RWBY : New Beginning
Deaths-Head : Disclaimer time... I don't own RWBY or the characters, locations, etc... they are all owned by RoosterTeeth. Only things I own are my OC's.
-LINE BREAK-
Chapter Seven
Initiation
Ophira was the first to arrive at the cliff top, facing the sun and letting it warm her face. Strapped to her back was her trusty sniper rifle, Feral Honor. She had triple checked the weapon when she had entered the locker room, noting that she was the only one awake. Now, with only the natural sounds around her, she closed her eyes and focused her thoughts.
May... I hope you can forgive me for not attending Shade with you and the others. I just hope you understand that I HAD to do this. I have to do something for myself and on own. I know one day, we'll meet again... for now, the Sleeper must awaken.
She had just opened her eyes, when other students started to gather round. She noticed Nier and the other three Faunus she had met the previous day were standing near each other, each with their heads bowed and talking amongst themselves. Ophira had a feeling, that no matter what, those four would end up being a team by the end of this initiation.
Someone roughly bumped into her, causing her to stagger forward. Hearing the mocking laughter, she turned and with anger burning in her eyes, glared at the person who had caused the situation. Sky Lark had a sneer on his face as he returned her gaze, before brushing his vambraces.
"Someone should get rid of this filth... and keep you animals chained up."
Three others near Sky broke out into laughter, as other students watched on... some with disgust in their eyes, others with sympathy. One however, had a cold steel look in his ice blue eyes. Striding forward, he grabbed Sky's arm, spun him around and forced the young man to his knees. In surprise, Sky glared at the person who had brought him low.
"Who the...?"
The person standing in front of him, kept those ice blue eyes staring straight into Sky's, causing the young man to cringe back. When he spoke, it was in a quiet yet anger tone.
"One more anti faunus joke... and I will make you regret ever coming here."
Cardin Winchester stepped forward, glaring at the newcomer.
"Come on... everyone knows that these... animals... have no place here Emmelin..."
Ullysses Emmelin, let go of Sky's arm and faced Cardin as two others gathered behind the latter with Sky joining them. The young Atlesian stood his ground against them, Ophira having stepped up by his side.
"The Faunus have every right to be here Cardin, just as you do. Be thankful that this is not the Atlas Military Academy... blatant discrimination has zero tolerance there."
Before Cardin could respond, a man's voice spoke up.
"Indeed Mister Emmelin and the same applies here as well." Professor Ozpin said as he walked forward, in one hand a mug of coffee "However, as you technically are not students here yet... we shall overlook this transgression this time. I would urge you to learn from this."
Cardin frowned and turned on his heel, walking over to the other side of the gathered students, as the Professor stepped forward and faced the gathering, a smart dressed blonde woman wearing glasses and a short black/purple cloak standing next to him. Professor Goodwitch radiated a air demanding obedience from those enrolled at the academy. As Ozpin cleared his throat, the students all turned and faced him, a quiet murmur still going amongst them.
Ozpin waited for the murmuring amongst those gathered to die down, staring at the faces of each and every student. A ghost of a smile appeared on his face as his gaze focused on young Ruby Rose, before continuing. The young girl was destined for greatness, as he had known her parents himself, years past. A slight cough from Goodwitch brought him back from his woolgathering. When he spoke, it was in a commanding tone.
"For years you have trained to become warriors, and today your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest."
Professor Goodwitch stepped forward, drawing a tablet from behind her back.
"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."
More murmuring was heard amongst the students, one in particular paled slightly. Ozpin continued.
"These teammates, will be with you for the rest of your time at Beacon, so it is in your best interests to be paired with someone with whom you can work well." he paused "That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next 4 years."
The general murmuring continued, some with worried or concerned looks on their faces. One in particular had a thin lipped smile on his face as he looked to the young woman standing next to him, raising a closed fist to his side.
"Something we won't have a problem with, yes?"
Lyana smirked as she moved her own left hand in a fist and bumped against her brother's.
"I'll find you bro... count on it."
