You'll forgive me right? Sorry that this chapter update is few days late, maybe its even been an entire week. But, better late than never. I'd make an excuse, but getting addicted to a video game ain't much of an excuse. I've just recently been playing Persona 3 FES, THE BETTER VERSION, and kinda got hooked. Pretty neat game and I'm definitely gonna play the rest of the franchise. My friends tell me not to play the first or second game. Why is that? I get that they're the earlier games and they might not be as initiative as the future installations, but what do you expect? Games should naturally get better as the franchise progresses. That shouldn't belittle the previous games. That's an oxymoron. But anywho, I'm off the tangent. Enjoy reading.

Twisted Grimm, chapter 6: Tyrant Devil

(Late noon, Emerald Forest, bottom of the abyss)

Sora slowly peeled his eyes open, though his vision was still a swimming mess. He could not make anything, all of it to him was just a giant blur. The deafening ring in his ears made it worse, being robbed of his most reliable senses. Although it was a struggle, he pushed himself from off the ground with a strained grunt. He got some comfort from feeling something solid beneath him, after what happened. Helplessly being knocked into the air without any sort of control, it was terrifying.

"Ya gonna get off me anytime soon? That'd be great." Rujo's voice alarmed Sora, it also brought Sora back to his senses. Sora was finally able to percept that he was directly on top of Rujo, who seemed to have taken a turn for the worst. It would appear that Rujo used himself to cushion Sora's fall, in turn applying that much more of a strain. If he hadn't done that Sora probably wouldn't have survived the fall.

Sora promptly removed himself from Rujo, and helped Rujo him by offering his hand. "Sorry. Thanks." Sora gave Rujo his apology and gratitude. This would be the second time that Rujo has saved his life, in a single day too, and they just met today. Just how far is this guy willing to go for someone?

"It would appear that we're both low on aura now. And in the situation we're in now..." Rujo stated as he observed the area they're in. It was a dirt opening that seemed to have housed something large. Whatever it was, it wasn't friendly. They were quick to notice the scattered bones, varying in shapes and sizes. It was a telltale sign that they shouldn't be here, and climbing back up was out of the question. The terrain formed walls surrounding them, stretching up as far as the eye can see. It was a really long drop.

"Sora! You're...you're gonna wanna see this..." Rujo hesitantly said as he beckoned Sora towards a pit. When Sora approached the pit he immediately regretted it. Human skulls, a countless amount. With how it was designated, they could only assume that this was some sort of collection.

"Grimm." Sora said as they came to that conclusion. They were in a Grimm nest. Both of them began to work up a cold sweat, fearing the worst.

"We gotta go, now." Rujo commanded, Sora wasn't the least bit against it. Luckily the dirt clearing a passageway, meant for whatever took shelter here.

There was the smallest thud, but what made it significant is that Sora and Rujo felt it beneath their feet. They both came to a sudden halt because of it. The thuds soon felt like small quakes, and it was now easy to tell that it was pacing. Steps.

Sora and Rujo didn't hesitate, they immediately ran back to the dirt clearing and readied themselves. "Damn it! Looks like we don't have a choice." Rujo sucked his teeth in desperation as he drew his greatsword. Sora stood his ground with his fists raised, prepared for combat.

And then the monster came into view. It had the head of a triceratops, though had two massive, curved horns directly above its eyes. As well as a set of tusks on the sides of its mouth. It's neck was armored with a saddle-like plating with spikes protruding from the hems. The Grimm's arms were equipped with a pair of wings and only possessed two fingers. It had a pair of muscle-bound legs with talons. Its tail extended out doubling its length, as the end of the tail as weaponized like a dull ax. Its entire body gave it a wyvern appearance. It was easily three times their size in height and was as long as a city bus and a half.

Dyranniblos. This Grimm is notoriously territorial and aggressive. What makes it worse is that it never stays in one place for a long, as it settles wherever it deems as it's temporary home. With a nasty temper and being a literal homewrecker has given this Grimm its rightful name. Tyrant Devil.

The Dyranniblos stopped in its tracks the moment it laid eyes the two student hunters. From its mouth, it dropped what appeared to be a fresh corpse of a human. It was a fellow student. Was. Sora and Rujo felt their anger flare.

The only thing that could be heard was the heavy breathing from the Dyranniblos as all of them just stood there. It let out an ear-shattering roar that caused Sora and Rujo to cover their ears. The vibrations pulsated through their bodies to the core.

