Author's Note
Hey guys I wanted to say thanks for all the follows. I never really thought my first story would get any. I would love to know what you guys think about the story so far and if there is anything I need to improve upon, so reviews would be appreciated. Thanks, hope you enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 3
A Shadowed Ghost
That morning Lucien was the first person awake in the dorm building, he took advantage of this and readied himself for his first day as a returning student. Showering and dressing into his clothes from the day before, looking in the mirror he could see the stains on his clothes properly, hidden by the dim light the previous night. These need to be burned. He thought, contemplating how the students would react to seeing a man dressed in blood stained clothes walking through the halls of the school. That won't go over well, and would probably break one of Ozpin's rules. Glancing around the room he spotted a set of fresh clothes sitting on the bed opposite the one he spent the night on. Picking them up he inspected them, finding that these new clothes were the official uniform of Beacon Academy.
"Ugh… Uniforms." Lucien groaned. "How the hell did these even get in here?"
Putting them on he studied himself in the mirror again. I look like the most out of place idiot ever seen, greying hair does not do this uniform justice. Turning away from the mirror he picked up the scroll Glynda left for him the previous night. Inspecting it he found his class schedule already on it. How mundane. Starting the day off with history, then combat training. Well at least I'll get to see how the current generation of huntsman in training perform. Walking down the empty halls of the dorm he heard the other students still slumbering, not yet ready to greet the day. As he neared the dorm that was the site of the previous night's commotion, the door across the hall opened up to let a tall red haired girl exit.
"Oh excuse me." The girl began, noticing him immediately. "Um, I don't believe we've met. Are you a professor here?"
"Uh… No, I guess you could say I am a new non-traditional student." Lucien explained, taken aback by her assumption. "I am Lucien La Fiere."
"Nice to meet you, I am Pyrrha Nikos. First year." The redhead replied, extending her hand.
"Nice to meet you to, Pyrrha." Lucien said, taking the extended hand.
"Well I am off to breakfast. Would you like to join me?" Pyrrha offered.
Slightly taken aback by her friendliness. "Uh… Sure, I was heading that way myself." Lucien agreed.
"So if you don't mind me asking, why did you decide to become a student here?" The girl inquired.
"Well you could say I became… unsatisfied with my previous line of work." Lucien replied, avoiding any real mention of his past.
"Oh well that is understandable. What did you do before?"
"I worked in politics." Not entirely untrue.
"Oh I bet that was… Interesting." Pyrrha said unsurely.
"At times." Lucien said curtly.
An unsettling silence fell upon the conversation as the two walked through the courtyard towards the dinner hall. Taking in the campus in the light of day Lucien realized that the school had changed a bit more than he realized since his days there. The gardens were much better taken care of, the whitewashed walls of the stone buildings had been repainted, and many of the roofs on the old buildings had been redone. They really fixed this place up, not that it actually needed it, but it is good for appearances.
"So… Mr La Fiere. If I may, how did you get into beacon? Seeing as how you are on my floor and we haven't met till now, I am assuming that this is your first day." Pyrrha inquired.
"You can simply call me Lucien, Pyrrha. As for how I got into Beacon on such short notice, I simply called in small favor with an old friend." Lucien explained. Very perceptive girl.I should watch out for her, I bet she is deadly in a fight.
A nod of acknowledgement was all he got, as the girl lead the way into the dining hall. The hall was almost barren. Only a few small gatherings of students were seated around the long tables that filled the room. The usual dull roar that filled the hall was replaced by a collection of hushed conversations. The smell of fresh eggs and sausage filled the room with an intoxicating aroma.
"Well this is surprisingly pleasant. I expected it to be much more lively, even at this hour." Lucien commented.
"Well most of the other students aren't even awake yet, let alone ready for breakfast." Pyrrha said, motioning to the clock on the wall above the line for food, showing that it was only half past six.
"I guess I hadn't realized how early it actually was." Lucien explained, his mood improved by the sight of a quiet place to eat his morning meal.
Pyrrha lead the way again, taking a place in the very short line for food. As they approached the trays of hot food they each grabbed a plate and began loading them with food. Taking the lead now Lucien strode over to a more secluded table along the southern wall of the hall, taking a seat, the two began eating, a silence falling upon them again. Pyrrha was the first to speak again.
