January 5th XXX2

One year, and one month before D-Day

"Military service is normally divided into two segments, people who want to get by in life and reap benefits and folks who had the urge to serve. Neither usually made the cut. Vale's army structure is different from other Kingdoms. For example, boot camp was a test to find a select batch of personnel that are higher quality people than foot soldiers. After picking out the top percentage of humans, they are separated from the foot soldiers and trained differently."

"They are encouraging competition, which doesn't hurt…but it'll only discourage ordinary people."

"Wrong and right. You see, being at the top percentile of humanity doesn't mean peak shape or intelligence. It's talent. Talent isn't something people can learn and hone like a skill, it's something you're born with…what makes you stand out." Jelly-like lips flapped as words kept spewing out, "For example, someone that trains daily can finally remember how to disarm and dismantle a weapon after a year of practice while someone saw it once and replicated such actions with ease. In other words,"

"Geniuses or luck."

"Correct, and although it isn't fair to be valued by the talent it doesn't hurt. In the end, you both are fighting for the same cause, which in my eyes is good enough. AH! I don't know what sort of training the advanced people partake in, but I know I will be selected…my brain is unmatched in this sort of setting, you see my father was a foot soldier and he briefed me on everything I need to know. For example, before we even enter the airship they'll take our identification and we'll be able to board." Anyone with common sense could see that's where this was headed, hell they were in line in the first place. "I've done my research, and honed my brain for everything they can prepare. Heh, I even went as far as to pay someone for some edge on the competition. Knowledge will land me a spot at the top." As the noise calmed, the nervous man held his hand out. "My name is Earl Flowstone."

Blood-red eyes trailed down towards the wide hand floating, the talkative wide body teen wouldn't shut up, and the second they joined hands he knew he'd rather stab himself in the ears than listen. "Private Arvid," Taking the chubby man's hand, Arvid grimaced as sweat rubbed onto his palm.

"Interesting name, do you have any special talents Arvid? As you know I will be a candidate for the 'special' group, so I want to surround myself with like-minded people. Taking in your build, you have a slender frame but broad shoulders like a climber. What are you? Six three? Two? Well, as I told you simply being ahead of everyone physically won't put you ahead of anyone." Arvid didn't utter a word as Earl critiqued, it was better to let people talk out the nervousness than keep it in. "Hey, man are you ready? We're getting closer to the booth, after that, we will be officially recorded in the military. You know my father didn't prepare me for all these emotions, I am nervous and hesitant…but oddly I can't wait to get started. Like as soon as my name is in the paper my life is-"

"Over? If you're ordinary like me, all you're doing is signing your will away." Arvid chimed in his two cents as the line pushed forward, regardless of how anyone felt they were here waiting to go.

"Nothing wrong with being ordinary, everyone is human at the end of the day. Right?" Earl scanned around himself before noticing a Faunus in another line. "You know Faunus have it worse in the military, but what can they do? Vale is practically the only place that offers limited freedom, Mantle uses most Faunus as slaves and I was told they get the worse treatment in there, beatings and all. It's kinda sad when you think about it. In the plain sense, everyone is human, the only monsters in this world are Grimm." Shuffling his hands in his pocket the young man sighed. "Grimm migrates off of emotional distress, during my nineteen years of living I haven't encountered such creatures; when I was young my place was inside the house helping my mother or occasionally bothering my father about his endless stories."

A brief silence followed suit, and Arvid didn't know if he should be worried or thank the heavens. "Most of the chapters he told me about fail to come to mind, but I can vividly remember the hunt of Jockey. Jockey back then was the name of a spider-like Grimm, disgusting bastard. Anyways, my father…"

Handing in his identification, Arvid straightened out. Listening to nonsense wouldn't be beneficial in the long run, and he wouldn't be any help to Earl, the child-like man had a grand understanding. "You aced the fitness portion, and here it says your eyesight is your best feature. Interesting, you'll be boarding airship three please head towards the corresponding number." Tanned fingers pinched the edge of his card, such a simple process but the line was killer. Well, it wasn't like everyone would make it aboard, some people took the military as a joke but once they enter boot camp it was a mental battle. Pulling the strap over his shoulder, the beige beat-up bag leaned on his side.

"Three…three…ah three," Marking his surroundings, he watched as people mingled. The coed legislative passed a few years back, which allowed women and Faunus to participate freely in military commands. Some people made big names for themselves and others melted under the heat, in the end perhaps Earl was correct people with natural talent are treated differently.

"Lost you for a second, I've been told I have keen ears but I didn't hear you move." Arvid blinked, lips parting as he exhaled. It seems escaping was futile. "This third section must be where the talented people are, why else would they send us together? It would be in our best interest to make small talk with other parties, expand the circle and draw in allies."

Eyebrows rose as he listened, even if this talent theory was correct they wouldn't make it. Even people with talents could crumble underneath hard work. "Talent is something people are born with, but if they don't hone the talent it'll show in the long run. People with overwhelming talent will fall when confronted with hard work," Irises slithered down settling at the top of Earl's head. "Logically if you add talent and hard work together you'll reach new limits, and become a monster in said subject. Plus the newspaper twice a year gives an amount of those who pass boot camp, this year isn't any different."