A chuckle came from her sibling as he lowered his hand and cracked his neck.
"... not if I find you first, yes?"
Ozpin had continued talking while the whispering slowly died down.
"After you've partnered up, head to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way." he paused again "Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path, or you will die."
Some nervous laughter could be heard from the end of the gathered students. Jaune Arc gulped and fidgeted slightly as Ozpin's words sunk in. Next to him Ruby Rose slumped forward where she stood. Again, Ozpin continued.
"You will be monitored and graded for 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. We will regard that item, as well as your standing and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?"
It was then that Jaune spoke up, in a nervous tone of voice.
"Yeah, um, sir.."
Without acknowledging Jaune, Ozpin spoke again.
"Good! Now, take your positions."
Everyone stepped forward onto a grey platform. Some readying their weapons, making sure they had magazines loaded for guns, ensuring armor was firmly attached or mentally and physically preparing themselves for what was about to happen. Jaune raised his hand.
"Uh, sir? I've got, um, a question..."
It was then, the first person was catapulted from the platform, soaring into the sky. Weiss Schnee wore a private look of satisfaction at being the first of the new students to start out on what she privately hoped would be another successful venture for herself. While other students were being catapulted, Jaune spoke up in a slightly louder voice.
"So, this landing strategy thing, uh, w-what is it? You're, like, dropping us off or something?"
Ozpin and Goodwitch both looked at him, the latter with her tablet held up and the former raising his mug to his lips
"No. You will be falling."
It was then, Russel Thrush, one of those who was backing Cardin against Ullysses, was launched into the air. More went sent flying through the air, some more gracefully than others. Of course, there were those who wore looks of exhilaration on their faces and others, like the spider faunus, Ryell Trevernous, already had a plan for landing safely. As she was flying through the air, her 'belt' unfurled against her thighs. The tips of the 'belt' had a three pronged clasp, which flexed, in preparation for spinning a silken web into a object to assist in her landing.
Meanwhile, back at the cliff's edge, Jaune had thought a bit more and then asked another question to Ozpin.
"Oh, I see. So, like, did you hand out parachutes for us?"
The response didn't comfort him.
"No. You will be using your own landing strategy."
While Jaune paled before he spoke again, Reven and Lyana both nodded at each other and were launched out over the forest.
"Uh huh.. yeah..."
Cardin was then catapulted, with Ulysses and Ophira next in line to be sent out into the blue sky. Yang and Ruby shared a look, as the former put on a pair of aviator glasses and was launched. Her cry of excitement echoing behind her, as Ruby was launched right behind her.
Last one standing, Jaune swallowed hard and then, in a nervous tone began to speak...
"So, um, what exactly is a landing strategggyyyyyyYYY!"
Before he had finished, Jaune was flung into the sky behind the others, his form spiralling around. Ozpin turned and sipped from his mug, his gaze on the retreating students as then disappeared from view.
Soaring through the skies, the students had only seconds to formulate a safe landing path for themselves. Ullysses utilized his semblance of Armor generation, coating his skin in impenetrable armor, the increased weight caused him to slam into the ground with a loud explosion. Amidst the dust, he calmly stepped out of the crater, recalling the armor and drawing forth his weapon, an assault rifle he named Adamant Talon. Bringing the stock of the rifle to his shoulder, he aimed left and right, before heading off to the north in the general direction of the Temple.
Ophira drew forth her sniper rifle as she fell towards a group of trees, quickly changing it into it's halberd form. As she approached the nearest tree, she threw her halberd with unerring precision, the weapon head biting into the trunk. Using her natural agility, she managed to grasp the handle as she fell, her momentum causing her to swing around the weapon like a gymnast, spinning around and landing on the handle itself. Alert, her ears standing up, she gazed quickly around herself for any sign of Grimm. Satisfied she couldn't sense any, she lept off her perch, pulling her weapon free and landing lightly on the ground. Ophira knew which direction she was to go and made her way along silently.
