then. Were you planning on hiding it for all your time here or something? I mean that's what you were doing with the hood wasn't it?"

Grau sighed in slight exasperation. "Yes. And no I hadn't thought all the way through how I'd keep it under wraps. I just didn't want people knowing about this…this disorder."

"Dude, it looks cool." Upon receiving a blank stare from Grau, he pushed onwards. "I'm serious. You look almost as old as Ozpin. Do you know how many people are going to be looking up to you for experience and stuff like that? And we've both already established you've gotten some from your village. Besides, worst case scenario, tell them it was a dust experiment gone wrong if you don't want to tell them the truth."

Grau raised a brow, "I'll stick with the truth. But I appreciate your encouragement. I just hate how old it makes me seem."

Rot nodded and began to reply. Then Mars's words cut through his mind, "You can always see the ones who are like us. We have eyes that are wearier." He blinked the thought back. "Yeah but trust me. Being thought of as older is a good thing. Opens up some doors that otherwise would remain shut."

"I suppose you could be right." Grau hesitantly responded. "I've just always looked at it negatively. But enough about the past, let's go find these relics."

"Now we're talking." As the two headed off to find their objective, Rot found himself harkening back to when he'd told Grau he thought the two of them were going to get along fine. Now he believed those words more than before.

Arian walked calmly through the forest, listening for any sudden movements around him. The forest was eerily quiet, so quiet that he could hear the distant sounds of other huntsmen and huntresses-in-training fighting the Grimm. He continued to wait for the inevitable attack from the Grimm. In a forest as obviously dangerous as the Emerald Forest, he knew it was only a matter of time until all his training was finally given a chance to show itself. The artifacts that they were seeking, he wondered what they were. Were they ancient weapons, ancient scrolls, or ancient treasures from a vanquished culture? Or maybe they were simpler, as they were first year students on an initiation mission. Maybe some trinket left behind from generations past. He had no way of knowing for sure. In the distance a loud howl could be heard. Beowolves were hunting. He gave a subconscious growl. He loathed the creatures that were reminiscent of actual animals but nothing more than vicious shadows. There was much he didn't understand about Grimm, but he knew they were the enemies that he needed to remove.

A thud of metal hitting the ground drew his attention. Arian stood still for a moment before turning around and coming face to face with Mars. He could tell the man had been following him. "So you weren't just saying what you thought I wanted to hear this morning were you?"

Mars shook his head. "I meant every word of what I said. I will admit I was trying to judge you this morning, to discern if you'd make a good partner. As you can see, I liked my conclusion. I have been accused of many things, but a liar has never been one of them."

"Then I'm pleased to accept your offer as a partner." Arian replied, "Even if we didn't have a choice after we made eye contact."

Mars gave a slight chuckle. "Now, let us head deeper into this forest and find our objective."

Arian walked with Mars as the two of them continued farther into the forest. He could tell that Mars's shield held a second form within it from its size, but he couldn't seem to discern a second form or even a gun function on the hand and a half blade sheathed on his hip. The two of them continued onwards, ever alert for potential enemies. Distant fighting could still be heard. Arian knew they were being watched, he could almost feel it. As they reached the top of a hill, Arian saw some distant ruins. "Think the relics are there?"

Mars stared for a moment. "I would not be surprised."

The two walked down the hill until they reached the ruins. On several different pillars were chess pieces. "Chess?" Arian muttered, slightly dumfounded, "The relics are chess pieces? Which one should we take you think?"

Mars's expression was still, though facial evidence showed that he was contemplating the question carefully. He reached his hand out towards the black rook. "The rook has always been a useful piece for me in the past. I think it will serve us well again."

"Okay. So why the black one?" Arian asked as he glanced over at the white rook.

Mars shrugged nonchalantly, "Because sometimes the light is not always the solution. Though primarily because I prefer black."

Arian looked back towards the forest. "Alright then, shall we be underway?"

"Soon." Came Mars's calm reply as he slowly drew his hand-and-a-half sword. "First let us ensure we aren't being hunted."

A soft growling noise was the response to Mars's caution.

