RWBY: Heart of the Storm

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY or anything else that is placed in this story other than original aspects and such. All properties are owned by their respective possessors and creators

Chapter 2: A Path Begins

It did not rain that day. There was no great shower of water from the sky like in the books whenever the world lost a great and beloved hero. There was only a gray, cloudy sky and a chilly when that made her shiver. But she did not hug herself for warmth, her arms remained at her side and her head lowered as she stared at the obsidian casket with a broken angel wing symbol on the hatch as it was lowered into the ground, signalling that someone was falling asleep for the final time.

Blake Belladonna sniffled and forced down a sob as burning tears ran down her eyes as she watched her mentor, idol and father figure be lowered into the ground and dirt shoveled into his grave. She shakily tried to keep her head held high out of respect for the man, but found her emotions stronger than her will. Around her in this gray world, others cried, some openly, some silently, but all for someone they looked up to, for someone they considered a friend, or respected.

A great many people gathered to morn the lose of a great huntsmen, even people who didn't know the man personally showed up to pay their respects. Blake didn't look at any of them, her puffy red eyes gazing longingly at the sunset colored Angel Wing carved into the casket before it was covered by dirt. She flinched when he was covered.

He was gone, he was really... gone.

How was this possible? He was supposed to be the strongest man alive, the smarts and best Huntsmen to ever grace Remnant! Yet his body was being buried before it was his time. Someone had taken him from her, from the world, and she didn't know who. She would have felt afraid, knowing that there was someone out there who could kill her father figure if she weren't to sadden by losing him.

She glanced up, her dull eyes swimming with pain and sorrow no seven year old child should ever feel. Across from her stood a woman in a snow white cloak, shedding her own tears more openly then the blonde haired man who was holding her in his arms. Another women was placing a comforting hand on the cloaked ones shoulder, her emerald eyes moist with their own tears, as the white cloaked woman held a small bundle in her arms. In front of them was a little blonde haired girl, the same color as the mans with pig tails. Their daughter perhaps.

She two had been staring at the casket the same way Blake had, and looked up. Little Blake almost gasped when she saw the same emotions she felt reflected in the blondes lilac eyes. That girl knew the man being buried as well as she did, and was hurt just as much as she was by losing him. The two stared at each other, a message that only they could understand being sent between them before both looked back at the now buried casket, a mound of dirt filling the hole that was dug.

People moved, placing flowers they had brought with them on the tombstone that was placed at the head of the grave, the mans image embedded in it along with his man. They also placed flowers on the grave right next to it. It was his wife, another great loss to Remnant who had been killed a few years before. Blake had met her, and had been sadden by her death as much as her idol's. Natasha Knight had been such a wonderful woman, and mother.

Natasha could have even been her mother, had she lived...

Blake had no one to cling to at this funeral, not like she had Natasha's. Her idol was the one going into the ground for good this time, so she had come alone. She had hoped to see her idol's son and daughter would be at the funeral, and was confused and worried when she could not see the faces of her idols and Natasha's children among the many people there, or at the front of the group with her. Blake was alone again, and it hurt. It hurt so, so much. It was like her heart was being torn from her chest and crushed right in front of her.

"H-Hey..." A voice made little Blake almost jump. She glanced up and to her right, and was surprised to see the blonde girl from earlier now standing next to her, her hand grasping her own. Blake reflexively held it tighter, finding it to be a source of comfort. She hadn't heard or seen the blonde move, but was happy that she was next to her.

"H-Hi..." Blake responded quietly, almost letting out a sob as she spoke.

"W-What's your n-name?" The blonde asked, joining Blake as she went back to staring at the two graves in front of them. She had already placed her flowers and didn't want to disturb her parents, she she made her way over to the crying child she had seen earlier. She didn't know who this cat eared girl was, but she was in pain as much as she was. "D-Did you know my Uncle?"

"B-Blake, Blake Be-Belladonna." Blake answered, a little surprised to find that the girl leaning next to her was the niece of the man she looked up to. He had spoken about them whenever he visited her, and she had hoped to meet them one day like she had his children. It was sad that her wish finally came true early at the cost of his life. She pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the blonde girl. "I-I did... h-he was like a father to m-me... what about y-you, what's your n-name?" A quiet sob choked her up, and the blonde held her hand tighter.

