***Authors Note: Hey! So I'm glad people are reading my stuff (thank you)! I just wanted to warn people that there isn't a lot of action in this one but I still think it's worth the read. I mean you learn some things, you might laugh a little, or you might not, either way, just thought I'd give ya a heads up. Feel free to tell me what you guys think, feedback is appreciated! Anyways, enough of that! ENJOY CHAPTER SIX WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Chapter Six: The Feast
The awards ceremony was a success, Ironwood presenting team MJTM a large gold trophy, to signify their strength and teamwork. Jace didn't even acknowledge his presence. Marco's clothes were still slightly smoking and his normally messy black mane was an abominable mess but the grin on his face told everyone he didn't care. Marco got Mason in a headlock, making a mess of his hair saying "We did it, we did it!" over and over. Mason laughed and struggled under his friends grip, Theo simply looking on with a small but happy smile.
Afterwards everyone was directed to the Dining Hall where a glorious feast awaited them, many digging in despite how late it was. Some had even just gone straight back to the dorms, too exhausted for a meal. Then there was team's RWBY and JNPR who had met by complete chance in one of the hallways, moving to an empty classroom to talk about things.
"So...pretty strong guys, am I right?" Juane started, everyone else nodding in silence.
"My question is what such powerful people doing at Beacon, they could be full fledged hunters already!" Weiss wondered, Ren narrowing his eye's.
"Unless they have some sort of hidden agenda" Ren said quietly, Yang standing up.
"Well I say the faster we make them our allies the better!" she proclaimed.
"Where do we start looking?" Pyrrha asked, the other's shrugged in abandon.
"I think I have an idea" Blake proposed, everyone huddling around to hear the scoop.
Meanwhile team MJTM had been assigned to their dorm room, which they were currently settling into. Marco collapsed onto his bed, "Woo, finally! I'm beat" Marco admitted, turning his head to Theo. "Was that lightning rod finisher not the most badass thing ever?" Marco asked him, to which Theo nodded. "Yeah, and extremely reckless, the hell were you thinking?" Jace questioned, Marco only grinned. "He wanted to go out with a bang" Mason said, taking off his trench coat and handing it to Theo. "I dunno about these uniforms, I've never been much of a conformist" Marco said, holding up the gold embroidered Beacon jacket. "I'm sure they won't mind if you make a couple changes" Mason said, shrugging on the white button up. "I know I will" Jace said, pulling the jacket over one of his own black hoodies. "Clothing is part of your identity it is best to wear it however you wish" Theo agreed, straightening a red bow tie in the mirror.
By the end Mason was the only one who wore his uniform the right way. Theo had replaced the normal red tie with a bow tie,, his pocket watch clipped to his blue sweater. Not to mention the two boot knives sheathed peaking out beneath the dress pants. Jace only wore the jacket, replacing the sweater, tie, and white button up for a hoodie. He still wore his boots, his glove, and his belt; two strange looking pistols holstered on it. Marco had completely abandoned the jacket and sweater, wearing his white button up and tie loosely, his shirt not tucked in. To complete the look he shrugged on his "Jugg Me" jacket.
"Ah, now time to-" Marco was interrupted by their door opening, a staff member poking their head in.
"I-I'm sorry but Professor Ozpin and Mrs. Goodwitch would like to speak to all of you privately in their office, if you'd follow me there" she informed. The four followed her, Marco dejected on their missing out on food.
"I'm not a complete monster, so I will send you off with some take-out" Ozpin said, handing James a bag of goodies taken from the feast. They stood on the Main Avenue, the Atlas military behind James, whilst the school stood behind Ozpin. "Ah, yes, well, I can understand where you'd be upset, I know you don't have heart for such things" James said, Ozpin narrowing his eye's. "Neither should you, James" he countered, James shrugged, beginning to walk away. "I didn't at first Ozzy" James called, then quieter, more to himself he whispered "Fear makes us do terrible things". Ozpin watched him go for a moment before turning back towards his school, he took a deep breath. "Right, off to meet the gifted ones".
"Now this is just funky" Marco observed, looking around at Ozpin's unique office. Many gears and shafts twisted above to keep the large clock on the opposite wall running, which gave a clear view of the academy below. Both Glynda and Ozpin were there to greet the four. Mason and Marco took a seat on a red velvet chair in front of Ozpin's desk while Theo stood behind them. Jace leaned on a bookshelf a short ways away. Marco started by immediately attacking the food set out on Ozpin's desk, Ozpin watching on in mild amusement.
"I assume you all must be exhausted after your very impressive performance so we'll try to keep this brief" Ozpin started, leaning forward in his chair.
"Were you trained Marco?" Ozpin inquired, Marco swallowing a large mouthful of porkpie before answering.
"Yeah, Mas and I were trained by someone I'm gonna call Mr. Blue"
"Is that his real name?" Glynda challenged, digging in for a verbal skirmish.
" 'Course not, he asked us not to tell anyone" Marco said, his auburn eye's turned serious.