Raaka silently walked along the forest floor without any deviation from her course. She wasn't entirely sure where these relics were, but had no doubt they were near. The air in the forest was thick and muggy. Were it not for the temperature change that her armor created around her, she would have been absolutely miserable. Heat and her had never gotten along. Her armored feet made their way through the soft vegetation around her, a few pieces occasionally withering up. A movement sounded behind her, nearly causing her to lash out. Rather than react, she continued along calmly, waiting for something to appear near her. The Grimm had been made out to be rampant in this area, providing an excellent training ground. She knew one must be near, that noise couldn't have been a coincidence. Any moment it would reveal itself.

As if summoned by her thoughts a massive Ursa broke from the brush with a growl, its bear like form crushing several of the bushes. Raaka gave a cold grin and prepared to engage the monster. She initiated her semblance with no reserves. It was necessary that she do so, as it was her means of fighting. Her semblance allowed her to freeze the molecules around her to such an extent it was harder than several metals. That she had imbedded her armor with Ice Dust made it easier on her to create this ice. She formed a simple sword for starters; it would assist in gauging the Ursa's strength. The monster's massive form charged her. Raaka remained stoically still until the creature raised itself up to strike at her. Then she plunged tip of the ice blade into one of the monster's weaker points. Withdrawing the blade, she twirled it again and sliced along the right leg of the beast. Although the weak spot had been as vulnerable as she'd hoped, the rest of the Ursa refuted her blow with relative ease. A slight cut was the only proof that she'd hurt it. The creature rushed her once more, this time full of visible rage.

She created a larger two handed blade of ice and swung it into the beast. The blade cut some of the monster before shattering against force of the charging creature and its thick bone-like extrusions. Using the seconds caused by the Ursa roaring its pain, Raaka created two small handgun-like ice weapons. Although they were not powered by dust, the weapons she had would still launch the projectiles within them at the monster. In this case the projectiles were more of her own created ice spikes. She began launching spike after spike into the Ursa as it charged her. They penetrated just barely into the monster's skin, just barely evident. The creature's arm swung upwards and through her right projectile launcher. As the ice weapon shattered, she created small blades along her knuckles out of the flying ice shards. She then stabbed them into the creature before snapping the ice off inside of it. The Ursa replied by slamming into her with its full force which sent Raaka flying a few feet.

Raaka managed to land into a roll and spring back to her feet. She could see dozens of points where the ice projectiles had embedded themselves into the Ursa. The wounds wouldn't finish off the Ursa; that much was apparent. It barely even hurt the creature. But she wasn't done yet. As the monster growled its displeasure before facing her, Raaka created a lengthy pike out of ice. It was difficult to create a weapon of such size while maintaining all the ice embedded in the creature, but the result would be worth it. Gathering her strength, she hurled the pike into the monster. As the Ursa howled, Raaka rushed forward and slammed her right hand into the base of the pike.

The ice crystals within the base of the weapon exploded violently away from Raaka. This initial explosion created a chain reaction of equally powerful explosions that tore its way down the pike and into the Ursa. Dozens of ice crystal were suddenly triggered into a cataclysmic explosion. In mili-seconds the mild inconveniences became lethal as they ripped through the Ursa in dozens of places. The monster's eyes stared at Raaka in shock as its ruined body collapsed to the ground. Raaka allowed the remaining ice shards around her to disintegrate. She gave it a cold grin. The monster had been a good sport, but it wasn't enough to challenge her truly. She needed to complete her objective. Beacon was a place to hone her skills for her plan, nothing more. Her chilling expression disappeared as she heard a movement behind her. Within a heartbeat she had created an ice blade and had the point leveled at the intruder.

Schwarz Umbra stared down the icy blade at her without so much as a twitch to suggest he was concerned. 'Good work.'

"Schwarz." She hissed, "You could've gotten yourself killed."

Schwarz shook his head, 'I knew you wouldn't kill me. Come, I know where the relics are.'

"How?" Raaka had to admit her slight surprise, "And how'd you avoid anyone else?"

'Same way I always do.' He signed. He then abruptly began to disappear into shadows before reemerging behind her. 'By Shadowwalking.'