Once the tremor had subsided, the Dyranniblos charged towards them with its horns. Sora and Rujo leaped out the way, just barely avoided the wyvern Grimm and causing it to slam into the earthy wall. As a result, some large rocks fell from the struck wall and fell on the Dyranniblos. It didn't seem to faze it all that much, as it swatted the rocks away with annoyance.

Sora concentrated onto a sizable rock that was going to fall in front of him. He timed it right and as the Dyranniblos turned around to gain sight of the two, he kicked the rock with the sole of his foot and launched the rock projectile directly into the Grimm's face.

The armor on the Grimm seemed to have been holding up, as Sora's actions only served as another mild inconvenience. But it gave Rujo enough time to run under the Dyranniblos and get behind it. As long as one of them stays within its blind spots, they'll have some advantage in this fight.

The Dyranniblos whipped its tail at Rujo, though he managed to redirect the strike by shielding himself with his sword at an angle. The tail attempted again to swat at Rujo, this time he acrobatically leaped over it. Once again the tail of the Grimm came back to him, though this time Rujo counterattacked with his sword, deflecting the tail entirely and causing the Dyranniblos to lose balance.

Sora utilized this time get directly under the Dyranniblos and delivered a strong kick to one of its legs, causing it to tip onto its side. With the opportunity now granted, Sora and Rujo have an opening to deal some real damage.

However, the Dyranniblos anticipated this and pivoted itself on a single foot. The sudden swerve allowed its tail to lash out. Sora guarded himself with a frontal block, but the sheer force of the tail sent him flying into a wall. Rujo was at a distance that he was able to strafe back to avoid harm.

Sora quickly regained his footing, but couldn't deny that the Dyranniblos got him good. "It knows how to fight. And it knows how to fight hunters." Rujo stated, remembering the pile of human skulls in its nest. They might be in over their heads against this monster.

The Dyranniblos charged at them once again, suddenly it wildly flipped backward though hurling itself towards them. Rujo shielded himself with his greatsword and Sora supported his partner by bracing his hands on their makeshift shield. But both of them highly doubted that this would work with their power alone, but it was the best course of action. Sora tapped into what little aura he had and activated Tier-One aura.

They felt the abrupt weight and force of the tail that collided with Rujo's sword as their entire bodies and were pushed back and their feet dragged across the ground. Their arms went numb with the tremor that travelled from the sword. Other than that they're alive. But they weren't sure they'd be able to survive another attack like that.

However, the Dyranniblos wasn't finished. In that motion, it took to the sky and flapped its wings. The wind pressure caused by the Dyranniblos knocked them off their feet and onto their butts. Debris and dirt forced them to shut their eyes. With the Dyranniblos airborne they had no way of getting up to it, nor were they able to have a clear vision of it.

With both hunters on the defensive, the Dyranniblos plummeted towards them with its talons readied. The Grimm successfully pinned Rujo underneath its foot, though he positioned his sword between its foot and himself to prevent it from crushing him. With its other foot, it swatted Sora away, though he stopped his tumbling by digging his fingers into the ground.

The Dyranniblos attempted to peck at Rujo, it means to consume him now that it has him right where it wants him. Though Rujo kept the sword between himself and the Dyranniblos or turning on his sides to narrowly avoid the mouth of the Dyranniblos.

The Dyranniblos lost its patience and swiped at Rujo with its claw. Rujo tumbled to the ground and ended up slamming against the walls of the nest. The Dyranniblos curved its body in preparation to utilize its tail against the downed hunter-in-training. However, it came to an abrupt stop in the midst of its released attack. Its tail had caught onto something.

Sora had his arms around the tail of the Dyranniblos, preventing it from getting any closer to Rujo. The Dyranniblos lurched its body to free itself from Sora, though Tier-One aura kept him strong enough to hold his ground. This granted Rujo time to recover and leap onto the Dyranniblos. He ran along the Dyranniblos' back and began to slash into the base of its tail, leaving a noticeable indentation.

Rujo landed with a roll next to Sora as he released the tail from his arms. "We're not gonna get past that armor at this rate. We need something more than raw strength." Rujo informed. Bludgeoning through its armor could work, but that would take some time even if they were to focus on a single part of the Dyranniblos. And staying on it was a problem on its own as this Grimm wouldn't let them anywhere near it. They haven't even landed a solid blow against the Dyranniblos.