"The only thing you need to know is that he trained Mason and I" Marco said finally, turning back to his food and adding, "Not to be rude of course". Glynda was ready to go off on him before Ozpin raised his hand.
"How did you all meet?" Ozpin asked. The gears turned and the giant clock ticked, but Marco did not speak.
"I-" Ozpin was only interrupted.
"Call it a manner of passing through" Marco said suddenly, looking at Ozpin, chin up. There was only silence again. This wasn't going by Ozpin's or Glynda's plans. Theo looked over at Jace, who was staring a hole through the oak door. Jace looked at Theo for a second, then back at the door. Theo shrugged, Jace sighed and turned his head towards the conversation, or lack of one.
"They're not talking" Blake whispered to the group, all waiting for news. They were all crouched outside the right side of the door, listening in on the "private" conversation.
"What do you mean they're not talking?! They're in there to talk why wouldn't they be-" Weiss's tirade was interrupted by yet another raised finger from Blake.
"Will you at least tell us why you want to be huntsmen?" they heard Ozpin asked, clearly having exhausted all other questions or options. There was silence yet again, but Blake heard someone getting off a chair.
"We've traveled a long way to get here, Ozpin. In fact we've circled the globe, all four of us together, and trust me, we've seen some nasty shit, the kind of thing you thought was only in movies" Marco said, there was a pause, as if he was looking at his teammates.
"I can imagine the things you've seen, Marco" Ozpin replied seriously. Blake was surprised Glynda was staying quiet on this one. Normally she'd be furious at such blatant disrespect.
"We've fought, cried, bled, slept, fought, and cried some more, all of us together" Marco continued.
"What you see before you is four broken people, Ozpin, Mrs.G, not future huntsmen" Marco said, silence once again enveloping the room. Blake looked back to the group of seven, all with confused looks. Where's Ruby? Blake mouthed to Yang, who looked behind her before shrugging.
"My family thought the Grimm weren't a problem, but that was before fifty showed up on our doorstep" Marco said, silence folding over once more like a overlapping canopy.
"We learned then" Marco choked out, another close of the canopy.
" Jace lost his leg, his arm and his eyes to the grimm. Mason lost any chance of a normal life because of the grimm. Then there's Theo, who's lost everything thanks to the grimm" Marco almost whispered the confessions, the pain evident in his voice. Blake looked back once more, Empathy painted all over their faces.
"So we're here to take back what we've lost, Ozpin" Marco announced, Glynda narrowed her eye's.
"How will you do that?" she asked.
"Well substituting what we've lost for grimm bodies works for us" Marco replied, they all could hear the smile in his voice.
"Oh, you poor boys" Glynda whispered sadly.
"Don't pity us, " Jace warned, shoving off the bookshelf.
"We've given ourselves to this cause, Miss" Mason said, standing up from the red on black seat.
"However noble or cruel" Theo finished, the four initiates standing in front of Ozpin's desk. They got on one knee, their faces staring into the floor.
"We swear on our lives and the things we've lost that from today onwards will be fight the grimm with our last breath. We will not give up. We will not falter. Will stare into evil itself and smile. May humanity forever be blessed by the light of dust"
Their combined voice echoed up into the metallic rafters of the office, climbing up and releasing into the deep dark night. It sounded as if the air itself was buzzing, almost as if the oath was a living thing. The group hidden outside knew one thing for certain, they were going to have a lot to talk later. Blake recognized the last part of the vow. "May humanity forever be blessed by the light of dust", was a phrase some of the first ever huntsmen and huntresses signed documents and letters with.
Ozpin stood up, tapping each of their shoulders with his cane. They all rose to face him, heads held high. Ozpin smiled at them, adjusting his glasses before putting his hands behind his back.
"When I look at the four of you gentlemen I don't see people who are broken, far from it actually" Ozpin declared, Glynda looking on with a neutral expression.
"When I look at you four I see those who have stared tragedy right in the face and kept fighting. You're strong, you're brave, and you're just what Remnant needs to face the grimm. Welcome to Beacon, you all, you've certainly earned it" Ozpin finished, the four bowing their heads respectively.
"Well, I'm glad thats over with" Marco said, letting out a heavy sigh. He looked at his teammates, flashing a grin before turning towards the door.
"G'night, guys" Marco said in farewell.
"We'll answer all your other questions when the time is right" Theo reassured, the two teachers looking after the retreating group.
"Impressive youngsters indeed" Ozpin complimented, Glynda nodding in agreement.
"A shame only one wore his outfit properly" Glynda said ruefully. Ozpin chuckled, then began to laugh. Glynda only turned away, looking down at the academy below with a blush Ozpin couldn't see.
"Move!" Weiss whispered furiously, the seven darting to the nearest door, which was luckily unlocked. They piled in, just in time to see the four shadows pass through reflecting moonlight. They all let out a collective sigh, the exhaustion of the days activities finally getting to them.
"Now if this was not the most entertaining initiation day, I don't know what is" Juane reflected.
"More like one of the biggest headaches" Weiss grumbled, beginning to shiver in the cold darkness. Most if not the entire group had stripped down to their white button ups in an attempt to feel more comfortable, though they could all agree their pajamas were the true answer to their prayers.
