Fourth one… can't stop won't stop
Chapter four: The Headmaster
After the quick introduction speech that professor Ozpin gave, Ms Goodwitch stepped up to explain the run down of the day and the preparation for initiation. We, Kokuran and myself, barely heard it.
The moment he was done with his speech, Ozpin somehow found us in the crowd and a slight nod towards the side doors told us all we needed to know. He waited there past the doors to the central hall. In silence he led us past a number of hallways to the doors of an elevator.
The ride to the top did nothing to appease the sudden anxiety that had taken hold of me and a quick look at my partner told me he felt the same. The elevator opened into a wide circular room with a glass window covering half of it's wall. In front of said window was a polished wooden desk, We were without a doubt in the Headmaster's office. Professor Ozpin slowly walked around his desk to sit in his massive leather chair before signalling us to do the same. Two small chairs had been left in front of the desk, no one else was expected.
" DeWinter..." His eyes scanned over me as he read my file and I couldn't help but feel inadequate "... and Mr. Kokuran Hollow" It was my new friends turn to practically cower in front of the headmasters gaze. "Thank you for coming"
He closed our file and stood up from his chair to sit on his desk in front of us. He poured himself coffee and offered us a cup, we both refused and he shrugged.
"Suit yourselves..." He took a long sip of coffee, closing his eyes to savour the flavor. When they opened again he rested his gaze of us a, a warm smile on his lips "Exciting times... Exciting students... Exciting programs" This confirmed my suspicions, my friend was also going to be part of the Silent program.
"What IS the program, sir?" It was the first time I had heard my friend use such deference while talking to someone. The smile on the professors face turned smug at the question
"The program is a cover... a cover to get people like you into my school"
I blinked "People like us?"
Ozpin looked like he had just waited for me to ask " Yes! People like you ... people with abilities imparted onto them that would otherwise not make into Beacon. People whom we could forge into a force for good... instead of just letting potential rot away on a farm." He looked at me during that last part and I shifted uncomfortably.
He stood up and walked to his glass bay windows, looking down on the whole of the academy and Vale a bit further "We are in a time of peace, gentlemen. Anyone who's seen war knows one thing. Peace is fleeting and can only be maintained through blood and sweat. Unfortunately, people don't want to think about this. They would rather live about their daily lives blissfully ignorant of what lurks outside... Not me. I want the day when darkness would seek to snuff out the light to come... and I want it to find us ready. That means using every resource we have" He paused to make sure we were following
"Why is it called the Silent program then? And why are there only two of us?" His expression changed to one of annoyance as I spoke.
"This, Mr. DeWinter, is the political solution I found to my problem. The traditional teams of Huntsman and Huntresses are composed of four members. You will be the fifth members. Your letter will not be assigned to the teams name... hence the Silent member."
Kokuran's eyes grew wide in understanding "But if we are 'Silent' as you say... then there is no official record of us as part of the team"
Ozpin's smile returned to his face "Brilliant observation! Exactly! You, technically, are not part of the team. Think of yourselves as special contract students. If the program works for you, others, and believe me we have dozens of candidates, will be recruited into the Silent program."
I slowly nodded, understanding where he was going with this " And if we prove to be a failure then there's close to no backlash against Beacon"
His expression grew grim again. "Believe me I would things differently if I could, but Beacon receives generous donations from some of our more illustrious members. They send their money and their children here to be trained because of our spotless record. I cannot afford to risk funds and student influx into this school and such a project."
As we finished our discussion, the elevator door opened to let Ms. Goodwitch into the office. She had just finished dispatching the students to their respective dormitories and the first years to the temporary sleeping hall.
She handed us our class schedule "Look these over when you have the time, boys. Tomorrow is initiation and the first year students, that includes you two, will be sent into the Emerald forest to accomplish a specific task. Yours will not be the same as theirs. The test is meant to test their fighting abilities as well as create teams. Your abilities are known to us. Your task will be to assist the students when needed and most of all keep them safe... the Grimm activity in the area as been higher than usual."
We both couldn't help but nod like obedient children in front of the Huntresses, her body posture, her tone, her very presence demanded respect.
With a few more explanations and formalities in the form of papers to sign, we were shipped off to the common sleeping area.
People... So. Many. People!
How were we expected to sleep in that noise? Or even breath for that matter. A solid hundred students were cramped on small mattresses. We were searching for a place to claim when we stumbled upon Ruby and Yang who were talking to Blake, who was, unsurprisingly, reading a book.
I accelerated as I saw Weiss storming off in their direction.
"What in the world is going on over here?! Don't you realize some of us are trying to sleep?" The Heiress snapped at them
Once more my hand made it's way to her shoulder "Yes, they are Weiss and right now you are talking louder than any of them..." She shrugged me off and stormed in the direction of her bed.
Yang whistled low "Wow... didn't think anyone could could get the Queenie to back off like that"
I shrugged "Meh... We have history... She's really not that bad when you know her"
The look she gave me made it clear she didn't believe me. Kokuran started talking with Blake about books and Ruby happily stayed by them giving her opinion on those she had read. Walking with Yang back to her mattress, I noticed two empty ones nearby and signaled Kokuran to bring his stuff.
"Found us beds? Ahh cool I see you managed to keep us close to the pretty ladies" He winked at Yang and Ruby who had followed him after wishing goodnight to Blake. The latter became as red as the cloak she'd worn earlier while the former simply purred in response and I rolled my eyes.
Kokuran laughed "Ah you're no fun! What do you say we give the ladies a show?" I had no time to ask what he had in mind that he was already removing his shirt. A few whistling noises we heard as he did so. His upper body was toned and fined and a few scars betrayed a rough upbringing.
Shaking my head, I removed my shirt and silence fell on the hall.
I looked over to my colleagues, Ruby now deep crimson look intently at the ground, her sister was blushing and I could even see Blake peer at me from over her book. Kokuran's jaw was open wide
"Dude... what the hell did you do before coming here?" I figured he was talking about my muscles and shrugged "I worked a farm... anyone gets this fit when they lift bales of hay all day.
He slowly shook his head "No farm I know of is that dangerous..." and then I realized the mistake I had made.
My body was strong but my skin was covered in faded and not so faded scars creating and intricate pattern the covered most of my body.
Furiously blushing I quickly threw on a hoodie before mumbling "I lived outside the Kingdoms.. we fight Grimm regularly over there."
Fortunately most of them seemed to accept that as an acceptable answer and those who didn't had the decency not to ask anymore.
"Just remind not to get on your bad side" The faunus said jokingly
"I'd like to get on his any side" Yang added before a pillow landed on her face, Ruby now conspicuously missing hers.
I chuckled while laying down on the mattress... sleep did not come to me that night.