Sora interlocked his hand together that allowed Rujo to step on his joined hands. In one fluid motion, Sora tossed Rujo upward to impressive heights and then grasping the Dyranniblos' tail as it came swinging his way. Sora was nearly knocked off his feet, though he managed to stand his ground. The Dyranniblos thrashed wildly to face Sora, but it couldn't turn itself completely with its tail being firmly held.

With Rujo in the air, he pointed his sword downward and utilized his descending altitude to place more power in his strike. With deadly precision Rujo sunk his sword into the Dyranniblos' tail, piercing through the thick armor. The monster let out a deafening roar in pain. Sora and Rujo fought through the intense volume, even if it would cost them their hearing.

Rujo gripped his sword with two hands and forced his sword through the Dyranniblos' flesh until he had cut through its skin. The Dyranniblos only continued to writhe in agony as its tail was now dangling from its body. Rujo used the sudden momentum of his sword being freed from the flesh of the Dyranniblos to swing his sword over onto the other side of the tail. He sliced through the other half of the easily, causing its entire tail to fall off into a black bloody mess.

Sora released the tail now that it was off the Dyranniblos, he leaped towards the Grimm and gave it an aerial kick to the exposed flesh. The Dyranniblos let out a painful roar and quickly turned around to Sora, only to receive a solid punch across its face. Dazed, the Dyranniblos took a step back to regain its footing. In a split second, it lunged at Sora with its horns, though he had already anticipated this and hurdled over its horns. He leaped off its face to gain some distance and to regroup with Rujo.

"It seems like it's a total pushover without its tail. Just look, it's starting to get desperate." Rujo stated as he began to point out the Dyranniblos' moment of weakness. It's true, the tail was its main source of attacking and range. Without that, it's left to frontal attack which can be predicted easily due to its massive size. Being at its blind spot meant that they'd have to be wary of the tail, but now the Dyranniblos is at a serious disadvantage. All they have to do now is play it safe and they could actually win this fight.

Sora charged at the Dyranniblos head-on, though quickly swerved in another direction to throw it off. He knew that it was waiting for the right moment to attack with its horns, but he wasn't gonna give it that opportunity. Sora just kept backing up whenever the Dyranniblos adjusted itself towards himself. But the Dyranniblos grew impatient with him and swiped at him with its claws. Approaching the Dyranniblos from the front was still problematic. Though Sora's intention was to narrow its vision onto him.

Rujo activated Tier-one aura as he plunged his sword into the fleshy side of the severed tail. He effortlessly lifted the tail with his sword and wielded like he normally would. With that thick armor, most of their attacks could only stun the monster. But what about against itself?

With his Grimm-modified sword, Rujo charged at the Dyranniblos with Sora following close behind. The Dyranniblos attempted to swipe at both of them with its claws, though Sora stopped the oncoming strike by blocking it with his palms. This gave Rujo a window of opportunity to strike it on top of the head with his Grimm sword, causing one of its horns to crack under the pressure as its face was forced into the ground.

The Dyranniblos pulled its head from out the ground and rushed toward Rujo. He had anticipated this and whirled around, using the momentum to deliver a devastating horizontal strike across the Dyranniblos' head. One of its horns broke, rendering yet another one of its weapons useless. Sora followed up quickly by shoulder tackling the Grimm of its side, causing it to fall over helplessly.

Sora and Rujo rushed in now that Dyranniblos was vulnerable, but what it did next is something they could never anticipate. The wyvern Grimm began to savagely dig into the ground with its claws, scattering dirt and rocks everywhere. Sora and Rujo were forced to back down from the Dyranniblos' frantic action and debris. The shifting earth caused the walls around them to crumble.

Before they knew it, the Dyranniblos had disappeared into the ground without a trace. The only affirmation they were able to percept that the Dyranniblos was still present was the rumbling beneath the feet. It was literally moving underground and swarming around them from under them and behind the walls.

The tremor came to an abrupt stop, and everything became dead quiet. Sora and Rujo frantically searched the area from where they are standing, wondering where the Dyranniblos will appear from. It was an uneasy tension that made them stick close to one another.

Beneath them, the head of the Dyranniblos surfaced from the ground, seizing Sora between its beak and biting down on him. Reducing the rest of his aura to nothing. The rest of its body shot up from the ground, pushing back Rujo from the shifting ground. Sora let out a wail of pain as the Dyranniblos crunched down on him again, this time drawing blood from him and fracturing his bones. If it wasn't for the weight training gear he would have snapped in two from that.

