Something something soldiering... anyways no more disclaimers because now I own Star Wars and RWBY MUWAHAHAHA- *tonk*
Ow... okay, that was a joke, I'm too broke to buy even a soda. I own nothing but the OCs!
Chapter 8: Shining
Beacon Security Service Barracks, Beacon
Azure and Sixers deadpanned as the guardsmen snored loudly in their bunks. The Marshal swore he heard one of them asking for their birth tank. He looked at the Guard Captain who looked like he was about to collapse himself.
"So tell me Sixers, what exactly were the men prior to my orders to send you lot out?"
Sixers's palm found comfort in holding his face as he began to explain "Well sir..."
Last Night, 3 hours before Besh 6's Op...
"COME ON SARGE! YOU'RE NOT GONNA LET YOURSELF BE BEAT BY A HOPPER NOW RIGHT?!" Killdane shouted as he and his squad watched Sergeant Gambit square off against one of the Company's sharpshooters sergeants. Gambit threw a left hook, but it was blocked by the sharpshooter who was named Tongue.
"THROW IT NOW TONGUE!" One of the sharpshooters cheered, and as if the words were an energy booster, rushed Gambit, knocking the wind out of him as he tumbled down.
"MATCH!" called their referee.
Gambit tried to get up, but collapsed, now exhausted from the ordeal. Tongue offered him his hand and the Ord squad leader was ready to take it when the sweat that he accumulated made him slip and fall again. Unfortunately, what was supposed to be an accident came to a misunderstanding.
"You cheap shabuir! C'mere you!" Jest shouted as he and Killdane tackled the Sergeant, and when they jumped him, two of Tongue's squad charged in as well, and it was soon an all-out brawl as men from the two platoons clashed. It wasn't until Sixers and the lieutenants came back did order be restored. During the questioning, Killdane muttered, "They started it..."
Azure had to blink twice "Please tell me your joking..."
The lack of response was an answer that the Marshal had to sigh too.
"Get me Admiral Vaux and Commander Moris on the line."
Sixers saluted "Yes sir," before he left lazily to fulfill the orders. As Azure gave his prized company one more look, he could only shake his head ins disbelief as he too left the room to see to the new arrangements he had to make.
...
"I have the Admiral and the Commander on the line sir," Sixers informed Azure as he left the Barrack's comm room.
On the holotable were Admiral Vaux and Commander Moris, the former had an unamused face "Captain Sixers already told me what happened. I now take it that you need a new company to take over while they rest up."
Azure nodded "Correct, which companies are available Admiral?"
"Well... let's see here..." Vaux began as he and Moris went through a datapad.
"Well, none of the 1st Battalion of our Guard Regiment will be available today," Moris stated ", They have their monthly combat drills in the simulation."
Vaux's eyes lit up "How about one from the A Regiment?" Moris seemed to agree with this as he nodded approvingly.
Azure motioned for Moris to go ahead and find a company.
"How about Torrent Company?" the Marshal Commander suggested.
"The Terrible Torrent? I don't see why not..." Azure said as he thought about it.
Admiral Vaux then added in his two cents "I can have them over in 10 minutes, 4 if you really need them."
Seeing no problem with deploying the legendary company, Azure permitted the arrangements to which the two officers nodded before the transmission was terminated. The Marshal then thought about the current status of the company in question. Under the legendary Captain Rex, Torrent Company became the model soldier. Loyal, persevering, ingenious and independent. These were the qualities that they have gained during the war, and Azure can't help but think if they can still show such qualities in the coming initiation.
These thoughts were cut when a notification on his scroll went off.
"Here we go..." he thought as he left the room to handle the new assignments.
Beacon Cliffs, Beacon
Azure and an assembly of officers walked up to Ozpin and Glynda. Ozpin took note of the change of Azure's men, and he would very much like to sate his curiosity.
"Good morning Garreth, you seem to be with a different entourage today."
Azure groaned as he pressed his two fingers on his temple "This is only for today, Toro Company tried to play bull, before being sent out last night. Now they're drained."
Ozpin had to hide a smile "How unfortunate, now who might these gentlemen be?"