"M-My name is Yang... Yang Xi..."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Blake's eyes opened quickly, the internal clock she had set rousing her from her slumber at the earliest hour of morning the day after arriving at Beacon. The sun was barely coming into the ballroom now. She should be thinking about whatever kind of initiation the mysterious Headmaster had planned for her and the others, but she couldn't. Perhaps it was her nerves getting to her, a faint, soft voice suggested.

With an annoyed huff the Cat Faunus pushed herself up from the smooth wooden floor of the ballroom with a quiet grace that came from years of practice. Her hand shot up to the sash of her yukata as it slipped, quickly holding it to her form and keeping the one piece nightwear from falling open. Dark gold eyes narrowed, she must have been turning in her sleep again.

Quickly tying the sash back into place and making sure it was secure, the ebony haired girl glanced around the room, finding that no one else was awake. Perfect. Without so much as a sound Blake gathered her things, picking up the book she had been reading last night and the candle she had been using as light before making her way to one of the exits of the ballroom that would take her to the schools bathing rooms, intent to get ready for the day without others in her way.

It wasn't that she didn't like them or anything, she just wanted to avoid getting caught up in the crowd of students that would soon arise from their sleep.

Arriving at her destination, Blake moved to one of the many showering stalls, taking in the details of the bathing room as she sat her things on a counter outside her chosen stall. It had a simple design of white and blue, tiles lining the walls and floor. The showering stall doors each had the Beacon Academy symbol engraved into the glass with red paint. Sinks lined columns in the middle of the room and a large bathing pool in the back part of the room. It was certainly one of the nicest bathing rooms Blake had ever scene, and she made a mental note to send a letter back to the Silver Paw about possibly upgrading theirs.

Disrobing herself, Blake folded her black and grey yukata and bow and placed them on the counter next to her book before opening the sliding glass door of a bathing stall and stepping inside, finding it as nice as the room it was in. Quickly turning the knob to the shower own Blake shivered as she was hit by a small blast of cold water that quickly turned warm as she twisted the silver gear.

A content purr rumbled softly in her throat as the now warm water splashed against her pale skin. Droplets of water running down the valley of her breasts and over her face as she closed her eyes and basked in the water. It was just enough for even a Cat Faunas such as herself to enjoy. She opened her eyes and reached for the bar of soap supplied by the school, wrapping her slender fingers around the slippery bar and began to wash her skin and let her mind wander.

She thought about the school, Beacon. It never really hit her until now that she was finally attending the same school her beloved Mentor had learned at when he was her age. After so many years of waiting, of training, she could finally begin the next step in the journey of learning to be like the man she viewed as a Father. The man who had taught her when no one else would and made her feel love like no other.

Blake felt a tightening in her chest; thinking of him still hurt to this day. Though the pain dulled, it still felt like someone was ripping at her heart, trying to pull it from her chest. But she would not let it deter her from thinking of the fond times she had with her father in all but blood. No, she would feel happy, happy knowing she could finally start putting his teaching to a greater, better use.

She would become Hunter, just like him.

A defender of Peace and Justice. Someone who fought for the weak and shielded them against all evil in the world.

Washing the soap from her body, Blake grabbed a shampoo bottle, her hair now wet enough to be washed. Popping the cap open and squeezing the pinkish substance within the bottle into her hand, she sat the bottle down and rubbed her hands together and combed them through her long hair and against her extra ears, thinking still.

Would he be proud of her? Of all she had done since his passing? A part of her said yes, knowing this to be truth. He had always been proud of her, he made it clear on multiple occasions. Yet there was a small part of her that made her question herself. There was no way of knowing if he would still be proud of her to this day now that he was gone. She forced those thoughts away as they took on a voice of someone she hated, telling herself it was just him trying to get to her again.

She would make her Mentor proud, every action she made and would make would be guided by the lessons he imparted to her long ago.

Blake Belladonna would keep her promise.

Rubbing her fluffy cat ears clean of any remaining shampoo along with the rest of her hair with the help of the water, Blake turned the knob the opposite direction again, cutting the flow and letting the rest of it drip from her body. She stepped out, grabbing one of the towels she had spotted on her way in and began to dry herself, mind still wondering.

Promises... that was another reason she came to Beacon rather then stay and help her organization. She had so many promises to keep to people she could barely remember. She believed at times it was these promises alone that let her even remember faint details of the people she made them too.

Like that girl from so long ago, with deep lilac eyes that spoke of the same sadness she felt in the past, her golden hair as brilliant as the sun itself. All Blake could remember of her were those features and that she had been her first friend.