"Your fight is with me, monster!" With a surge of anger, Rujo charged towards the Dyranniblos with his sword readied. But the Dyranniblos had anticipated this and tossed Sora aside, knowing they he'll no longer be a threat. In that motion, the Dyranniblos had caught Rujo's modified sword between its beak. Rujo tried to pull his sword from out the Grimm's mouth, but it held on with unrelenting strength. In that moment, the Dyrannblos broke its severed tail that was on Rujo's sword, severely decreasing its range.

Rujo was able to free his sword, but now only half of the Dyranniblos's tail was still on it. What was left was only slightly longer than what his sword would be alone, but he'll have to make do with it.

The Dyranniblos turned to Sora, who was on his back and pulling himself away from the Grimm. It approached him and stomped on him with its talons, Sora let out another in pain as he felt the pressure of the entire monster on his damaged bones. He felt he was gonna pass out from the pain, but Sora wouldn't allow himself to leave his partner all alone. Sora kept trying to initiate Tier One aura through sparks, but with no aura left he was just wasting his energy.

Rujo felt his anger flare, he rushed at the Dyranniblos and struck the Dyranniblos' from where its tail use to be with his sword. The Dyranniblos stumbled back with a roar in agony, the exposed flesh only amplified the suffering for the Grimm. "Your fight is with me, monster!" Rujo yelled in triumphant. He wasn't going to let it anywhere near Sora, and he is sure as hell not going to let him die.

The Dyranniblos underestimated the sword-wielding hunter for a moment, just because it had rid him of his main source of weaponry. Its own tail. But it would appear that this hunter still poses a threat that'll until his last breath. But without his partner, will he be able to handle it in a one-on-one fight?

Sora tried his best to pull himself up by using the wall, but he kept falling back down. Looks like the Dyranniblos seriously broke something. It was practically rendered useless. He just felt so powerless now that all he could do now was get in the way if he tried to help.

"Huh?" Sora felt something run between his fingers. He brought his hand to inspect it and saw that his hand was soaked wet. He looked over at the ground where his hand was and saw that there was the tiniest stream of water. Sora looked around and was surprised that these tiny streams were practically everywhere in this area. But it wasn't here before, so it has gotta be coming from somewhere. Sora's eyes followed the stream to its source. It coming from behind one of the crumbling dirt walls. But what did this all mean?

Rujo continued to fend off the Dyranniblos, trading blows and evading some of its attacks. The lack of range required him to get in closer than he wanted to but had no choice. It was gradual, but Rujo knew he couldn't keep this up for long. Plus he was already on a time limit with Tier One aura.

From the corner of Rujo's eyes, he could see Sora signaling him in a direction. "Break the wall!" Sora commanded Rujo as loud as he could. Rujo wasn't sure what Sora was trying to get him to accomplish, maybe he hit his head. But Rujo didn't hesitate. He sprinted for the wall behind him and ran along it to get around the Dyranniblos. The wyvern Grimm attempted to stop Rujo by taking to the air and crush him under its head. Though Rujo managed to evade it by abruptly leaping down from the walls.

Rujo bashed the wall Sora directed him to with his broken Grimm sword. Moving and crumbling the Earth with each hit. It was then that Rujo knew where Sora was trying to get at as he saw the running water under his feet, and each time he hit the wall it increased in volume drastically.

From where they had originally fallen from appeared to have been some sort of castle ruins, as well as a bridge that leads to it. And if any bridge was built, it would have to be for the reason that people had to traverse over water. The Dyranniblos had made a nest where there once used to be water running. But thousands of years of water doesn't just disappear, it would be hidden inside the Earth somewhere, waiting to resurface once again.

Rujo's kept striking the wall unrelentingly until he heard the quaking footsteps close in on him from behind. As quick as he could run up the crumbling wall and pushed off from it just in a nick of time for the Dyranniblos to have a full-on collision with the wall. Thus further aiding them in their strategy.

The Dyranniblos inspected the ground as it felt the running water flow beneath its talons. It let out a savage roar. Now knowing what they were trying to do, it wasn't gonna let them flood its nest. The Dyranniblos approached Rujo and swung its head at him in full force, brandishing its sole horn. Rujo did his best to defend himself with what was like of the severed tail that was still on his sword. However, with how the Dyranniblos was pushing Rujo back and keeping him on the defensive, it was hard to find an opening so that he could get to the wall.

