Wrath of the Storm

Part II: School

Beacon Academy Dorms

The loud chiming of a bell rudely awoke Arin from his self deserved sleep. As he slowly gained his consciousness he felt the soft warmth of the blankets tempt him back to the sweet bliss of sleep. As he began to close his eyes another loud ringing filled his ears and forced his eyes to snap open. He looked around the dorm, his dorm, as he regained his thoughts. He saw the simple necessities that he was given for his long stay at the academy. The wooden work desk, small bookcase and dresser, all standard issue for the students. His room did have some differences though, the private bathroom plus shower, a tall mirror, and the bigger difference of all; only one bed. Arin didn't really mind that, it gave him his much needed privacy. He threw the covers off and made his way to the shower. The hot water from his quick shower left a thick fog on the mirror. He wiped away the fog and saw his pale skin,and his long black hair with grey streaks. His slight muscles didn't look like he should be able to even lift his heavy scythe, let alone wield it with little effort. He threw on his clothes; jeans, a tee shirt, combat boots and a long silver over shirt that reached down to his ankles, looking more like a warlock's robe than the button down it was. There was a knock at the door as he was reaching for his pack that rested on the wooden desk with the rest of his gear.

"Who is it?" he said as he reached for one of his swords.

"Are you ready?" was the reply from the other side of the door. The voice belonged to Glynda Goodwitch. "Yeah, come in, door's unlocked" he said as he lowered his blade back to the desk. She opened the door as he turned his back, openly showing the large glowing core in his back like a metallic disk. He heard her slight gasp and was impressed with the speed she his it and recovered herself.

"May I ask what that is" she questioned with concern in her eyes.

"It's where my hat goes" he said with a toothy smile. Glynda just looked on with annoyance. "OK, in all seriousness, it's the core for my pack." He said with a sigh.

"Explain." She said flatly, arms crossed and a slight twitch of her riding crop.

"My pack connects directly into my nervous system, allowing me to move my 'wings' like another pair of limbs."

She looked satisfied with the explanation and watched as Arin slipped his pack into place. There was an audible snap and hiss as electromagnets snapped into place and wires connected and began to align with nerves. The pack split apart and shuddered, moving all the world like actual wings before closing.

"Professor Ozpin would like to have a word with you."

"Ok then, let's go see the wonderful wizard shall we?" Arin said as he slipped his weapons in their sheaths, and followed after the all too serious witch. They didn't get far when they were rounding a corner when suddenly Arin was hit by something in red and black. He was hit hard enough that he bashed into a wall and tumbled to the floor. He looked at what had crashed into him and was rather surprised to see silver eyes staring into his. It was a girl in a red hood and red and black clothing.

"Oops I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hit you." The girl exclaimed apologetically.

"It's OK, didn't hurt that much." Arin said doing his best to ignore the growing pain on his head.

"Ruby!" a voice said from around the corner as three other girls came running. The three newcomers where a short white haired girl with a scar over one eye, a black haired girl with a matching black bow and a blonde who's hair was ridiculously long. " We are so late!" the blonde cried as they frantically ran down the hall. "I'm coming!" Ruby yelled after them. "Sorry, again!" she said as she vanished in a rush of rose petals. Arin just looked on in utter confusion as he got back to his feet. Glynda smiled as she watched him catch up to her. "Students here know how to welcome new people." he said as they entered an elevator.

"Yes, though I do hope they work on their punctuality." She said as the elevator begin to rise. It wasn't long after that the doors opened up and revealed the spacious office at the top of Beacon. The rhythmic sounds of clockwork resounding through the room. Ozpin was staring out the window to the city below, storm clouds rolling through the sky threatening to poor again. As Arin neared the professor's large desk Ozpin turned around and placed his hands behind his back. "Did you find your room comfortable Arin?" The professor asked with a slight smile. Arin bowed his head and placed a fist over his heart and quickly lowered it as the professor did the same. "I see you know about my clan's culture, and yes the room is perfect, thank you." Arin said as he sat down on the floor, legs crossed, drew out his twin swords that quickly combined into a single broadsword and placed the sword into his lap.

"I try to make sure that all feel welcomed at my school, both in familiar customs and comfortable rooms." Ozpin said as he sat down on the floor, crossed his legs and placed his cane on his lap. Arin smiled with genuine happiness at the show of respect that the professor gave. "So, you wanted to see me?" Arin asked the older professor with a hint of suspicion. "Yes, I'd like you ask you why you purposefully made it so no one would find you during your field test to see who your team will be?"

"Simple,you must now of our customs when it comes to building a team." Arin said flatly.

"To watch others as they fight, train with many and in time," Ozpin paused as he looked dead into Arin's eyes. "Create a team of those you find worthy." Arin smiled at this, a roll of thunder overtook the gentle sounds of clockwork. "So what do you propose we do, Mr Storm?"

"I say let me practice my tradition, but I take it that won't sit well with you?"

Ozpin said nothing as he sat in thought. Arin began to feel uneasy under the stare of the professor's gaze and instinctively gripped his sword's hilt. Its silver blade intricately engraved with clockwork and the weight pressing comfortably heavy on his lap. Ozpin sat straight as he finally spoke. "How about we put you into a temporary team, one new to this country and school?" Arin thought about it for a second before giving an answer. "I suppose that would work." Arin said as he lowered his hand that was gripping the hilt of his sword. Ozpin smiled, almost like he won a game of chess. "Then you are to join team STRM as soon as they return from their mission."