Lyana, of all the students, was thoroughly enjoying the feeling of flying through the air. Her own semblance of Elemental Manipulation meant she simply had to call forth on her control of Wind to slow her fall. Floating gently to the ground, she dispelled the simple 'platform' of wind she had called forth and drew her twin double barrel handguns, Frenzy and Envy. She quickly dove into a nearby bush, as she heard some voices. Peering through the leaves, she saw Cardin Winchester and Dove Bronzewing walk past, the former swinging his mace with annoyance clearly shown. She couldn't hear what they were talking about, but could guess it had something to do with the discussion between Cardin and that Atlesian... what was his name again? Ullysses was it? She was about to stand, when she felt her twin's presence. With a grin, she headed off in his direction.
Shortly before his sister landed, Reven had managed to slip through the trees effortlessly, having already spied his landing zone. In midair, he drew from his thighs two cylindrical tubes, spinning them in his hands. At his landing zone, a Alpha Beowulf roared, opening it's jaws in preparation to snap him in half. With a press of his thumbs on both the tubes, three foot long blades slid forth, one with a fiery red glow, the other arced with purple lightning. Swinging the red blade, the flaming sword sliced the Grimm's head from it's body as the purple blade bit into it's severed neck as he sliced down, landing in a crouch amidst the twin halves of it's decomposing remains. Glancing up, he looked at the other Beowulves circling him, the same thin lipped smile he wore the night before, etched on his face. He faced the Grimm, the flaming red blade held horizontally in front of his face and the arcing purple one drawn low.
"I must warn you... Tsis Nekesti is rather thirsty. How about we quench her thirst, yes?"
Meanwhile the crocodile faunus, Nier Dusk had encountered her partner, the spider faunus Ryell Trevernous, who had simply floated down out of the sky with a silken web parachute clutched in her... spare arms? Nier had to blink twice as her fellow faunus landed and then watched as the extra appendages wrapped around her waist as the belt Nier had seen on her before. With a chuckle she approached Ryell.
"Well, I haven't heard or seen anything like that before... impressive."
Ryell cringed in front of the larger girl. Standing nearly seven feet tall, the crocodile faunus had the build of a tank. Of which Ryell found herself terrified and then relieved as a Ursa attacked Nier, but was then lifted above the faunus's head with her own incredible strength and then hurled into a sharp boulder, a large outcropping piercing the Grimm's chest killing it. Dusting her hands, Nier glanced over her shoulder at her partner.
"You ok?"
Ryell nodded, as her extra appendages reformed the belt around her waist.
"Yeah... th.. thanks."
With a smile and thumbs up, Nier chuckled.
"No problem partner, now let's go get that relic, eh?"
With a smile on her face, Ryell nodded and the two partners headed off into the forest. Not far from the two faunus, another had landed. Eyes closed and reaching out with her hearing, Chae-Seon could sense the pairs heading towards the temple. She wasn't concerned about that, rather of any who were still by themselves.
Rolling some of the prayer beads around her neck, she focused her semblance, allowing the spirit energy she was able to call forth gather around her. A soft yellow glow surrounded her, as her semblance came into effect. With her eyes closed, she could 'see' the other initiates as they headed towards the temple. She could also see one loan yellow glow, surrounded by black shades striped with red. The malevolence emanating from the black shades was overwhelming, but from the yellow glow... was a feeling of fear, but underlining that was a determination Chae hadn't felt for some time. With a snap, her eyes were open and she leaped onto a overhanging branch of a nearby tree. Her ears twitched and she then leaped from tree to tree, her weapon JingJing drawn and in it's staff mode, heading to the sole initiate.
Standing still, surrounded by Beowulves, Imara looked around herself at the creatures of Grimm. In her hand, she tightly gripped the handle of Parhelion and held it ready in front of her. Her ears twitching, she ducked to the side and with a flick of her wrist, swatted the neck of Grimm which tried to leap at her from behind. Spinning gracefully, she rested the umbrella against her shoulder, a look of confidence on her face.