"Of course," the Marshal nodded ", Ozpin, this is Captain Foster, Lieutenants Coric, Jesse, Ridge and Kol of the 501st's Torrent Company."
The four men saluted the man who nodded in turn.
Azure then placed a holodisk on the ground "This is the entire coverage of the initiation area," he began as a map of the Emerald Forest projected itself on the hologram, "Captain Foster, your forces will be split into 3 platoons to cover as much ground as your company can. I'll have lieutenant Kol stay here to act as back-up should you need them"
The Hologram then shifted to show where the platoons will be positioned, Azure then continued "Your objective is to make sure no candidate gets seriously hurt, once the last eight initiates are done, you are to link up with them and be extracted via gunships. Questions?"
Jesse raised a hand "We're not expecting anything too much right sir?"
Coric snorted "Come now Jesse, I always thought you were eager for a fight?"
"That was when we were fighting clankers Coric," the ARC Trooper replied.
Foster cleared his throat "That's enough you two, I'm sure the Marshal will make sure that we all get back without too much issues."
"Indeed Captain, anything else?" Azure said, looking at the troopers around him. When no one said anything, he nodded "Right, get to your platoons and board your gunships."
"Yes sir!" the Torrent officers replied as they marched off.
"You really do have an interesting bunch of soldiers Mister Azure," Ozpin mused.
Azure shot him a look "Like their template said, they'll do their job well. That much he could guarantee."
"To that, I do not doubt."
The Marshal looked at the time "The initiates will be here soon, I believe you have that speech to give, I'll be sure to ignore that."
He couldn't help but shed a smirk at Glynda's unamused glare.
...
"For years, you have trained to be warriors, and today, your abilities will be tested in the Emerald Forest," Ozpin said, gazing upon the initiates lined up.
Glynda then picked up from there "Now I'm sure you have heard about the many rumors about the team assignments. Allow us to end your wondering and confusion, you will be given your teammates, today."
A red-clad student yelped at the sudden news.
"These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here in Beacon, so I highly advise you to pick someone you can work well with," Ozpin continued, ignoring another groan from Miss Rose, "That being said, the first person you make eye contact with upon landing shall be your partner for the next four years."
"WHAT?!" Ruby cried.
"Miss Rose, if you can keep your voice down please," Azure scolded as he shot the young prodigy a scolding look.
Ozpin continued his instructions, emphasizing the importance of eliminating any threats on their paths, less the candidates perish. Garreth made a mental note of how a blonde knight laughed nervously. The Headmaster soon finished explaining, after informing the initiates about the relics in the forest.
"Are there any questions?"
"Um... yeah sir-" The Blonde Knight tried, but was promptly cut off.
"Good."
Soon, the platforms beneath the students began to fling them off the cliffs. As each student flew off, Jaune Arc, the Knight from earlier, tried to ask once again. Unfortunately, he wasn't prepared to use his "landing strategy" as Ozpin called it, when the blonde flew off himself, following the other students.
Azure pulled out a pair of macrobinoculars, watching the students, and he swore he could see Arc flail about in a panic, "Ozpin, you are one crazy son of a hutt."
"I have no idea what a hutt is, but I've probably been called worse," the Headmaster replied, sipping his coffee.
Emerald Forest
"I count 4 wolves, their alpha's the one in the middle," Jesse said, aiming his DC-15 carbine at the aforementioned alpha, 5 more troopers of his platoon took aim, "Aim for the brain, we can't let them make a sound."
Then, with a signal, the troopers gunned down the grimm pack with little effort. the ARC trooper approached the withering bodies, his men behind him as they fired upon the grimm, making sure they stay down. Satisfied with their work, Jesse tapped into his comm.
"Siege to Torrent Actual, update on our sector, confirmed 12 Grimm kills, all wolves."
"Copy that Jesse, rotate to X7 Y4 to link up with Marauder Platoon, Foster out."
"Right, come on you slackers, we're moving out!" He ordered, leading the platoon to their designated coordinates.
As they marched, one of the Sergeants asked "Sir, do you think these kids will make it?"
