I am Dust

Chapter V

Clyde Lynx

"The first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your next partner for the next 4 years."

That day had a crystal clear blue sky with little to no clouds. The grass was green and the trees were plump with healthy leaves. The flora danced slowly as the wind blew past and whistled a quiet tune. The water was so clear I swore I could see the bottom of it. The melody of the wind was accompanied with the happy chirping of the birds. Those words that he just said to me made me almost throw up more than that sappy dumb nature poem I just said.

The moment I woke up on that cold stone bench outside in the freezing wind through the night, the first words I muttered was "Initiation Day...!" I got up and did my normal morning routine that I would without any interruptions and headed into the armory room. Just as I got assigned to my locker, I realized something that made me nearly scream: I don't have a weapon.

Okay, okay, it's not all THAT bad. When I was little, my parents made it important that I learned how to fight. "The world is not a safe place, especially in the village. You must learn to arm yourself if you want to survive." Those were the words my father said before making me shoot my first weapon, a small-caliber hunting rifle. I literally couldn't shoot a fish in a barrel. The recoil shot my arms up and I shot outside the barrel. Along with weapons training, I learned martial arts. My dad introduced me to a whole variety of them, and made me choose what I should study. I never felt comfortable picking out just one martial art, so I studied hard and eventually made my style: Black Wolf.

Although I'm good with hand-to-hand, I still needed a weapon. And I nearly panicked to the point of maybe using the locker door as a weapon, like a shield or something. But now I'm way past that. As I stood on the launching pads, I kept my eyes forward, ignoring that voice that kept asking me if I was alright. I was far from it, but she needed to know that I just wanted to be left alone so I could focus.

My plan was so simple: Don't talk to anyone, don't mess with anyone, and just keep to myself! And now Ozpin has screwed me over! I shut my eyes and took a quick breath, looking around at the line of people looking and checking the people they could end up with. It was no surprised when I saw a couple of people cringe when they looked at me. I knew that they did it. I swore that I saw them! I guess when they saw the scars that were surprisingly fading quickly off my face, if they got stuck with me I'd be nothing but dead weight. I could give less of a damn about that, but it could still become a problem for me.

I was sweating bullets. I was just thinking about running, just as I heard Goodwitch's voice.

"At least, that is what we have originally planned. But it seems that a technicality is at play here, as one person will not be in a team, and will be a solo hunter for his first year."

My eyes widen in shock. Did she just say what I think she just said...? Please tell me I'm not high.

Ozpin spoke up before she could. "And that person is Clyde Lynx."

I swore I heard the choir singing in my head. I felt as if I had hundreds of pounds lifted from me. So it looks like they thought that I shouldn't be on a team as well. That's the smartest decision they've made ever since I've met them.

"B-But wait! Won't that be a problem for Clyde?" There was that voice again.

I turned my head to the source of it, a blonde haired girl with loose messy locks of hair running down her back. She wore a tan vest over a yellow low crop top and black shorts that look like a pleated skirt in the back. I know way too much about fashion for a guy...

Ozpin gave that same calm reply he gives to everything. "I may understand your concerns for Mister Lynx, but I assure you that he is capable of handling the missions, assignments, and all other struggles that face him. But, seeing as this might not satisfy you, I will encourage anyone to support Clyde as if he was one of your teammates."

I let out an extremely audible groan, followed with pinching my nose in frustration. So now I get to be a task for other people to take care of. Babysit the loner, a job that anyone would love to sign up to. I heard the condescending snickers from the others that were soon silenced by the icy stabbing stare of Goodwitch.

"If that's what you want..." And with that, the girl turned forward and didn't say any more about it.

What is her deal anyways? Okay, she DID see me get my ass handed to me, but I didn't WANT to fight, and I wasn't going to give anyone what they wanted. Maybe I should explain that to her, so she can stop trying to be my mother and wipe my boo boos when I get hurt or something more obnoxious.

Ozpin continued on and gave us more instructions. "After you've partnered up, or landed, in Clyde's case, make your way to the Northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path, or you will die."

I peered over the cliff at the green background of the forest far off from across the river. So it's just a quick hike through the forest. This isn't anything new to me, seeing as I practically grew up in the forest. I'll just have to be extra careful. As soon as I touch that grass I become prey, but I need to make myself a part of the forest. And soon become the predator.

He continued on. "You will be monitored and graded for the duration of your initiation. But our instructors will not intervene."

So just set out some new kids with weapons to run through a monster ridden forest and leave us there to die or come out scarred with the memories of demonic creatures trying to maim us. Genius!

"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. You will guard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?"

Um yes, what did you spike your coffee with and where can I get some? This is what my parents want me to do!? Usually parents are against having kids do dangerous things, but not mine! They want me to suit up in armor and go to war, guns blazing! And now I'm stuck in this because my parents' dying wishes were for me to do this. Well... I better get used to it I guess. Though I have no idea how you can.

"Now take your positions."

Here we go, bring the dramatic music. Everyone got into their fighting stance. I soon followed them: My right hand clenched into a fist and moved right to the side of my head. My left arm moved down at an angle, elbow bent as my fist pointed down at my leg. My left leg became my leading leg as I slid it forward, my right leg being my main pivot leg and staying stationary.

My eyes narrowed down at the horizon of the forest and pinpointed the top of a pine tree. That's where I plan to land.

POOMF! The first one went off and all I see is a white blur firing through the air like a catapulted boulder.

POOMF! There goes the next student, thrown high in the sky and soaring to his next destination.

I was set to be the next poomf. I cracked my neck, my bones popping as I get ready to touch the sky.

"Oh. And Clyde?" Ozpin's voice broke my concentration. I turn my head to him, looking at him with my focused stare.

"Where is your weapon?"

I give a quick smile and a wink before the panel launched me into the air.