Chapter five: The Launch
The cliffs overlooking the Emerald forest were massive. The sheer drop would be enough to kill anyone. Of Course, the students of Beacon were far from being just anyone. Never the less, the 16 future students, standing in line on conspicuous tiles on the ground, looked far from confident in their abilities.
Blake, Ruby, Yang, Weiss, Jaune and the girl I knew to be Pyrrha Nikos, from the cereal box, were amongst the line up. A few other interesting faces were amongst those assembled, a young man with a nasty attitude and a calmer one with a streak of pink in his hair, by him an excited red head that kept making odd animal sounds. They had all woken up with first light to be tested.
Sitting on the nearby hill, Kokuran watched them line up with me. A few odd looks were given to us as we were clearly not given the same orders they were.
As per instruction, we had changed in our battle gear.
Kokuran had opted for a tight mix of leather and cloth fabrics that padded his body well while seeming to offer quite a bit of mobility.
I was in full leathers as my travel pants and shirt were covered by greaves and a cuirass, my shoes had been traded for more supple boots and a long leather overcoat covered the hole thing. Though not necessarily battle-gear, my suit was what I had grown accustomed to wearing while out patrolling the borders of my village.
Ozpin made his way in front of the students to address them before their test began. "For years, you have trained to become warriors, and today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest"
A murmur of anticipation rose from the assembled students, but Ms. Goodwitch silenced them by stepping forwards "Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of 'teams'... Well then, allow us to put an end to your confusion: Each of you will be given teammates... today "
The murmuring returned as some, Ruby especially, seemed distraught at the speed at which teams would be created. Ozpin once again stepped forward
"These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon. So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well." A few nods of understanding and a couple of grumbles were heard.
I swear I saw Ozpin smile as he finished his announcement "That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years."
There it was... the silence before the understanding of what had just been dropped. Whether by careful design or accident the first person you would see would be your partner.
A few eyes shifted to their sides to take in the people who they might be partnered with. Weiss ever so curious raised a hand "What about these two?" she said pointing to us.
Glynda answered in Ozpin's place. "Mr. DeWinter and Mr. Hollow were given a different set of rules to follow. As such, they are not to be counted amongst possible team mates."
Ozpin's hand came to Glynda's shoulder so he could finish "After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. In such a scenario there are two rules you are to follow: Should Mr. DeWinter or Mr. Hollow need to intervene: run. If they don't, do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path. Fail at either of these two scenarios ... and you will die. You will be monitored and graded through 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 guard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?"
The words hung in the air for a moment. A few more looks were sent our way before they steeled themselves for the test ahead.
"Uh, sir? I've got, um... a question. So, this landing... strategy thing... Uh, wha-what is it? You're, like, dropping us off or something?" Kokuran laughed out loud drawing Jaune's attention. He pointed to his colleagues being sent off the boards one by one.
Color drained from the boys face. "I don't have a landing strategy" It was my turn to laugh as the turn for Jaune's board to launch was nearing.
"Then I strongly recommend coming up with one" the pad launched him before he could answer.
As all the students were sent on their way, we moved towards the teachers. Glynda already absorbed by the feeds on her scroll
"So I guess we go after them now?" Ozpin turned to look at me.
"Yes, though you are only to intervene when absolutely necessary." He then looked over to Kokuran his gaze resting on the two Sai's at his belt before looking back to me.
"You should not venture without your weapon Mr. DeWinter" I looked away before answering
"I don't use weapons" I saw the Headmaster signal one of his assistants, who came carrying the letter tube my father had given me. I felt the anger inside me rise
"I insist" The teacher added before handing me the container.
I must have been red because even Kokuran took a step back when I neared the Headmaster
"You listen to me just once about this. I came to your school because you promised me I'd learn how to handle my powers. That's why I came here... nothing more! If you EVER go through my stuff or take actions concerning my private life again. I will walk from this program and burn this school down in the process... are we clear?" Ozpin seemed unfazed but I saw Glynda peer up from her scroll to look at me.
"Crystal" came the flat answer. There was something in his eyes at that moment, something that made me feel small and insignificant. A chill ran down my spine as I instantly cooled down.
Ms. Goodwitch cleared her throat to get our attention. "If you would please step on the launch pads?"
I laugh bitterly "No offense, but I don't need those to get down there" I caught a smile in the corner of my faunus friends mouth.
"Oh really? Care to make a bet?... I can get down there before you." This laugh, I laughed in earnest while shaking Kokuran hand
"Deal... Winner gets to chose his team."
Glynda spoke up "That's up to you to deci-" Ozpin raised his hand to interrupt her
"I'll allow it"
My friend's grin was so wide I couldn't help but doubt myself for a moment
"You are gonna need wings to beat me in speed Doggy-boy" As I said those words, I unlocked the doors to my power, letting Aura fill me until I felt like I was about to burst.
Extending both arms, I activated my semblance, two balls of extremely pressurized air formed in the palm of my hands and, gripping them, I braced. Suddenly pulling my hands apart, as if my arms were the rubber band of some man-sized slingshot, I released the pressure that had built up in those balls of air in an explosive manner.
I was sent forward at a ludicrous speed.
I was flying again.