"So If you don't mind me asking...again, what class do you have first?"
"Even if I did mind, I don't think that would stop you from asking." Lucien replied cooly. "But as for my first class. History of Remnant. I'm assuming most first years have it as well?"
"Yes, the first year class is divided in half, one half has history first, the other has Grimm studies." Pyrrha explained.
"Ah, thank you."
"No problem. I'm always happy to he-"
"HEY PYRRHA!" A blonde boy called out as he entered the dining hall, waving in their direction.
"Oh hey Jaune! Over here!" Pyrrha called out.
Jaune rushed over taking a seat next to her and relaxed back into his chair. His gaze locked onto her for a moment before he finally noticed Lucien sitting across from them.
"Oh hello there Professor… I hope I'm not interrupting something important." The boy stammered out.
"He's not a professor Jaune." Pyrrha explained. "He's a student."
"Oh… um… ok then." Jaune replied, somewhat confused. "Well then it's nice to meet you, I'm Jaune Arc."
"Nice to meet you as well, Lucien La Fiere." The older man replied, extending his hand across the table.
"So… You're a student here?" Jaune asked tentatively, taking the extended hand.
"Yes… Tell you what. I have already answered these questions once for Miss Nikos. So why don't you let her explain, and I'll eat my breakfast in peace?" Lucien offered, a slight edge to his voice.
"Okay… So then, Pyrrha, would you fill me in?" Jaune asked turning to the redhead.
As Pyrrha explained the situation to Jaune, Lucien ate his meal in relative peace. By the time Pyrrha had finished explaining who he was to Jaune, six others had joined them at the table, each making their own introductions. He found out that the two girls from last night were infact friends of Pyrrha's, Blake and Yang, with their teammates Ruby and Weiss. As well as the rest of Pyrrha's team, Ren and Nora. He was mildly annoyed by the ruckus the recent additions to their table were causing, choosing to finish his meal quickly and excuse himself.
"See you in class! It was nice to meet you!" The perky brunette, Ruby, exclaimed as he got up to leave.
"Yes, nice to meet you too Ruby." He said in passing as he walked off.
Walking out of the dining hall and into the morning air he found himself calling. Taking a look around the school he marveled again at the feeling of being in someplace familiar, yet different, updated. Well let's see who is teaching History. I bet it's that hyperactive geek Oobleck. Soon enough he was in front of the main building, where the daily lectures were given. Entering the building he made his way to the lecture hall for his first class. Entering and taking a seat near the back he began inspecting his surroundings. The hall itself was fairly plain, rows of staggered seating with a small stage at the front of the room. Behind a large oak desk rows of blackboards with notes on history and hunting scrawled over their surfaces. As he sat looking around the professor entered the room. Well it looks like I was right, Oobleck hasn't changed much either.
"Hello there." The tall man greeted. "Lucien. Ozpin told us that you'd be joining us."
"Hello Oobleck." Lucien replied. "How has life been?"
"It's Dr. Oobleck. And very busy." The hyperactive man replied, speaking in double time.
"Well busy is good."
"Yes, it can be, I've heard that you've been... Busy… as well." Oobleck replied, uncharacteristically slow.
"Yes you could say that. I hope that my time here won't be so busy." Lucien replied coldly.
"Let's hope so."
"Yes let's. So teaching now?"
"I find it quite rewarding." Oobleck answered, returning to his usual double time pace.
"Good to know that you found your calling."
"Yes, quite." Oobleck replied while sifting through his lecture notes at lightning speed. "I'm sure you've been asked this a number of times already. But why?"
"There are a lot of answers to that question. Which one are you looking for?"
"Why return to Beacon, as a student?"
"Because I wanted to. If I am being honest that's the best answer there is." Lucien said, an edge to his tone. "Why would I ever do anything if I didn't want too?"
"Hmm. True."
"Now you tell me something, Oobleck. Where are the other students at in the history of Remnant?"
"We are currently covering the last great Fanus War." Oobleck answered, his fervor for the subject obvious.
"Ah… Interesting time in history."