It was the same girl she had dreamed about that very morning, her memory slipping through for the briefest of moments in her rest. It frustrated Blake to no end; she had been so close to remembering that girls name only to wake up and it slip away. It was always so close, the fingertips of her name brushing against the edge of Blake's mind. That memory had been the first and last she had of the girl, unable to find her after the funeral. Since then she had spent years looking for her, hoping to reunite with the one person who understood her pain.

Just has she had been looking for the children of her Mentor.

She knew nothing about them, what they looked like, what their names were, or where they lived. She had come close once, when her Mentor had been alive. He had said he would take her to meet them at his home, saying she would get along splendidly with his son and she and his daughter would be the best of friends.

He had died the day he was supposed to show her them.

Blake had never felt so alone then. Waiting at their usual meeting place under a cherry blossom tree for her father figure to come and take her away. She had waited until nightfall, but he never showed.

After getting through the grieving of her lose, Blake was determined to find her Mentor's son and daughter. At first she felt it was her duty, to ensure that they were safe. She could only imagine how scared and devastated they were to hear that their father was dead. When they did not show up, Blake feared something had happened to them and set out to look for them after the funeral.

Blake idly realized that was the reason she had forgotten the blonde haired girls name, she had been so devoted to her search she had blocked everything else from her mind.

After years of searching and meeting dead end after dead end, Blake refused to give up on them. She knew with all her heart and soul that they were still out there somewhere. If they were even half as great as their father, then they would have found a way to survive. It was her hope that coming to Beacon she would finally find them. After all, they would want to follow in their parents footsteps and become great Hunters would they not? It was sound reasoning in Blake's mind, if a bit childish.

Placing the towel back on the railing she had taken it from Blake moved back to her things, grabbed her folded clothes and slipped them on piece by piece, mentally sighing as her eyes dulled. Even if it was childish to hope for such a miracle such as that, she would continue to hope. She had not lost it in this world, and she would not lose it in them.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"This is gonna be so awesome!" Ruby Rose thought as she happily grabbed her beloved Crescent Rose from the locker she had placed it in the night before. A noticeable peppy smile adorned her face as she hugged the weapon to her chest, a warm comfort spreading over her. She always felt at peace whenever she held her scythe, it made her feel like she could take on the world and win!

"You're excited today," Ruby turned at the voice, finding it to be her elder half sister, Yang. Yang was already dressed in her usual attire, her gauntlets in standby mode on her wrists, looking like harmless accessories. Yang grinned at her little sister. "Ready to get started?" She asked, getting a nod in return.

"Yep!" Ruby chirped, briefly holding out her weapon with a grin of her own. "From here on out, there will be no more weird talking and getting to know people, I can finally let my baby do the talking for me~" Yang watched in amusement as her sister cuddled her weapon as if it was a real child. At times she felt Ruby was a little to attached to her weapon.

She hoped it was just an attachment though, and not... something else.

"Nah, Ruby's to innocent for that," Yang pushed those thoughts away, her baby sister was way into the idea of being a hero to even consider something like that. "Me too, it's been a while since I've had a good challenge." Ruby rolled her eyes at her sister.

"That's all you ever think about, fighting!" The little redhead accused, pointing a dramatic finger at her sister. Yang took a step back in mock shock, complete with a gasp.

"That's not true! I think about you too!"

"You think about fighting me!"

"Nu-uh!"

"Yu-huh!"

The sisters stopped and burst into a fit of giggles at their own antics. They both enjoyed little moments like these. Ruby did it because she found it fun, and made her closer to her sister, Yang did it for those reasons as well, and to relax her sister. Despite her cheery mood, Yang could tell her little sister was still a bit nervous about being at Beacon.

"You two are having fun." A new voice interrupted the two making them look towards its source.

"Blake!" Ruby said with a smile, surprised to see the ebony haired girl standing just a few feet away. Yang was just as surprised, she didn't think last night left the best of impressions on the girl from the way she acted last night.

"Hello Yang, Ruby," Blake smiled slightly at the two, ignoring the way Ruby whispered 'She remembered our names.' "I see you two are ready for the day." She pointed out.

"Uh, yeah..." Yang muttered out, something tickling the back of her mind now that she got a good look at Blake. She had the same feeling last night, but now it was stronger, as if shouting at her. What was this strange feeling trying to tell her? "You seem ready too, Blake." She pushed the thought aside, observing Blake's attire. It was similar to her own; tight and very distracting for male opponents.