It was then Chae-Seon leaped down, bringing her weapon across another Beowulf's head, a resounding crack echoing through the clearing. Imara smiled gratefully at the other faunus, as she spun her weapon and placed it in the custom holder across her back. Running forward, she grabbed Chae-seon and carried her bridal style, as she leaped over two of the Grimm and raced into the forest before they could turn. Chae-Seon looked at her.
"Horse faunus?"
Imara grinned slightly, nodded and continued to run north.
At the temple, Cardin Winchester, Sky Lark, Dove Bronzewing and Russel Thrush, took two of the relics and were about to leave, when Cardin smirked.
"Hey... let's make things interesting."
Dove looked at him, raised eyebrow.
"What do you have in mind?"
The armor wearing boy pointed to some small boulders nearby.
"Roll them over here and blocked the entrance. Slowing the others down will work in our favor."
Russel was about to respond when Sky, grinning, responded.
"By slowing them down, will reflect badly on their ability to work as a team and accomplish tasks within a time frame."
Cardin smirked and nodded.
"Exactly... It'll look poorly on those animals... and the few idiots who are too slow to get here."
Chuckling to themselves, the four boys went to work, moving the boulders over and wedging them into the entrance tight. Unknown to them, up on top of the cliff, Professor's Ozpin and Goodwitch were watching on the latter's tablet at what the four were up to. Goodwitch frowned.
"Unsporting of them... preventing access for others to accomplish their goal."
Ozpin nodded, sipping from his mug.
"However, they are working together as a team."
Goodwitch grunted as she made note of their names.
"A team I feel will do more harm than good in the future Professor."
Ozpin smirked over his mug at her.
"Now, now... we don't want things to be too easy this year, do we?"
Meanwhile
Ullysses knelt next to a tree, looking out at the temple and the actions of the future Team CRDL. He heard a soft growl from his partner and glanced at her from the corner of his eye.
"Patience Ophira. Let them believe they've gotten away with it."
Ophira snorted to herself, as she looked down on the four through the scope of her weapon.
"I don't like this. We all knew we have to go to the temple to get these 'relics'... and yet, here are a group of idiots doing what they can to prevent others..." she tightened her grip on the handle of the sniper rifle "I really, really, REALLY want to take this shot."
Ullysses looked back over the four, who had just finished and were taking a break before moving on.
"I know... Were this sort of thing taking place at the Initiation at Atlas Academy... those four would be either expelled..." he paused and sighed "or promoted on the spot into a team."
Before the Wolf faunus could respond, the bushes next to them rustled, as two other faunus joined them. Ophira wore a smile of recognition on her face, as Nier Dusk and Ryell Trevernous knelt next to them. The Crocodile faunus had her gaze locked on Cardin Winchester, her fists tightly clenched.
"That slimy little... I knew I should've sent him to the infirmary yesterday."
Ryell put her hand on her partner's shoulder, while Ullysses nodded in agreement.
"That would've solved are current issue. However, this could also be part of the Initiation." he looked at the three females "After all, do we not need to work together to overcome any obstacles?"
While they were talking, on the other side of the clearing, Imara and Chae-Seon watched the antics of Cardin and his crew. The two faunus watched as the four humans picked themselves up and hurried off to the bridge over the cliff. Imara nodded to her partner and both faunus leaped down from the tree and headed over to the temple. Chae-Seon noticed the other four Initiates leaving the treeline and headed to the temple as well.
The six gathered in front of the temple, the boulders blocking the entrance. Nier cracked her knuckles and grinned.
"Ok... everyone, stand back... time for me to..."
She paused in mid sentence, as the boulders started to roll to the side by some unknown force. In a matter of seconds the boulders were removed allowing access to the temple itself. The six all turned, to see a red haired human walking forward with her arm raised in the direction of the temple, her hair billowing in the air and her eyes glowing brown. Next to her, a tall human male strode forward, a hood over his head and two cylindrical objects on either thigh. Lowering her arm and the glow dissipating from her eyes, Lyana sighed to herself.