"Quite so."
"Well I hate to be disrespectful, but I think I am going to rest before class starts. It looks as though we still have an hour or so." Lucien said, somewhat disinterested.
"Hmmm? Oh yes, whatever you say." Oobleck replied, already distracted by something in his notes.
Letting himself relax into his seat, his mind began to wander. Thinking of all of times he had sat in a similar position, in the back of a classroom, waiting for the day to really begin. Damn those days were horrible, all the waiting and the boredom. Why am I subjecting myself to it all over again? What the hell am I doing? Soon enough an hour had passed and students began filing into the room, taking seats with their friends and teammates. A dull hum of conversation accompanied their entrance, but was soon silenced by the ringing of a bell, signaling Oobleck to take his place at the front of the room.
As Oobleck began his lecture, Lucien shook himself out of his thoughts long enough to listen to the lecture and find it unworthy of his attention. Letting his attention wander to more interesting things, he began to examine the students sitting in the room, many of them were just as he expected, fit, steady, and uninterested in the class they were being forced to sit through. Well I hope next hour will actually tell me something about these kids. Well, a nap is better than listening to something I already know. Closing his eyes, Lucien listened to the class for barely a minute before he fell into a light slumber. Awaking to the rustle of students leaving he began to pick himself up and leave when he was stopped by his name being called from the front of the room.
"Mr La Fiere, I don't know about you but I consider it very rude when someone decides to take a nap when I'm talking." Oobleck chastised.
"Oobleck, could you tell me why I should be in a class about the last Great Fanus War, when you and I lived through it?" Lucien countered.
"We were children at the time. We weren't told why it was happening, or what was actually going on. While I'm sure we all have learned plenty about it by now, you are a student here and I expect you to pay attention in class." Oobleck stated. "Now go, your next professor won't tolerate tardiness."
"Good day then." Lucien said, nodding his farewell as he exited the class.
Making his way to the most central lecture hall he entered to find a state of the art arena. Well this is Combat Training. I guess we'll probably see some interesting fights in here. Standing at a podium on the area stage was the one teacher he was least enthusiastic about studying under, Glynda Goodwitch. Well I guess this is where rule number seven comes into play. Taking his seat near the back of the already full classroom, he watched her. He hadn't really looked at her the previous night, she hadn't gotten any taller, not that she needed to. She was dressed in a white blouse, black skirt, black heeled boots, and a cape of purple and black that was tattered at the ends. Well that's new, she never wore heels back in the day.
As the bell rang to signal that class had begun Lucien noticed a pattern that would occur in every class he had that day, the students hushed almost immediately and Professor Goodwitch took her place in front of the class.
"Good morning class" She began. "Today we will be studying the uses of Semblances in combat."
The class sat in eager silence, waiting to see who would be sparring today. A few small groans escaped those students who had yet to find their own Semblances. Well this will definitely be interesting. Let's see what these kids really have to offer.
"Since we are going to be using Semblances today, any student who has not discovered their Semblance yet will be excused from any challenges. Instead I will expect a one page paper on any one fight that we observe today." Glynda explained.
Even more groans rose up from the students amassed in the class room. Well that's not reassuring, that many people who haven't found their Semblance yet. I counted at least a dozen, these guys better be working their asses off if they want to survive here for four years.
"We'll let the randomizer pick the first match." Glynda continued. The randomizer began flicking through the students, eventually slowing down and stopping. "The first student selected is, Pyrrha Nikos."
Hitting the randomizer again Glynda turned to Pyrrha. "Miss Nikos, you may go collect your equipment from your locker."
"Thank you Professor." Pyrrha replied, rising from her seat and walking off to the locker room.
The randomizer having stopped now, Glynda looked at her scroll. "The second student is, Lucien La Fiere."
How did I see this match coming? I wasn't expecting it so soon, but it could be worse. I take that back. This isn't going to help with keeping a low profile. Shit.
Whispers suddenly rose up from the students. Who's that? I've never heard of him before. Is he new?
"You may go and retrieve your equipment from your locker. The info was sent to your scroll at the same time at your course schedule." Glynda announced loud enough for the entire class to hear, verifying their assumptions that he was new.