Sora could only watch as his partner continued to fight with everything he's got. Even when the odds have been stacked against them, or how many times they thought they'd prevail only to have their efforts be all for naught, Ruo never gave in. Pathetic... Sora thought to himself. Here he is, on his back while his partner fought for his life, fought for their lives. So pathetic…! No. He wasn't going to let someone else fight for him. He's not the same weak boy he was before!

Sora gritted his teeth and forced himself to his feet, ignoring the red-hot pain that surged throughout his body. He sprinted for the crumbling wall and began to crawl at it. Shoveling handfuls of dirt out of the way. If this is the only way they can win, then so be it.

The Dyranniblos turned its head away from Rujo and noticed what Sora was doing. It swatted at Rujo with its claws for good measure before rushing towards Sora and catching him between its beak once again. Sora felt his bones crunching as the Dyranniblos bit down on him with immense pressure. But this did not stop Sora from clawing the dirt aside, instead, he seemed to have drastically increased his pace as he knew he won't be able to get back up if he gets out of this somewhere. Or the Dyranniblos could just kill him right here.

The Dyranniblos flung Sora high into the air. It didn't kill him, but the moment he hits the ground he won't be able to stand again. He might as well be dead.

Rujo recklessly rushed the Dyranniblos and conjured all his strength and aura into a single strike. In a horizontal swipe, he mashed the Dyranniblos' body between his sword and the crumbling wall. Causing some of the water to burst out and immediately get up to knee height as the rapids began to run through the nest and into their only exit.

As a result of that full force swing from Rujo, the severed tail had finally broken from all the abuse it had received. Making it obsolete and leaving Rujo with just his greatsword. It was now less effective for both fighting off the Dyranniblos and weakening the wall. And they've only got the water rise above the knee. Now there wasn't much they could do, especially with Sora who can barely move.

"That should...suffice..." Sora softly said. He was still in the air, but the Dyranniblos put him exactly where he wanted to be. It was luck, but he'll take it. With the wall how is now, it should be barely enough for him to break through.

Sora laced his fingers together and focused on on that single part of his body. He concentrated on the air around him, and soon it became visible to him. Air and aura, clearly visible and flowing together like linking rivers. It started out small, but there was a dim glow coming from Sora's interlocked hands. Within seconds the glow got brighter until he could no longer contain it in the small space between his hands. He slowly pulled his hands apart, revealing a pure white sphere of energy. It's size kept growing the longer Sora held onto it until it was as big as his chest. Even Sora looked surprised on the size it has become. But that only made him all the more satisfied with the results. This meant that they've been fighting with everything they've got and that they have surpassed their own capabilities. And in the end, they fought well.

This is his semblance.

Sora thrust his hands forward, launching the white projectile directly at the crumbling wall, with the Dyranniblos right next to hit. The moment the sphere made contact with the wall it burst into what looked like tiny particles made up of the same energy. The dirt that wall consisted of deteriorated in an instant, allowing the water to rush out in a huge current.

The Dyranniblos was the first to be taken by the running rapids. It flailed around helplessly, letting a loud cry as it desperately tried to keep itself above water. Rujo was immediately overwhelmed by the current next as it seemed to have just swallowed him whole. The strength of the river was too strong for him to keep himself afloat, but he fought against it regardless.

Sora let out a small chuckle in victory. Relieved that their actions proved to be fruitful and glad that he went down fighting. Sora doubted he'd be able to fight the current in his state. Sustaining the damage from the Dyranniblos and using the last ounce of his strength to prep his semblance has left his entire body numb and inoperable. Whatever happens next will be left up to fate.

And then Sora disappeared into the running river.

(Late noon, Emerald Forest, newfound river)

A water source had been restored into the ecosystem. Although it was still in the Emerald Forest, a Grimm invested area, somewhere, far from here, this river will be reaching other lands. Providing it with water and hopefully helping it prosper as a settlement for not only animals all around, but for mankind as well. Aiding them to thrive and survive. That would be the greatest victory of them all for Sora and Rujo.

A hand had appeared from out the rapids and grasped onto edges of the land that contained the water. From out the water, Rujo surfaced and violently coughed up some water that invaded his lungs. He took desperate gasps of air, finding solace from the fact that he was able to stop himself from falling any deeper into the current. What were probably minutes, felt like an entirety as the river carried him and kept him submerged. He held onto the land for dear life. If he let the current take him again, there's no telling when he'd be able to resurface again. He might not get that chance. For now, he took this time to regain his composure before doing anything else.