And females too, they always got so jealous of her figure.

"I got up early, so I've been ready for a while." Blake answered with a slight smile.

"And early riser eh?" Yang grinned, stretching her arms into the air. "I like my beauty sleep."

"Not very beautiful when you snore..." Ruby snarked under her breath. Many a time had Ruby woken up last night to her sister's noise.

"What was that?"

"Nothing!" Ruby through a smile to her sister who was giving her a look that said 'I better have heard you wrong'. Blake watched on, amusement dancing behind her eyes, she had clearly caught what was said. "I-I'll just be going... this way! Bye!" In a red blur Ruby disappeared, leaving to long haired young women by themselves.

"... You're getting her for that aren't you?"

"Oh you have no idea."

Elsewhere Ruby reappeared in another section of the locker room, hugging one of the lockers and frantically looking around. Upon seeing her sister not around she released a breath of relief. "That was a close one..." The little redhead muttered as she detached herself from the container. She thought she had been sneaky with her remark, but as always Yang had somehow heard her.

Ruby was sure it was some kind of big sister thing!

"Huh?" The sound of a locker being opened draw the young Rose's attention to her left to see a familiar face reaching into his locker and grabbing something. Ruby perked up and moved to say something, but lowered her hand and lost her smile when she saw what was pulled out of said locker. "Wait... isn't that-!?"

"Today's the day, Mother, Father..." The cold metal that his father's gun was made of soothed Mercer's nerves as he palmed the weapon, closing the locker door as he stared down at the obsidian colored weapon, a clear line running along the side's of its long barrel to a hollow circle around the handle, a pair of broken angel wings in the middle of the circle. "Give me strength..." His eyes softened, drawing on his memories from long ago.

How he wished his parent's were here to watch him, how he wished his sister was here with him to battle along side him. He tightened the grip on his father's weapon. No, he would not brood over it, he would make them proud; his mother, father, sister, he'd honor each of them today!

"It's an exact replica!" Mercer blinked as he suddenly found another's hand on his father's weapon, followed by a light gust of window blowing against him and a figure settle next to him. Following the hand's arm he found a familiar red and black sleeve covering the limb. Following it even further confirmed his assumption as to who had dared touched his father's weapon.

Had it been anyone other then Ruby Rose, he would have put them on the ground and shouted at them for doing such a thing.

Ruby awed over the design of the hand-cannon in Mercer's hands, tracing a dainty finger along its curves, taking in every little detail all the way down to way the wing emblem was carved into the grip. "It's length is exactly ten-inches long and four-inches wide, coated in a shining black and oh! This curve!" Ruby excitedly pointed tot he crescent moon shaped curve hammer spur of the gun as if she made the discovery of the century. "It even has the exact indents of my Uncle's gun! And those wings are his symbol!"

Ruby looked up at Mercer, her eyes shining brightly before she realized who was holding the gun that looked a little to much like her deceased uncle's. "Wait..." She tilted her head, trying to get a better look at Mercer. "Now that I think about it... could he be...?" Ruby was brought back to a thought that had been bugging her yesterday, something that had been on her mind since she bumped into the tall boy.

It was odd, silly even, but for some reason she felt like she had met Mercer before their meeting yesterday, something about him seemed so... familiar. She had noted before how he looked like her dearly departed uncle, Dante Rose, and could possibly be her... she had pushed it off as nothing but a coincidence as his eyes weren't the same color. And her uncle's wife's eyes weren't green either.

Yet, she could not shake off the familiarity she felt around him. Maybe it was his hair? It looked like her second Uncle's... his face? It looked like his too... His... name?

Her cousin's name was Mercer... But he can't be... can he? Her two Cousins had been missing for years, with her parent's having searched all across Remnant to find them until eventually her own mother went missing. Ruby glanced down at the weapon Mercer held; Broken Promise, that was the name of her Uncle's weapon...

Everything matched, the hair, the face, the name, and the fact that he was holding a weapon that belong to her Uncle, a weapon her father said the Headmaster of Beacon had. Everything but his eyes...

She looked back up at him, piercing into his eyes.

Was he...?

For the continued time she looked up at the elder teen, she began to see different emotions fly through the twin seas of striking jade. Joy, recognition, sorrow, longing... so many thing could be seen within his eyes. Ruby opened her mouth to say something again, but found a smooth finger pressed against her lips in return.