"Thank you ma'am." Was all Lucien said as he walked out of the room through the same door Pyrrha exited. The students' eyes following his every step, taking in his aged appearance, wondering who this strange man was.
Entering the locker room he checked his scroll and found that the information for his locker had indeed been sent along with his courses. Finding his locker and opening it he found his gauntlets as well as a set of dark clothes waiting for him. Changing into the clothes he found them to be a good fit and let him move very easily. Strapping on his gauntlets he felt a sense of security fall over him that he hadn't realised he'd been missing since taking them off the previous night.
"Feast and Famine… I've missed you." Lucien spoke almost endearingly to his weaponry. Flexing his wrists, he let two broad and wickedly pointed blades shoot forward from the backs of the gauntlets. A small smile spread across his face, one of excitement and cruelty.
"You have never tasted battle. Have you?" He said, continuing to address his weapons. "Well let's not keep her waiting."
Remember you psycho, no bloodshed. This is merely a training exercise. Besides, she was so nice to you, hurting her would be so disrespectful.
Striding out of the locker rooms and onto the arena floor he saw that the arena was now enclosed in a force field that blocked his view of the outside world. The only thing he could see was Pyrrha and Glynda waiting for him near the center of the arena. Striding forth he nodded to Glynda and turned to address Pyrrha. Before he could speak Glynda brought his attention back to her with a short cough.
"This is merely a training exercise. No bloodshed and excessive violence." She stated coldly.
"Thank you professor, but I am well aware of the rules, that was only one time and I gave you my word that it wouldn't happen again." Pyrrha said, she added in a whisper to herself that only Lucien heard. "Cordin, you fucking ass."
"I wasn't saying that for your benefit Miss Nikos." Glynda replied curtly, glaring at Lucien.
"I will follow the rules, Professor." Lucien replied, using his most civil tone. "All of them."
"Good. Now you may begin when you are ready." Glynda said, addressing both combatants.
A quick nod was all she got from both of them as the backed away from the center, each readying their weapons. Lucien appraised Pyrrha's choice in weapons. A xyphos and shield, her stance mimicking that of a spartan warrior, low to the ground and light on her feet. His stance was an oddity to Pyrrha, almost a cross between a fencer and a boxer, like he has recently changed how he fought. He looks competent, but almost as though he's never used those weapons. She thought as she began side stepping, watching him side step as well to keep her in front of him at all times. Well she has the amazonian vibe down to a T. Lucien thought, as he began planning his method of attack.
He took the first steps forward, aiming a quick jab at her sword arm. She easily deflected it upward with her shield, aiming her own counter-strike at his now exposed side. In tempo with his first strike he raised his other blade to deflect her strike, using the flat of his broad blade like a shield. Each stepping back, examining the exchange of blows that had just occurred. Circling again they met eyes, each waiting to see the other's Semblance in action. Pyrrha decided that she would be the first to show her abilities, waiting for her opportunity to expose her trump card.
Lucien observed her as she formulated her plan, seeing the gears turning behind her eyes. She's going to use her Semblance. Well let's see what it is. Taking the initiative again he stepped into range and aimed a thrust at her head, waiting for the shield to deflect the blow, ready when it happened to bring his second blade in to defend the counter-attack. Then he felt it, a strong tugging on his off arm, as if it was being pulled out of the way by a Beowulf. So that's what it is, polarity. He let the attack slide though, taking the jab to the side without even a grunt. On the monitors outside of the arena the other students watched his aura drop by the slightest fraction. Astounded by the miniscule amount of damage that powerful jab had done.
"Nice hit. I guess I was too slow." Lucien complimented, his politeness thinly veiling his understanding.
"I guess so." Pyrrha said, shooken slightly by his words.
Circling again the combatants prepared mentally for the next exchange of blows. This time Pyrrha took the chance and stepped into range and attempted to slash at Lucien's left flank, only to meet a blade. I thought I had slowed him down enough to not deflect that? She questioned herself as Lucien pushed her away and took up an offensive stance. Charging her he began striking in rapid succession, most of his blows being deflected by her shield, and those that her shield missed were deflected by her blade. She's quick. Let's see how quick. Lucien thought, picking up the pace of his hits, only landing one strike on her shoulder. Backing off, he let her catch her breath for a moment.