From afar, Rujo spotted something in the current coming his way. For a brief moment, he saw gloved hand appeared before sinking back into the water. Rujo didn't hesitate, he timed it well and dived into the water while still holding onto the land. When Rujo emerged he pulled Sora from out with him, holding onto his arm so he doesn't get swept up in the current. Rujo forced his exhausted body to pull himself, with Sora in tow, out of the river and onto stable land.

"Hey, wake up. Come on, you're stronger than that." Rujo stated as he lightly slapped Sora's face to reel him back into consciousness. If a giant wyvern Grimm wasn't enough to kill the both of them then neither was a small swim.

Sora's eyes slowly peeled open as everything in his sight first started as a blur. It took a moment for him to make anything out as he saw Rujo hovering above him. "Did we win...?" Sora weakly whispered.

Rujo smirked triumphantly and stood up. "Yeah. We defeated it." Rujo said as he extended his hand to Sora, prompting him to grab it so Rujo could help him on his feet. Sora grasped Rujo's hand in acceptance. "Now let's go. We still have an initiation to finish." Rujo reminded and pulled Sora's arm over his shoulder to support his weight.

"We've got a long road ahead of us. You and me." Rujo said while walking with Sora. Yes. He meant that both literally and figuratively. As partners, what does the future have in store for them? Only time will tell as they progress through their years to become full-fledged hunters.

(Evening, Beacon Academy, infirmary)

Sora and Rujo were situated in Beacon academy's infirmary getting patched up from injuries. The medical staff was astonished that they were able to stand with the damage they had sustained, much less make their way back from the Emerald forest. Yet here they are, in beds as the ceremony was being held in the auditorium. Glynda Goodwitch said she would notify them when it was their turn to come to the auditorium, and for now should take it easy. No one protested with the state Sora and Rujo were in.

As promised, Glynda Goodwitch peeked her head through the door of the infirmary. "Sora Asua and Rujo Arizado. Please report to the auditorium for the ceremony." Glynda called out to both of them.

Sora and Rujo awkwardly got out of the beds, the multitude of bandaging restricting their movement. "With more clothes on." Glynda said with a stern tone in her voice. Sora and Rujo were barely clothed, as they did have to be quite bare for the medical staff to patch them up.

Rujo quickly wrapped himself up with the bed sheets with a blush on his face. "Don't look at me! I am newd!" Rujo squealed as he threw himself behind the bed, out of sight from Glynda, but also causing pain to himself due to his still injured body. "Ow."

Sora blankly looked at Glynda, not seeing what was the problem with how he was dressed now. It wasn't like he was stark naked. He approached Glynda but was stopped by her semblance and wrapped into a blanket burrito as well. She lobbed Sora directly at Rujo. "Ow!" They both let out a pained yelp.

(Evening, Beacon Academy, hallways)

After they had got dressed they made their way through the halls. Rujo was walking with a limp, while Sora had to support his weight on a crutch. Along the way, they spotted their friends they were with at the Emerald forest. You know, the ones that thought they were dead when they fell off into the abyss. The moment they caught sight of each other their friends quickly approached them, relief still etched across their faces that the two really did come back alive.

Ruby suddenly jumped and wrapped her arms around the back of Sora's and Rujo's neck, and sobbed quietly into their shoulders. "I'm so glad that you two are okay. I thought you both-..." Ruby spoke her her hiccups. Sora and Rujo looked at each other awkwardly as they attempted to lightly pry Ruby off of them, but she kept her hold on them.

"We were about to go after you guys, but Pyrrha stopped us before we could do anything. She was right though." Jaune said as he wiped the corners of his eyes. He couldn't help but get a little emotional with how Ruby was acting and his own relief washing over him.

Really, it meant the world to them that they have friends that would tear up just at the thought of their deaths. But even if it would be in an indirect way, they'd rather not be the reason why their friends cry.

"I knew Rujo wouldn't go down that easily. He's too strong for that. And Sora as well." Pyrrha said with a smirk. Although she'd be lying if she said she wasn't a little bit worried for Rujo's safety. She'll just have to keep a better eye on him from now on.

Sora and Rujo were finally able to get Ruby off of them, though ever so reluctantly from her tear stained eyes that made them feel guilty. "Seriously guys, we appreciate the sentiment. But we gotta get going to the ceremony so we can be an official team." Rujo said as he began to limp past their friends.

