Chapter IV: Nevermore Nuisance

I flew after the oversized raven, and it was exhausting to simply catch up. Nevermores are freakin' fast, I'll give 'em that. Before leaping in to save Blake, I took a few seconds to create a plan. I would attack its talon, causing the Nevermore to drop Blake. I would then swoop under her, catch her, and get away before we trigger a full-blown encounter. A bit cowardly, but it worked for me in my head, considering I might bite off more than I can chew if I go face to face with it. I caught up to the Nevermore and did it. For the first few milliseconds, I didn't even know what was going on.

As planned, I slashed the Nevermore's talon. But something just clicked in my mind the moment my sword made contact with the bird's claw. I somehow knew that I wouldn't be fast enough to catch Blake. So I activated my Semblance.

As soon as the Nevermore released Blake, she was left there in the air, helplessly floating where she was let go. I immediately glided under her, picked her up in my arms, and tried to fly away. What I didn't account for was how fast the bird was flying.

"What was that?" Blake asked.

"That was my Semblance..." I answered, trying to catch my breath. "Spacial wind."

"Hm. Seems helpful," she said, considering what just happened.

It was a smooth landing, if you exclude the part where I was exhausted. I remembered to tuck in my wings, but I guess that was the least of our problems. The bird's gigantic shadow blotted out the sun for a good couple of seconds as we got a grip on our surroundings.

"Adrian," Blake called. "We only have a bit of ground to cover before we get back to the cliffs. Come on."

I tried to catch my breath. "But...the Nevermore…?"

"Would you rather fight here, where more Grimm could ambush us, or up on the cliffs, where we have a good vantage point? I mean, that thing is bound to follow us back."

Can't argue with that, I thought. I motioned in the direction of the cliffs and was met with a barely audible "Thought so."

I had to climb up the cliff face because, embarrassingly, my wings were sore. Not a big deal, though. The pain dies down relatively fast. I don't think either method of getting up would be any less exhausting than the other. When Blake and I finally climbed up the cliff, I was thinking curling up and falling asleep right then and there was a pretty good idea. But, of course, I couldn't catch an actual break. Only a few steps away, spiked feathers started falling all around me. The Nevermore was preparing to divebomb me while there was no space to escape! Maybe if I jump high enough, I can avoid the attack altogether, I thought. On the other hand, I could let it come to me and slice it in half, my voice of doubt pointed out. I couldn't make up my mind. Both choices had pros and cons that equalized them. Before I could pick one or the other, however, the Nevermore was already too close for me to react. This is going to hurt.

I'm not sure what just happened. I blacked out, but somehow I had been pulled into a sideways roll to the side of the raven. I also felt something stroking my left arm. When I looked at it, I saw a black ribbon coiled around multiple times untying itself. That's it…! I thought. I looked to the source of the ribbon and saw Blake.

"Stay focused!" she called.

I shook my head clear from an invisible fog and threw her weapon over to her. The Nevermore was circling around, preparing for another dive.

"Blake!" I shouted. "Get on its back and weaken it! I've got a plan!"

She nodded and pounced onto the Nevermore, slashing and stabbing it. There was no noticeable harm coming to it, but, at the very least, she was keeping it distracted. Meanwhile, I had opened one of the pockets on my coat and pulled out a Wind-type Dust crystal.

"Here goes nothing…" I muttered, absorbing the crystal into my hand. My Aura began to glow a bright green, and I pulled my sword to my side, preparing to spin. Then...I did. I spun, over and over and over. The wind was beginning to surround me, just like how Blake's ribbon did to my arm only moments ago. I continued to coil the wind around me until it was a sizable tornado. One last spin with all my strength sent the storm towards the Nevermore. However, something seemed off. Blake, I suddenly remembered. She was doomed if I didn't do something to save her. I unfurled my wings and flew to the side of the storm so that I could see Blake clearly.

"Toss me your ribbon!" I yelled. I hoped she could hear me amongst the chaos.

Luckily for me, she did. She tossed her weapon into my open hand and I pulled her right off the back of the bird. Out of harm's way. I caught her in my arms again, glided back to the cliffs and set her down. By this time, I knew I wouldn't have much use out of the Dust crystal anymore. I flew into the air again, this time with my blade parallel to its sheath. I could feel my energy gathering in one spot, charging up for a single, fatal slash. Once the Nevermore flew helplessly in my path, there was no regret. I moved in for the kill. In a flash, I was behind the colossal bird, sword drawn. The tornado dissipated, and everything seemed to freeze in midair. But something clicked in my mind. I flinched. It wasn't enough. I tried to draw every last ounce of energy I could and circled back, slashing the Nevermore at every angle possible. With each attack, I could feel my power weakening, my stamina exhausting. I realized most of my attacks were not having an effect on the Nevermore. Thinking on my feet, I noticed the wound my first slash had created, right across its chest. I attacked that single spot a couple more times, seeing the gash grow deeper and wider. Finally, I plunged my sword deep within the weak spot I had created. Pulling back my blade, I silently flew back to the cliffs where Blake was waiting for me. A gigantic wave that shook the air and the sound of trees cracking told me that I had slain the beast.

"So you're a bird Faunus?" Blake asked.

I didn't respond.

"Adrian?" Blake said. Her face was beginning to show worry.

My eyes closed, wings crumpled, and I fell forward into darkness.

"Thank you, Blake," a voice spoke. "You may return to your team." I could hear her walk out of the room.

My eyes slowly opened, glad that there was dim lighting. I was wearing only my jeans and the bandages wrapped around my chest. I realized I was in my very own dorm. At least, it would be if I passed Initiation. Wait...Initiation! What happened after I fainted? I tried to sit up and get Blake, but a gentle hand on my chest stopped me. It was the headmaster. He was sitting beside the bed I was lying in.

"Lie still," he instructed. "Before you ask, I am here to talk to you about Initiation. If speaking isn't too much of a burden...?"

As I said "No," I confirmed that, at the very least, I could speak. "How...how did I do?" I asked, steeling myself for the outcome.

"You did quite well. Despite the ending, the mission was still a success. As a result, I am proud to say that you are eligible to attend Beacon Academy's classes."

I didn't know what overcame me, but I suddenly leaned forward and gave Ozpin a hug. So much for steeling myself. I pulled back just as quickly. "Was that too much?"

"I've seen much more," he replied with a smirk.

"Thank you, Ozpin," I spoke. "Thank you so much..."

Ozpin cleared his throat and continued. "Now, about your team, you will have to wait for three other students to attend Beacon due to the number of students already present. Until then, you will have to participate in all of your classes alone. I will notify the teachers shortly and make sure that they can make compromises for your education. For now, you may take the rest of the day off, but be ready for tomorrow."

"Thank you, Professor Ozpin," I said once again. I would've showed him more gratitude had I not been bedridden.

As he left, I realized I had a stupid grin on my face. I softly laughed to myself and fell back to sleep. Today was exhausting. Interesting, but exhausting.

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