Mercer's mouth formed a calm smile, one filled with more emotion than he let on. He raised his other hand that was not pressed against Ruby's and mimicked the action of its counterpart to his own lips. Giving the little red reaper a wink, he slowly moved his hands down and grasped Broken Word once again, which he had left in Ruby's hands, before gently pulling the gun away and holstering it on his hip.

Closing his locker, Mercer slowly backed away from the scythe wielder, still keeping his eyes and smile trained on her. Once at a significant distant, he turned and headed for Beacon Cliffs, which he had absentmindedly heard his godmother tell all first-years to report to over the speakers.

Ruby could only stand there as Mercer's form soon disappeared from her sight. She blinked and soon started back towards her sister. Right now she should focus on the initiation; getting into Beacon fully should be her first priority of the day.

But soon... she would know the answer to the mystery of Mercer.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

She hummed quietly, her voice only the faintest sound overpowered by the light wind. Beacon Cliffs was void of all others save herself and Ozpin. The man himself was preoccupied by gazing out into the Emerald Forest. They did this every year; launching prospective students into the Grimm infested forest to find whatever relics Ozpin placed deep within the dangerous area. Each Huntsmen Academy had its own unique method of bringing in its new students. Beacon's method, since Ozpin came to charge, was to leave it to fate. A very... lax approach, but it had always come out as a success. This year's batch were in for just as much surprise as all the others in the past.

Speaking of this year's promising students... thinking of them brought nostalgia to her mind.

Her lime green eyes peered over each file she flipped through on her scroll, noting how this batch of aspiring warriors held exceptional individuals. There was little doubt that the teams formed from any of the possible combinations would lead to powerful groups of young Huntsmen. All had great potential, but like Ozpin had told them all the day before in his opening speech, lacked direction and purpose. That was her job, along with the other professors, to guide them into becoming the protectors of the world. The Huntress took pride in all the young men women that came through the doors of Beacon as inexperienced children, and left four years later as great fighters against the creatures of darkness. So many faces... all so unique to them.

This year was no different on that matter. Hailing from Mistral, Pyrrha Nikos was truly a diamond hidden amongst coal. A four time champion and top of her class graduate at Sanctum, the young redhead was the epitome of talent and determination. She worked hard, extremely so, pouring a great deal of blood, sweat, and tears into becoming as skilled as she was. The spartan girl was destined to be a powerful warrior, one who could gain glory. Strength, skill, beauty... no wonder she was a mascot for Pumpkin Pete's Marshmallow Flakes Cereal... if only it was tastier. Too sweet, for anyone not a child.

Then there was Weiss Schnee. Youngest daughter of the wealthy family and Heiress to the infamous Schnee Dust Company. An icy girl for sure, but one with brilliant mind. Her scores for the entrance exam were perfect, each question answered with complete accuracy and pristine quality. She was highly talent and well trained. The best money could by most likely, but that was besides the point. Judging by her weapon of choice on her information statistics, Weiss was clearly a Dust savant, using the powerful substance mined by her family's company for her preferred method of combat. As long as her attitude was improved, she'd be a splendid addition to Beacon.

Rose. Now that was a name the blonde professor wasn't expecting to see. But when Glynda had first walked into the Vale Police Station's interrogation room, she briefly thought that the girl sitting in the room was Summer Rose. The mother of the young girl was one of the select few that the blonde professor trusted and cared for more than any other. They were like sisters to a extent... she missed the Rose mother dearly, her brother too. Now Ruby was following in her mother's footsteps, armed with one of the most dangerous weapons ever designed (courtesy of the girl's drunkard of a uncle) and a unbreakable determination to be a hero. Glynda still had reservations about Ruby being let in two years, but there was no harm in just watching for now. The redhead had proven she had the skill to be here, so she'd trust Ozpin's judgement.