Well she is good, and her polarity is slowing me down. Let's see if you can magnetize something that's not there. Stepping back into the center of the ring now he sent out a few quick strikes letting them bounce harmlessly off her shield. Is he wearing out? Pyrrha questioned, taking her chance to strike, aiming once again for his flank, only this time she met nothing. Her blade passed through air harmlessly, throwing her off balance. She suddenly felt a deathly chill come over her, like her bones had been replaced by ice. Before she could stumble forward her armor was grabbed from behind, dragging her back. As she was lifted off her feet a blade was pressed against her throat.
"Concede." Was the only word she heard.
"How?" Was all she could manage.
"Concede." Lucien said again, a gravity in his voice that did the situation justice.
Her mind racing thinking of how she could get out of his grasp. Only a second had passed, but she had decided on her course of action. Swinging her elbow back aiming for his gut, yet once again she met only thin air and the feeling of ice in her blood. How?! Suddenly the blade was withdrawn from her neck and the chill left her. Suddenly Lucien appeared in front of her, bowing deeply.
"Thank you for the invigorating match Miss Nikos." Was all he said to her before standing tall and addressing the wall of light where the seated student, and Glynda Goodwitch, should have been. "I concede."
"What?!" Pyrrha shouted. "Why?!"
"The fight was over, you wouldn't concede, if this was a real fight you wouldn't have a head right now." Lucien replied frankly, his words bringing the memory of a blade to her throat to her mind.
"I see." Pyrrha replied dejectedly. "Thank you for the excellent match, Mister La Fiere."
Suddenly the wall of light dissipated and there Glynda Goodwitch stood facing the two combatants.
"With Lucien La Fiere conceding, Pyrrha Nikos is the victor." She announced. "You two may return your gear to your lockers then take you seats."
"Thank you Professor." Pyrrha replied, heading off to the locker rooms.
"Thank you." Lucien said, beginning to head off in the direction of the lockers.
"Hold for a moment." Glynda said. "I would like to speak with you later. Come to my office in the bell tower after the last class of the day."
"Yes ma'am" Lucien said, barely containing his distaste.
Well that was a good match. Let's just hope I don't get kicked out on my first day for nearly beheading another student. The greying man thought before heading to the lockers. I think I'll keep these clothes though. Surprisingly well suited to my taste. He thought wryly before removing his gauntlets and placing them in the locker. Just as he was leaving the locker room he was stopped by Pyrrha.
"You said you worked for the government." Pyrrha said. "Which military were you in?"
"I said I worked in government." Lucien said coldly. "Not for the government."
"What's the difference?" The young girl inquired.
"You figure it out and tell me." He replied cryptically.
Puzzled by his response she left him there and went back to her seat. Returning to his seat he could clearly see the redhead sitting down next to the blonde haired boy from that morning. What was his name… Joane or something like that. Watching them with mild interest he saw the boy take her hand and give it a firm squeeze. Soon enough she was leaning into him a slight amount, as if restraining herself from folding into his side and staying there for the rest of class. Well I guess red likes Jaune's type. That's his name! Jaune. The small realisation bringing him more joy than it should have. God I'm getting mushy. Getting excited over remembering someone's name.
The rest of his first day passed rather uneventfully. Hearing whispers around the school about both his sudden appearance and the match earlier that day. Eating alone in a slightly less crowded corner of the cafeteria. Sitting through Port tell the most unbelievable story he had ever heard, especially because he recognized the story as one he had been witness to in his last year at Beacon. Eating alone again at dinner, hearing more and more whispers around the school about him. This is the first day. Give it a week and the new toy syndrome will wear off. He told himself repeatedly.
Soon enough it was the end of the day, all the upper level classes that ran longer than the first year's, finally wrapped up. Time to go get myself expelled. He thought grimly. Striding towards the bell tower in the middle of campus. Entering the lobby he walked directly over to the elevator, pausing, contemplating what would happen as soon as he exited the elevator.
Well let's get this little nostalgia trip over with. Soon enough I'll be back to work.