Team RWBY and JNPR had already been assembled, though Sora and Rujo weren't physically present to witness their entitlement. They were stuck watching it through one of the televisions in the infirmary.

"Yeah, you're right. We'll see you guys there." Jaune called out to the two, going as fast as their injured bodies could carry them. This could take awhile.

(Evening, Beacon Academy, Auditorium)

After so many teams had been established, it was their turn. Sora and Rujo walked up on stage and stopped in front of Ozpin and Glynda. "Sora Asua. Rujo Jo Arizado. It brings me great joy to know that you have come back alive. And it goes to show that you've been through a lot, and I am so proud of both of you to see that you have overcome your endeavor. Welcome home, hunters." Ozpin's words were very meaningful to Sora and Rujo as he couldn't help but feel prideful in what they had accomplished. The entire audience within the auditorium congratulated Sora and Rujo with an applause for their feat.

"Now then, may you present your relic, and then we shall form your team." Ozpin held out his hand, waiting to receive the relic. Sora stepped forward and dug his hand into his pouch, though noticeably froze as he discovered that it was missing. Strange, he swore he placed it in that certain pouch. Sora began to check all his pockets but came up empty-handed. He then proceeded to pat himself down entirely just to make sure he didn't misplace it. But he was sure he had it on his person.

Ozpin raised a brow at them, and then some of the audience members began to whisper to themselves. Sora looked over to Rujo, silently questioning if by any chance did he have the relic on him. Rujo did the same as Sora, checking all pockets and pouches, even patting his body down for full assurance. Nothing. They just looked at each other in disbelief.

And then it hit them. They lost it in the midst of their fight with the Dyranniblos. With everything they went through, as well as being overwhelmed by the unforgiving river current, they were bound to lose something. It could have been anything else they had on them, but unfortunately, it was the relic they were supposed to hand over to Ozpin.

Sora and Rujo slowly turned their heads to Ozpin. None of them knew what were the right words to say at a time like this, especially in front of the entirety of their fellow first years. All they know is the longer they just stood there the more awkward it got.

It didn't take long for Ozpin to catch on to what had happened, though even he didn't expect something like this to happen. This would be a first in Beacon academy history. "Oh my. Well then…I uhh..." Ozpin had to choose his words carefully to avoid demoralizing his students, and again, in front of their peers too. He couldn't just outright say they failed.

Ozpin cleared his throat to compose himself before continuing. "Ahem. Yes. You both are to report to my office first thing tomorrow morning where we will discuss this matter. For now, you are dismissed." The moment Ozpin finished saying that he walked away in a hurry as if he was retreating from this uncomfortable situation, leaving both Sora and Rujo to just stand there and look at each other.

Gylnda sighed at Ozpin's antics and stepped forward to Sora and Rujo. "Report to the dormitory shortly after this. I'll arrange something for you both in the meantime." With that said, Glynda turned on her heel and followed Ozpin with a disgruntled look on her face.

So there they were, without a team. Sora and Rujo. The audience had the courtesy to start leaving so the two wouldn't have to leave while everyone was still around. Though everyone had the same thought in mind. What a lackluster way to end initiation.

(Evening, Beacon Academy, dormitory)

On the way to the dormitory, Sora and Rujo couldn't help but become skeptical of their stay at Beacon. Maybe they would be expelled for losing the relic and failing initiation. Perhaps Ozpin will disestablish them as partners and place them on separate teams. Or this could just be the end of their goal of becoming genuine hunters.

Neither of them blamed each other. When they thought about, it'd be an amazing accomplishment just keeping the relic in one piece after what they been through. But instead, they blamed themselves for not keeping the relic safe. Sora felt like he failed Rujo for losing the relic, and Rujo thought he could have done a better job at protecting Sora and that caused them to lose the relic. They couldn't even look at each other for the shame they felt that they let their partner down.

They spotted Glynda Goodwitch standing in front of a door and approached her. "You wanted to speak to with us Professor Goodwitch?" Rujo asked. They weren't sure what to expect on what she would say to them. Whether they'd get some hint of what to expect of their position in Beacon, or if she was gonna let it down easy on them and have them pack their bags early.

Glynda tapped away at her tablet, not really bothering to make eye contact with Sora and Rujo. "To my understanding, you've failed to return with a relic. To be honest, this would be a first here at Beacon, so we are currently trying figure out on what should be our course of actions for handling a situation like this. As well as your standings." Glynda bluntly said, more or less easing their apprehension.