Sounds of many footsteps drew her attention up out of her memories and to the potential students shuffling towards the Cliff. Looking among them, the sorceress could see the varying emotions on the faces of the young people. Fear, confidence, excitement; many different expressions on many different faces. Though she caught once face she was now always happy to see. Calm and confident, her godson's face was void of the anxiety he wore yesterday. Now, Mercer was prepared and ready for the initiation. Glynda had to steel herself from smiling widely at him. She felt such pride and elation to the Knight, seeing him standing tall and strong before her, fully prepared to continue his family legacy. "I still wonder about his tattoos..." The practice of infusing Dust into one's own body, while powerful, was an archaic and rarely used method anymore. Using Dust in such a way requires a hardened level of discipline and understanding of the element and what represents. Improper handling can lead to disastrous results such as bodily damage... or damage to the Soul. It is Nature's Wrath incarnate in the form of crystals... powers one must respect and treat with caution. The choice of Dust infusion showed Mercer had a impressive level of control and ability over the powerful substance. And to top that off, in a extra show of pride and respect, the young man also carried Broken Word. That extremely powerful gun once used by Mercer's own father, a tool of great pain and malice to its wielder's foes. It is the Reaper's gun... it embodies the concept of "execution" itself. And now, it belonged to the Reaper's son, and Mercer would use it well.

Upon the final arrival, Ozpin turned to the multitude of future warriors and looked over them. Each had raw, unrefined potential, as he had stated the day before. This initiaton would do more than just sort them into their teams, but also show the strengths and weaknesses of each individual. Alongside those, it would also determine who would be situated as leader of each time. The mark of a leader was something people believe they understand, but few truly do actually. Recognizing these qualities was something that the Headmaster of Beacon had perfected over his time in the office. Certain traits, mannerisms, attitudes... those were just some things that had to be taken into account when it came to leadership. Some may have trained to lead, have great skill and talent, but that did not mean they were destined to be leaders. Leaders had a certain... something, to them that qualified them for that role. What was it?

Ozpin knows... but he wouldn't tell anyone. That'd spoil the possible life lessons to teach to them.

"For years you have trained to become warriors," the silver haired teacher began, his cane behind his back in one hand, his ever-present coffee mug in the other at his front. His posture was rigid and professional, befitting one of his position and power. "And today your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest..."

From there, Goodwitch picked up the speech. "Now... I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of teams," In her hands she still carried her Scroll, but her attention and gaze was solely on the young people. "Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates... today."

Most of the teens remained unfazed by this revelation. Though there were some that were visibly worried about this news. Ruby Rose was one of those few. "What?! Oh..." she sqeaked out. The red themed girl became antsy as she nerves started to freak out. A thin layer of sweat started forming on her palms and her forehead, her knees quaked slightly trying to prevent her from falling down, and her big silver eyes were wide and darted around, wondering what was going to happen. She was slowly crumbling under this newly mounted pressure.

Almost everyone, even her own sister, was too focused on the two professors to see the little scythe wielder's breakdown. Though Mercer saw it. He could understand Ruby's plight, the dark haired teen was nervous as well. Not as much as she was, but that wasn't the point. Mercer idly mused about how adorable Ruby looked right now. There was no forgetting how she was two years younger than himself and everyone else here, but that wasn't important. Ruby jumped two grades for her talent and skill. From all the stories his Father and Mother had told him about Ozpin, the tattooed warrior knew that the Headmaster was right with his decision. Ruby was meant to be here... and Mercer would let her know that and help her when he could. It was the least he could do after all. Leaning forward a little to see her better, as Jaune had taken a place between him and the red hooded girl, Mercer let out a light whistle to get her attention. Thankfully he didn't have to try a second time, as his vivid green eyes soon locked with her shining silver. Giving her a encouraging smile, Mercer silently mouthed "relax" to her, trying to make her more comfortable. His attempt was a success when a small smile worked its way onto her face and her eyes lit up with determination. Ruby mouthed a thank you to her helping hand and he leaned back up to stand straight. Rolling his neck and loosening his joints, Mercer couldn't help the smile that threatened to split his face. Seems helping her with her anxiety cooled down his own. Guess that's just the charm a Rose has on others.

Ozpin once again picked up on the speech, mentally noting the action he caught Mercer doing. "These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time at Beacon. So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well with," unlike before, all the initiates were steeled now and ready, minus a certain blonde. "That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your be your partner for the next four years."

Ruby momentarily blanched at this news, but quickly composed herself again. This wasn't the end of the world, she just had to be quick and precise with this matter.

"See, I told you~!" A bubbly ginger girl proclaimed next to the magenta eyed teen next to her.

"After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the Forest. You will met opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path... or you will die," Ozpin's message brought his eyes to his godson. Mercer had his gaze boring out into the lush land, the calm look he wore gone. In its place was a sharp, hardened glare that only a warrior could produce. His eyes were narrowed and filled with a promised annihilation to anything that impeded his path. His right hand was ghosting over the holster of his revolver. Mercer was ready... they all were.

Jaune gulped. Clearly though... he was not.