"I know that sentiment Bush," the ARC Trooper replied, "All I can say is that they've been trained to do their best, and if that's not enough, then it's our job to make sure they get to see tomorrow."
"It's funny sir if you think about it, these huntsmen and huntresses are like Jedi. They're agile, got these strange powers and their weapons are something else," Bush chuckled.
"Your point Bush?"
"Well, why do I have the feeling that it should be us who'll need saving and not them?"
Jesse sighed, but he knew a good answer "You know about the battle of Hypori?"
The sergeant nodded "Yeah, I heard it was a massacre for our side."
"You're right, it was. A whole acclamators, gone in an instant. We also lost 4 generals in the battle. Almost lost 3 more had it not been for the Muunilist 10."
Bush soon got the message "Oh... now I get it..."
Jesse smiled beneath his helmet "Now we're not Muunilist 10, but we're going to give it our all to see these kids through."
The troopers agreed, replying with a "Sir, yes sir!"
...
"ImgonnadieImgonnadieImgonnadieImgonnadieImgonnadieImgonnadie IM GONNA DIE!" Ford Rouxe thought as he watched the two ursai he had been fighting now approaching him with killer intent. He had started off so well too. Upon completing his landing strategy, Rouxe's weapon experienced a bit of damaged. Being careless, he ignored the damage sustained and continued on. This would be his undoing however as he would soon find himself fighting against two Ursai. During the fight, his sword collapsed into pieces and now lay somewhere on the ground. His aura severely depleted, his weapon gone and now surrounded, it seems that he wasn't getting out of this one alive.
Before the two grimm could pounce and end him, a metal sphere landed behind the two beasts before exploding, sending them flying. As they struggled to get up, blue bolts flew toward them, keeping the beasts down. All of a sudden, men in white and blue armor sprang out from the tree line. After a few more seconds, the grimm finally faded into nothingness.
"Clear!" one of the men shouted as several others continued to sweep the perimeter. One of the armored men who was armed with twin pistols approached Rouxe, "Ford Rouxe?" he asked.
The teen nodded nervously as he watched the man tap a button on his gauntlet.
"Yes sir, we have him. Aura's in the orange and his weapon is done for. Song and dance?"
The hunter in training looked in confusion as the man talked into his gauntlet before nodding and replying with a "Yes sir, right away sir."
The leader then signaled for one of his men over "Sergeant Grund, take your squad and escort this kid back to the cliffs."
"Yes sir," Grund replied. The leader then turned to Ford who at this point begun to realize the situation "Alright kid, follow my man here. You'll be taken back to the cliffs for evaluation."
Not wanting to give up just yet, Rouxe tried to protest but he was stopped "Forget it, kid, you're going back. Consider yourself lucky that you'll be able to learn from this."
"Come on kid, let's get you sorted out," the Sergeant from earlier said before looking at his leader "We'll be back with the Lartys Captain."
The Captain nodded before Grund and his squad walked away from the main platoon, the hunter in training in tow.
"That was close Foster," a lieutenant said as he approached the Torrent Captain.
Foster nodded "I'm just glad we managed to get here in time. Any word from other platoons?"
"Teth and Siege are converging on us now sir," the lieutenant replied.
"Right, thanks Whiskey," Foster said, as he surveyed the comms chatter of the rest of the company. Just then, his comm received a new message.
The message began to play "Closing time, last call."
Foster knew what this meant before he relayed to his company "All stations, it's closing time. Track my ping and follow me into the ruins," he then turned to Whiskey, "Get the men ready to move, we got more work to do."
"Yes sir! Core Platoon, to me!"
The various men of the platoon then began to scramble to march, Foster then lead the platoon towards the Ruins, dealing with minor packs of Grimm along the way. The platoon would soon be joined by the rest of the company. It wasn't long before they had the Ruins in sight, a group of eight students was taking their relics. Just then, a large scorpion-like Grimm emerged from another area of the forest while another large Grimm flew above the ruins.
Much to the trooper's surprise, one of the students charged the scorpion. However, to her ignorance, she failed to notice the aerial Grimm launch a series of feathers toward her. The huntress in training then felt herself trip as her cape became stuck to the ground due to one of the feathers. The scorpion charged the girl with its stinger hoisted high to strike and just before any of the soldiers could do anything, a wall of ice summoned itself in front of the girl.