"Well... seems someone wanted to make things difficult for us."
Her companion nodded as he walked past the others, his sister by his side.
"Two guesses as to who it was..."
Lyana looked back at the others and waved for them to follow.
"Yeah... I get a bad feeling about him..."
Ullysses stepped forward, looking at Reven.
"So, it would seem Reven that you and your sister had no problems in getting here."
Chae-Seon sniffed and looked at the two siblings.
"No. They fought Grimm."
Reven glanced over his shoulder at her, a grin on his face.
"It wasn't a fight, yes?"
Imara looked around at the stone pedestals... Atop them, were assorted chess pieces. She walked over picked up the black knight piece and looked over at Chae-Seon, who nodded in agreement. Nier shrugged as Ryell walked over and picked the remaining black knight piece. The Atlesian and faunus both nodded, as Ophira walked over and picked the black bishop piece. The remaining black bishop piece was claimed by Lyana, looking at it in her hand.
"This... is the relic we were supposed to find?" she held it up for her brother "Seems a little... underwhelming."
Reven shrugged as he turned on his heel and headed towards the entrance, everyone else following along.
"This is the temple and those are the only thing of worth here. Let's get back to the cliff and hand these over and be done with this."
Ullysses looked at him as they walked towards the bridge, over the cliff.
"So... now that we know who our partners are," he motioned to the group "I'm guessing these relics will determine which team we're in?"
Nier shrugged as she walked along.
"Maybe... who knows. We'll find out once we're done I guess."
Ophira looked at Reven, taking note of his body language.
"What do you think?"
Reven paused as he looked up at the long stairway, eyes narrowed.
"First... tell me those four idiots who blocked the temple are still climbing."
Drawing her sniper rifle, Ophira looked through the scope, targeting on the back of Russel Thrush, who was just now getting to the end of the staircase. With a snort of disgust, she nodded.
"Aye... It's them."
Reven wore a predatory look on his face, speaking to his sister.
"Think you can manage all of us?"
With a sigh, Lyana took a deep breath, her eyes closed and her hands drawn together in front of her.
"All of you... stay close and don't move at all. Otherwise... you'll be in for a long drop."
Before they could respond, a disc of air appeared under their feet and at Lyana's command, the disc rose into the sky. At a steady pace, they were brought up the cliff face, each wearing looks of either wonder and/or horror. Nier's face was white as she stood still, Ryell holding on to her arm. Chae-Seon and Imara looked around, eyes wide in wonder. Ophira, who had been kneeling when the disc had formed, remained as still as she could with her eyes closed. Ullysses looked at Lyana, was about to ask a question then thought again and remained silent. Reven, was the only one looking back down at the temple, taking note of the Death Stalker which had just burst through the forest chasing after someone.
A loud cry echoed around them, as he looked up and saw a Nevermore flying around, getting closer to the temple.
"Sis... hurry."
Sweat beading her forehead, Lyana could only grunt in reply as she used her semblance to speed up their journey. Ullysses went to draw his weapon, as did the others, but with a sharp glance from Reven, they remained still as the top of the cliff drew closer... but so did the Nevermore. Clinging to the stairs, the future members of Team CRDL, saw the approaching Grimm and ran as fast as they could up the stairs.
They managed to get to the top, everyone jumping off the disc with Reven pulling his sister onto the cliff's edge. Turning back, he looked back and saw people fighting against the two large Grimm. Watching them, he saw the group split into two teams of four, one group against the Death Stalker and the other against the Nevermore. While the others regrouped, Ullysses stepped up next to Reven, both watching the scene before them. When red cape was seen, Reven started to chuckle to himself.
"There you go Red... Show them how it's done."