Raaka exhaled slightly. She then replied to Schwarz by signing in his own language, 'Very well then. Let's go find these relics.'

Nila Feur made her way through the forest, waiting for something to emerge. It didn't help that she could hear the distant sounds of fighting. But for now, despite her eagerness to start fighting, she'd continue on with her goal. She ran a hair through her blue-black hair as she scanned the forest for clues of where to go next. The dense tree lines made it near impossible to accurately predict her destination. Add in that her blood was racing in desire for the fights around her, and Nila was having a very difficult time concentrating. It wouldn't be long before the battles found her. She glanced over towards her right and could see smoke rising from a not so distant fire. Apparently one of her classmates had been a little less than careful with their dust and set a portion of the forest ablaze. As she regarded this, she became aware of Beowolves fleeing the fire. The lead monster turned its head towards her and howled. Nila realized they were about to come for her.

Feeling the anticipation rush through her body, she reached over her back and grabbed the hilt of her weapon, Blaze. The weapon was currently in its claymore form. The massive blade was divided down the middle by twin gun barrels. As she spun it around, she initiated a sequence to transform the weapon. The weapon split in half along with the handle. The handle was still connected by a hinge that allowed her to snap the weapon into its second form by connecting the pummels. When she finished spinning her weapon around, she ended up with a double bladed weapon, with a gun barrel running along each of the blades' dull edges. She smiled at the pack of Beowolves regarding her while holding her weapon so one blade was behind her and one was in front, "So. Who's first?"

Rather than wait for the creatures to charge her, Nila took the initiative by rushing towards the waiting mass of Grimm. Caught between a charging girl and the slowly encroaching fire, the monsters had no qualms charging back. Nila fired the rear barrel of Blaze to add in power to her swing. The blade sliced through the lead Beowolf with relative ease as Nila spun through the air. As she came out of the spin she fired one of her blades' barrels into the encroaching horde of monsters. One of the Grimm chose to launch itself at her from the side, only to be met with a grizzly end as Nila twirled around and bisected it with her blade. By now she had cut her way into the center of the group of monsters. Two lunged at her from either side, but were promptly dispatched with a blast from each barrel of her weapon. A slightly larger creature rushed at her, she leapt over the charge and impaled Blaze into the Grimm. As it collapsed another Beowolf rushed her. Nila twirled around the hilt of her lengthy weapon to build up momentum which allowed her kick to send the creature back to its pack mates. Nila withdrew Blaze from the deceased Beowolf and evaluated the remaining members of the pack.

She was now entirely surrounded by the snarling pack. Although she'd easily dispatched at least seven of the enemies, there were most likely more than she could handle alone. The thought that she had miscalculated crossed her mind, but she wasn't down for the count yet. A sudden yell caught the attention of all those engaged as a figure performed a flip over several Beowolves before landing on the head of one. The thick plating on its head was crushed underneath thick metal boots and the force of the person. As the two Beowolves on either side reacted, the figure withdrew twin Chakram from her hips. She sliced one through one of the monsters while it rushed her. This was followed up with her throwing her other Chakram into the Beowolf closest to Nila. The new contender performed a flip that landed her next to the dead monster and allowed her to recover her weapon.

"Well you've got a flair for dramatic timing." Nila commented with a slight grin. "Did you need me to be surrounded before you could help?"

The girl who had helped Nila was taller than she with deep black hair and simple black clothing covering her tanned body. Metal gauntlets and gloves allowed her to grip the two bladed discs she held in her hands. She looked up with brown eyes. "Call it luck that you were near the fire."

Nila nodded in agreement. "I can accept that. Introductions after we murder this pack of monsters?"

"Sounds fair." The girl concurred. She hurled her twin Chakram into the horde of enemies. They abruptly sent out a pulse of dust energy. One Chakram sent out a pulse of energy that flash froze the Beowolves next to it, while the other unleashed a pulse of fire energy that shattered them. Nila could see the spent dust crystal fragments fall out of the bladed discs as they ricocheted off of surfaces and returned to their wielders hands.

"Well then." Nila began as she brought her gaze back to the now decreased numbers of enemies. "This just got a lot easier."