"Incredible..." a trooper muttered.
"Quiet Rookie," another scolded.
Foster then signaled the assembled company to move with him as he moved towards the group.
He and his men soon approached the reunited students who looked spooked.
"Is everyone alright?" the Captain asked.
"Uh yeah... since when did you guys get here?" a blonde girl asked.
Foster then replied "We were here the whole time, and it appears you have more on your plate than you can handle," the students followed the Captain's gaze and to their surprise, more Grimm appeared.
"Guys... that thing is circling back again..." one of the students said, a hint of fear evident in his voice.
The Torrent Captain assessed the situation before speaking "Right, you kids make a run for it. We'll hold them off as long as we can."
One of the students who Foster now recognized as Ruby Rose, the prodigy that the Marshal mentioned, protested "But what about you guys?"
"Aww... the shinies care for us!" lieutenant Ridge teased as some of the men chuckled.
"Shinies?" a black-clad girl asked.
"That's right kids, your weapons and armor. They're shiny and new, just like you," Jesse said, mirroring what the legendary Captain Rex said years ago.
"Excuse me? You do realize we fought Grimm before right?" a white-dressed girl said.
Foster then shut the argument down "I suppose that makes you a huntress already? If that's the case then what are you doing here then? " he looked at the Grimm who were already approaching, "We don't doubt your abilities, but you need to realize that you can't outrun them all. Now get going, we'll be fine!"
Some of the troopers began to open fire on the Grimm, whittling the horde. The scorpion and aerial Grimm surged forward, leading the charge. Seeing that these soldiers were not going to budge, the group of eight finally ran, allowing the troopers to buy them time.
"Take it down! Take it down!"
"Watch your left! Nice shot!"
"Gun's hot, cover me!"
Foster watched the students run before he drew his pistols, helping his company defend themselves. Just then, the flying Grimm swooped down, tossing its feathers into the ground.
"Argh! I'm hit!"
"Kriffing-"
"Medic! We need a medic!"
Coric looked away from the Grimm and ordered "If the feather penetrated the plastoid, don't pull it out! There'll be blood everywhere!"
Some of the medical troopers began to tend to the bleeding wounded, pulling out various medical tools to stop bleeding wounds.
"Watch out! That big thing's charging!" Ridge shouted as Foster saw the scorpion Grimm barrel past his men. He had to suppress the screams of some of the unfortunate troopers who were in the way.
The flying Grimm followed the scorpion and then it dawned upon Foster that the bigger ones didn't care about them anymore. They were now after bigger targets. He saw more Grimm approaching the position and cursed, knowing the students will have to make their stand and fight. All of a sudden, the clones heard a mighty thump.
"On the 335!" a trooper yelled.
The troopers of Torrent Company looked at the bearing that was shouted and found themselves face to face with a behemoth of a Grimm.
"Goliath! Rocket launchers! Now!" Foster ordered, now firing at the elephant-like Grimm.
Several members of the company began to unsling their RPS-6 type rocket launchers and take aim. Soon, a volley of rockets made their way to the beast, with some hitting their mark while others missed.
Unfortunately, the beast did not falter as it made a break for the clones. Foster was about to order a retreat when a green beam squared the Grimm right in the head, killing it in an instant.
"Reinforcements! Reinforcements have arrived!" a clone cheered, others cheering with him.
Much to the trooper's relief, a TX-130 Hover tank emerged from the forest, firing its deadly laser cannon at the remaining Grimm.
The Torrent's Captain sighed in relief as the battle died down. The company medics soon tended to the severely injured, some had to be placed on stretchers. Foster then noticed the TX-130's command hatch open up to reveal the tank commander.
"Nice shooting there," the Captain complimented, and the tanker nodded in thanks.
"Sorry we couldn't get here sooner," he apologized.
Foster held a hand out in dismissal "Don't worry, forests are a bane for any of our tanks. I'm just glad you got here when you did."
Coric then ran up to the Captain "Sir, some of the wounded need better medical attention. We're gonna have to send them back to base."