Ullysses was about to respond, when his eyes widened at what just happened. The figure wearing the red cape went flying into the Nevermore, the large weapon they carried connecting with the Grimm's neck. Then, white glyphs appeared, leading up the cliff and the caped figure started running up them, gaining speed. A hand pressed against Ullysses's chest, as Reven pushed him back as a red and black dervish streaked past them, gunshots in their wake as the head of the Nevermore was severed from it's body. Both parts of the large Grimm, fell back down the cliff, dissipating as it fell. The caped figure landed on the edge of the cliff, their weapon resting against their back and breathing heavily. As their companions down at the bridge looked up, Reven chuckled.
"Good show Ruby, yes?"
Later
Inside Beacon Academy's auditorium, Professor Ozpin stood on the raised dais, as two large screens above him spun pictures of Initiates. He raised his voice as he called out.
"Russel Thrust, Cardin Winchester, Dove Bronzewing, Sky Lark"
The four stepped forward, stopping in front of Ozpin, who studied each of them. The faces of Dove, Sky and Russel wore some nervousness on their faces. Cardin on the other hand, had a look of smugness to him.
"The four of you retrieved the black bishop pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team CRDL (Cardinal). Led by Cardin Winchester."
With a smirk of superiority, Cardin nodded then turned and walked off the dais, the others behind him. Ozpin couldn't help but feel that Glynda's thoughts about those four would come to pass. However, he still had four more teams to announce. Clearing his throat he called four more names.
"Nier Dusk, Ryell Trevernous, Imara Rhiannous and Chae-Seon Han. The four of you retrieved the Black Knight pieces. As of this moment, you will be known as Team NGHT (Night), led by..." he paused and looked at the chosen leader "Nier Dusk."
Nier broke out into a large grin as she faced the gathered crowd and raised both her arms in curls on either side of her head, a loud 'whoo' escaping her lips as her teammates grinned or in Imara's case, blushed at being the center of attention. Ozpin wore a smile of his own at Nier's antics, as she led her team back to the crowd. Again he raised his voice...
"Jaune Arc, Lie Ren, Pyrrha Nikos, Nora Valkyrie"
The four stepped forward, Jaune rather nervous in his stance, as they faced the Professor.
"The four of retrieved the white rook pieces. From this day forward you will work together as Team JNPR (Juniper) Lead by Jaune Arc."
Jaune paled and gulped audibly.
"Uhh... M.. me?"
With a smile on his face, Ozpin nodded.
"Congratulations young man."
In shock, Jaune stood there mouth open... as Pyrrha lightly punched him in the arm, smiling. Unprepared, Jaune staggered off balance and fell on the ground, causing laughter to erupt from those gathered. Still smiling, Pyrrha helped him back to his feet as Team JNPR left the stage. Shaking his head slightly, Ozpin let a chuckle escape his lips, before calling forth four more names.
"Lyana Greigh, Ullysses Emmelin, Ophira Septimi and Reven Greigh."
The four stepped forward.
"The four of you retrieved the white bishop pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as Team ROGE (Rogue). Led by Reven Greigh."
Ullysses wore a look of pride on his face, as Ophira had a look of satisfaction on hers. Lyana wore a smirk, while her brother... His face was impassive. He nodded to Ozpin.
"Thank you sir."
The Professor immediately took note of the face and general body language of Reven. The young man, unlike the other chosen team leaders who could easily shown their happiness and delight, kept his emotions hidden by a wall. Ozpin would have liked to have asked him a question, but knew he would have all the time after the ceremony. He watched Team ROGE leave the stage, but kept a mental note to indeed look into Reven Greigh.
"Blake Belladonna, Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee and Yang Xiao Long. The four of you retreived the white knight pieces. From this day forward you will work together as Team RWBY (Ruby)." He paused "Led by Ruby Rose."
Yang hugged her sister, a big smile on her face.
"I'm so proud of you!"
As the crowd applauded the formation of the last group, Ozpin smiled.
"Looks like things are shaping up to be an interesting year."
-LINE BREAK-
Deaths-Head : Took me awhile to get this chapter how I wanted. In short, many rewrites to get it done. I'll be updating this when I can, as my free time has become rather short and I have some other commitments to work on (Other stories posted here).
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