"I say we all go back to our rooms and take time to digest this and get some rest" Prryha proposed. A collective, tired, "yes" came from all.
"Oh yeah, where's the rubes?" Nora questioned, squinting around the dark room.
"She's probably back in the dorm passed out asleep, don't worry about it" Yang said dismissively.
"What if she's missing?" Blake asked.
"Well- Yang started, yawning and stretching before continuing, -she's gonna have to wait for her princess charming here to get some beauty sleep".
Ruby was currently wandering the cozily lit hallways of Beacon, still searching for her friends. That was the last time she silently slipped out for a quick bathroom break. The lighting fire crackled softly, making shadows dance and prance on the walls. Ruby felt as if she could fall asleep any moment but the hunger for information willed her exhausted body onward. Though the more she walked the more she felt her will fade, that was until she spotted team MJTM making their way towards her. Marco waved, grinning in her direction. Ruby quickly looked behind her, making sure there wasn't anyone behind her. When she realized there wasn't she stood straighter, ready to prove herself. They may be powerful but she had her strengths too and wasn't about to be completely shown up by newcomers. That's right, just act cool and everything will be just fine she thought.
"Hey! Uh, weird question but do you happen to know where they keep all the sports equipment?" Marco asked, Ruby being caught completely off guard.
"Uh-um well I can lead you there, only I-if you'd want to of course!" Ruby squeaked, mentally face palming herself. Why me?! Why must you stutter when answering simple questions!? She wasn't in the most presentable of conditions either, her hair a mess, hood and jacket discarded, and she was pretty sure she had a grease stain on her white shirt.
"Sweet! Please lead the way, fair maiden" Marco joked, winking. This only made Ruby blush a deep red, scooting ahead of the group.
"T-this way" Ruby said meekly, beginning the short expedition to the gym.
By the time the group reached their destination Ruby felt completely at ease. Jace had immediately made Marco apologize, their argument afterwards more than enough to make Ruby laugh. Not to mention Mason had complimented Ruby on her hair, rendering her speechless with rosy cheeks.
"So here it is! Beacon Academy's Gym just as promised" Ruby cheerfully informed, the four stepping through the metal doors.
"Oh, so it's this kind of gym" Marco realized, eyeing the many treadmills and stacked dumbbells.
"Well the supply closet's over there if that's what you're looking for" Ruby directed, Marco frowning at the padlock. Jace sighed and crushed the lock to pieces with his bionic arm.
"Thats!-
"If they ask, we broke it, no harm done" Marco reassured quickly, ducking into the closet.
"Is he always like this?" Ruby asked, listening to Marco's struggle in the dark lit space.
"Regretfully, yes" Jace replied distainfully.
"It would be super great if I had my cyborg bestie in here to help me" Marco called. Jace grunted in reply before going to his aid. Mason took his sunglasses off, blinking a few times before focusing back on Ruby. He caught Ruby watching him and smiled.
`"Because I'm a half grimm my eye's are quite sensitive to sunlight, though it's nice not having to wear them at night" Mason explained, running a hand through his fiery tangles.
"Pretty.." Ruby murmured, not realizing she'd said her thoughts aloud. She covered her mouth with a surprised gasp, not willing to meet his "pretty" eye's.
"Really? That's the first time anyone's told me that. Thanks, Ruby" Mason admitted, a kind smile adopting his pale features.
"Uh-uh sure no problem any time, really!" Ruby said awkwardly, thankful for the emerging of Jace and Marco.
"Ta-dah!" Marco cried, holding up a soccer ball in a overly dramatic fashion.
"You were after a soccer ball?" Ruby asked disbelievingly.
"Pssssht yeah, of course! Have you never just kicked around a ball for fun before?" Marco asked, Ruby realizing she'd never experienced the "luxury".
"It's not for everyone but thanks for the help Ruby!" Marco thanked, leading his entourage in the direction of the dorms. Mason waved goodbye, mouthing "goodnight" before the metal door shut behind him. Ruby sighed. That was fun and all but I didn't really get any info, I hope the others were more successful she thought, letting herself out of the gym and towards the dorms.
The girls were on her like a pack of wolves, telling Ruby everything they'd heard. Ruby told them about her encounter as well, to which they were extensively curious.
"Did you get Marco's scroll code?"
"Did you see Jace's face?"
"Did you ask Theo about Madiki?"
"No, no not really, and no" Ruby answered, the girl's dejectedly got into their beds.
"Though Mason has pretty eye's!" Ruby informed, realizing after this fact was not helpful in any way. They all lay face up in their beds, silence encompassing the room.
"So, to a hopefully less confusing tomorrow" Weiss proposed, the others responded with weak cheers of agreement.
Team MJTM lay in their beds in a similar fashion, though Mason had already fallen asleep.
"To a great education at Beacon" Marco said softly, Jace grunted, Theo was silent. Marco looked at the moonlight seeping into the room and smiled.
"Goodnight ya bastards" Marco whispered, settling into a dreamless sleep.