The tank commander then offered to take the wounded back on his tank to which Foster agreed. It wasn't long before the TX-130 pulled out with a number of his men. Jesse then approached him "Sir, shall we get going?"
"Yeah... c'mon Jesse. We still have to take care of those kids."
...
And with a mighty cry, Ruby finally ended the Nevermore, once and for all. Its head and body, collapsed to the ground as it faded into dust. A triumphant look on her face as she began to make her way back to the group. Her sister Yang patted her on the back in approval while Blake gave her a nod of encouragement.
Weiss, while critical, offered her compliments on her call to which Ruby smiled.
The team of four would soon meet up with Jaune's group who also took care of the Deathstalker earlier. Just then, a pack of beowolves ran from the treeline as blue lasers whizzed past them.
To the initiate's surprise, the soldiers from earlier emerged right behind them, a bit battered, but triumphant.
"You're okay!" Ruby shouted in celebration.
The leader of the group looked at himself then at his men before replying "I guess we are," he then looked at the battlefield, "You kids seem to be on top of things."
"Yup!" The Reaper said full of pride "Not so bad for shinies huh?"
One of the armored men with a circular logo on his helmet chuckled "Maybe, this IS the start of your time in Beacon."
The teenagers soon realized that this may not be the hardest part of their lives yet. The soldiers shared a small laugh at their expense.
The Captain soon spoke "Alright, that's enough Jesse. Let's call the gunships and head back to the cliffs."
Soon, five ships arrived to pick them up and they were off.
"Attention passengers, this is your captain speaking, by special request of Professor Azure, we are to use the scenic route back to the cliffs. Hold on tight and I know one or two of you might puke so don't spill it on my ship!" the pilot announced over the ship's PA.
Ruby couldn't help but admire the view as the craft soared around the forest and the cliffs with a speed that even she can't reach.
"Yep! This is a better start already!" she thought as the aircraft continued its journey.
The Amphitheatre, Beacon Academy
"Jaune Arc, Pyrrha Nikos, Nora Valkyrie, and Lie Ren. You four have retrieved the white rook pieces. From this day forward, you shall be known as team JNPR, led by Jaune Arc," Ozpin announced as the audience gave their applause. Azure watched as the new leader of this team stumbled away.
"That kid's really something else," he thought as he watched the last batch step up to the stage.
"Finally, Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long. You four have retrieved the white knight pieces. Your team shall now be known as team RWBY, led by Ruby Rose," Ozpin said, as he tapped on his scroll to display the new team.
The crowd once again applauded the new team as the four girls stood proudly, with one looking at the new leader in disbelief.
"Company! Present Arms!" Sixers shouted as the twelve guardsmen who were in the theatre saluted the new teams.
Azure approached the Headmaster "Interesting selection you have here."
Ozpin offered him a smile "Well, it might just be an interesting year as well."
The Marshal shook his head as he walked away. He was met by the waiting officers of Torrent Company.
"Well then, you certainly handled showed them," Azure smiled as he shook Foster's hand.
"Hope the show wasn't too shabby Marshal," Foster replied.
The Marshal shook his head "Don't worry, you showed great work on the field. Your men survived and that's all that matters now.
The Torrent Captain nodded in appreciation before speaking "Sir if I may ask a favor."
"What could that be Captain?" Azure asked, intrigued by what the officer had to say.
"We know that Toro Company cleared out a White Fang base in the forest last knight, and my officers think we should set up a small garrison there."
Azure nodded "I see... and I assume you wish to be part of this garrison?"
"Yes sir, along with another company or two," Foster answered.
Garreth pondered the proposition made. Such a deployment may be of benefit, but it will be a hindrance to keeping a low profile.
"Thank you, Captain. I will give it some thought. For now, you may rest and return to the Indie."
Foster saluted "Yes sir. Thank you, sir."
As the officers left, Azure thought deeply about the proposition.
New chapter stamped and ready! Hope ya'll like this one, and yes, I did include a reference to Rookies. Next few chapters will be fillers so no major progression to the plot. What antics will the Beacon Security Force solve? Find out next chapter!
Until then, stay frosty because that's soldiering!