The door behind Glynda opened by itself and she stepped out of the way. "But to my understanding, you will not be expelled from Beacon. We wouldn't do that. I can't say the same for your positions as partners. You might even be placed on different teams. But for now get some rest. We've prepared a room for just the two of you for tonight. We'll discuss this further in the morning. Have a good night." Glynda dropped that bomb on them and walked away without looking back.

It was hard to take in what Glynda had just said to them. But they wouldn't have it any other way. They'd rather not be fed any sugar-coated information, just the fact of the matter. They should be grateful that they weren't going to be kicked out of Beacon. Still, the thought that they might not be partners by the end of it kind of scared them. Sora and Rujo trusted one another, and after what they went through today, that only strengthen their bond as partners. It might have been only a day, but to them, it felt like they've known each other for weeks now.

Sora and Rujo walked into the room that was prepared for them. There were only two beds separated by a nightstand with a lamp on it. The room was relatively small but accommodated enough so that all they would really do here is sleep. They seated themselves on their beds and looked at one another, worried that this would be the only the day they would be partners. None of them said anything, but they knew what the other was thinking.

Rujo broke the silence first. "Will they really put us on different teams?" Rujo questioned in a solemn tone. Sora didn't know the answer to that, nor did he want to answer Rujo's question. Sora felt as though the more he would acknowledge the possibility, the more inevitable it'll become. So he just tried not to think about it, but that was difficult as that is all he thought about.

Rujo sighed and rested his body on the bed. "I guess we won't know until tomorrow. I'm sure you're tired as well." Rujo spoke softly. Both of them were now laying on their beds in silence. Although the dreaded for the morning to come, they began to succumb to their fatigue and drift off into slumber before they knew it.

(Late night, Beacon Academy, dorm room)

Sora's eyes opened, though heavily. He sat up and looked around the darkened room, it was was still night. Sora looked over at the other bed where his partner was in a deep sleep. It was strange. He thought he'd sleep through the entire night without a disturbance. His eyes had already adjusted to the darkness, so he was able to see everything as shades of gray.

Sora got up from his bed and noticed that his body no longer ached from simply standing, although he still had to use the crutch to support himself. His mind was still filled with what was in store for them tomorrow, so he decided that a small stroll would help get his mind off of it. Or maybe it might help think it through if he would adamant on remaining Rujo's partner.

(Late night, Beacon Academy, Beacon grounds)

The night did ease Sora's mind with its tranquil chorus. Crickets resonated with one another, with a slight breeze rustling the trees ever so quietly. Being outside always reminded Sora of the times he spent sleeping in the outdoors with his father, for training of course. Seriously, that man has one track mind.

The sound of twig snapping caught Sora's attention as he threw his crutch aside and held up his fists up in preparation to engage in combat. There was nothing in sight, but Sora was convinced that something was out there, watching him. "Who's there?" He questioned in a stern tone, scanning his surroundings. Sora was prepared to level the area if that's what it took to get them from out of hiding. "Show yourself." Sora commanded.

From behind a tree, what appeared to be a girl dressed black with white accessories stepped out with a frightened look on her face. She wore a frilly, sleeveless dress that ended at her upper thighs, with a white bow that was fashioned around her neck. Her hair was designed into twin ringlets that were tied by white ribbons.

At first glance she looked just like a normal girl, easing Sora to lower his fists. However, the more he looked at her the more he realized that she wasn't human. Her skin was an impossible pure white complexion. She emitted this glow in the moonlight that almost fooled Sora into thinking that he is in the presence of a goddess. Where her feet would be were replaced with a thorn-like shape, stabbing into the ground where she stood. Her burning red eyes were a dead giveaway on what kind of being she was.

Standing before Sora, alone at the dead of night, is a Twisted Grimm.

Initiation arc: End

And it ends on another cliffhanger! Yeah, go me! Go me! Please don't hate me...I had to end it here since this chapter was getting a bit lengthy. A lot has happened in this chapter so I'll recap it here. Sora and Rujo had fought off dragon Grimm, they returned to beacon only to be told that they failed, and Sora encounters a Twisted Grimm AT BEACON! Yes, a lot definitely has happened in a single chapter. And with this chapter, I've finally surpassed the previous fanfic in both quality and quantity. I know some of you have been long awaiting this, and now its become a reality. Seriously, thanks for sticking around with me for this long. As horrible as a procrastinator that I am.