"You will be monitored and graded for the remainder of your initiation, but our instructors wil not intervene," the Headmaster briefly glanced to Glynda before returning to the rest. "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 grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?"

There was a pregnant silence before Jaune lifted a hand. "Yeah uh... sir-"

"Good," Ozpin instantly cut him off, causing the the blonde to deflate. "Now take your positions."

One by one the teenage fighters to battle stances on the metal plates they stood on, except for the last two: Jaune and Mercer. The latter of the two looking at the other with crossed arms and a mischievous smile plastered on his face.

"Uh sir..." Jaune tried once again to get the coffee drinker's attention. "I've got a uh, question."

Soon the teens began to get launched into the air, as the plates they stood on turned out to be catapults, starting with the white colored Weiss Schnee and moving on down the line.

"So this landing... strategy... thing... uh w-what is it? Are you dropping us off or something...?"

"No... you will be falling." Mercer could swear he heard just the faintest trace of amusement in the Headmaster's voice. Nice to know he wasn't the only one enjoying this.

The fop scratched the back of his head. "Oh, I see... did you hand out parachutes for us?"

"My god... he's really clueless isn't he? He seriously is! Oh this is fucking priceless~" While he kept it bottled up on the outside, Mercer was about to kill over in hysterical laughter on the inside. Jaune really couldn't see what was clearly in front of him. He was that damn dense! The Knight knew at this moment that Jaune would be a great source of entertainment for him.

Assuming the blonde survived the initiation.

If he didn't, pity. Mercer kinda liked the guy.

"No you will be using your own landing strategy," Ozpin simply stated.

Yang took the split second she had to look at her baby sister and gave her a wink before donning a pair of aviator sunglasses and getting launched into the sky.

Ruby followed her soon after, but not before smiling at Mercer one last time, then she took to the air.

Jaune looked to his left when he caught the red blur that was Ruby flying out into the Forest. There was no one else... he was next. Turning to his right, his widened blue eyes were met with a smug look he was unfortunately becoming familiar with.

Mercer gave the dork knight a half-hearted salute and a impish grin. "Fly straight and true, O' Paladin of Puke~" At this point he didn't even bother hiding how much pleasure he was experiencing at Jaune's expense.

Jaune opened his mouth, but could form no words as his launch pad flung him out into the Emerald Forest.

The blonde's flight was accompanied by his girly squeals and plenty of limb-flailing.

Mercer could only watch as the Arc quickly became a white speck before vanishing in the distance. He really did hope that Jaune survived, he is a really nice guy. Looking back down, he found his godparents/future professors looking at him. "I'm beginning to think you get some kind of sick enjoyment out of that Ozpin," the dark haired man rhetorically commented.

"Mr. Knight, I have no idea what you are talking about," the man responded, his tone blank. But the slight twinkle in his eyes betrayed what he truly felt.

The remaining teen barked out a laugh before looking down at the launch pad beneath his feet before looking back up at the pair with a harmless smile. "I'll get you back for flinging me into a most likely Grimm-infested forest, you know that right?"

The Headmaster simply smiled. "Enjoy the flight Mercer."

His godson only smirked a little more before getting sent into the Emerald Forest to begin the next chapter of his life.

END

Ok... I lost my job and have been struggling heavily. I can barely write and I sometimes don't have the willpower to do it at times. Life is really hard for me and I'm doing the best I can with the options I have. I am very sorry for making you all wait.

Though I'm going to be trying a new writing method that should let me get more done in a shorter amount of time. So with luck there won't be any more long waiting periods.

Honestly it's really late so I don't feel like saying a whole lot more, but I need to address one thing.

A couple of people are concerned about canon events and how some characters act. For that I will state again; this is a slight AU story. For the most part it will follow the events of the series with some minor and major changes sprinkled around in places. That also applies to some characters, they have some alterations to fit the story, be it their personalities being changed a little to them having different backgrounds (After this chapter you'll definetly see those aspects)

Other than that, I don't really have more to say right now. If you have any more questions or such, feel free to PM me. I promise I will get to those as I always try to talk to everyone that does PM.

Oh right, I also have another RWBY story call Through Crystal Eyes that you should all look at. It'll be a very different experience than this story, and I'd like support and people to like that one as well. I would really appreciate you all giving it a look.

But that's all for now, the next chapter will cover the entire initiation if I can pull it off. So probably a long chapter.

Until then, see you all next time.