"A-ah! You're saying the number from previous years doesn't correlate with how many people are present, passing the two exams to be accepted to boot camp was a hurdle on its own; but it seems there would be something coming up that will cut the selection in half? Interesting insight, Arvid you're quite bright!" Earl glanced upwards smiling ear-to-ear, only to notice the missing male. "OH, the airship is here."

"Looks like we're overflowing once more with recruits," Shifting in his seat, he fought the urge to sneeze. "More and more people are passing the fitness and mental aptitude exam yet can't breeze through the first day of camp, it's always nice to see who'll piss their pants and cry."

"You say that now but throw a fit when you're on cleanup duty," Giggling the woman smiled sliding a stack of papers to the side. "The first three days are the hardest, dropouts and runaways have the largest scale around day three," Throwing up three fingers she leaned back into the seat.

"Well, there has been a sudden influx of Faunus among the recruits, with the enhanced skills some utilize they'll be perfect to use." Jotting down the next trainee that came to the table, the male kept ushering them forward. "Hey, you head towards two." Whipping his head around he kept the flow moving, "Nowadays people enlist to keep their family alive with the benefits, some old Faunus man came up to me last week begging for food for his family. A sad sight, but I was broke as hell."

"Asshole, it isn't his fault no one is willing to hire," Scooting closer to her friend she pursed her lips, "In this day and age, some are lucky to find minimal work; I detest seeing a woman of the night or someone willing to resort to violence."

"Well, people would enjoy them if they were maybe…normal? Think about it, they are strangers, different things that most people can't understand…like Grimm. There is no telling what those animalistic features do to the brain." Finding some justifiable reason to enforce hate, the male rested his head on his workmate's shoulder. "When they bare their fangs, it's the scariest shit you'll ever see, all emotion is void and they are just animals."

"You can say the same for everything else, anger blinds even the holiest of us."

"Are you a fur lover?"

"Negative, just questioning."

Airship rocking, groans, and meaningless chatter bounced off the rusty walls, everyone was cramped against each other, thighs pressed against legs, heads in the chest, breath trickling down necks. Vale wasn't as advanced as Mantle, and the situation between them wasn't grand but with some small labor units, trading was made. Mantle gave away some faulty airships and Vale offered some medicine in terms of weapons Vale won that trade-off. Most foot soldiers wielded a sword and shield or some sort of melee weapon. The protective pads and armor Vale warriors wore offered resistance to the firepower of Mantle. Still, if anyone caught a bullet to the head they'd go down. Well, unless they had aura which was rare or more so only a select few could learn.

Ventilation was a major concern in the airship, the fact that most of the people around were sweating from the lack of outside air made for hiccupped breathing. It was too many people at once, body heat and musk weren't a good combo and there was a faint smell of puke lingering around which made matters worse. If this was a psychological assessment many would've failed.

Without much warning, the airship landed, metal creaking as light welcomed the mass. For those expecting a welcome party, they would frown as right after the blinding light blaring horns spat into the air. "Let's see if those assessments weren't fabricated, drop your items inside the airship, and start running! You don't stop until we give you the green light! Hurry greenhorns!"

Uncertainty riddled the group, only a select few listened thuds echoing out as a small amount started a light jog, and others a full-force sprint. Arvid's boots kicked up dirt, and although he was against leaving his belongings the men yelling at them were more convincing. "One thing I burned into my head, was to never disobey my superiors." Earl's eyes narrowed, nose scrunching the male carried himself further.

Arvid stopped in his tracks, blood-red eyes taking a moment to look at the hesitant member inside of the airship complaining. Something of this magnitude wasn't enough to justify the numbers in the paper. Not letting it dwell on his mind longer, boots left a print in the dirt as he moved forward.

"One, two, three…one, two, three." Keeping a proper pace and conserving energy, was what kept him going. Sure, some late starters overtook him; but no one stated it was a race and as he kept moving the dirt path began changing into short-cut grass and overgrown roots. In terms of location, he was lost. If by chance there was no ending and he kept running, he was cut for making the wrong decision. Nibbling on his bottom lip, Arvid let his thoughts rage on. "If I head back now, and that was the wrong decision I'd be cut also." Kicking up grass, the male pushed onwards.

Palm used the bark from a tree to steady himself, exhaling and inhaling his nails dug into the bark. Beads of sweat flopped onto the ground darkening the soil, and hair that was usually clipped back stuck to his forehead. Part of Arvid knew he should have chopped the shaggy mullet off when he had the chance, but here he was. Attempting to catch his breath, he staggered backward. Picking up gambling from his grandfather never helped, including both of them had terrible luck in life. Retracing his steps was no longer an option, the longer he stayed back the more likely it was he failed.

Two hours since he last saw someone, and six since he's been running. Of course, this was an estimate but the sound of his heart thrashing against his chest told him all he needed to know, this much aerobic movement was not something he was accustomed to. Keeping the same pace would result in tiring out, but stopping meant losing time and day.

Eight hours in and he finally touched down, instead of boasting with joy like anyone else would he collapsed against the wall. "Name, Private." Heels pointed firmly straight, chest out and shoulders propped Arvid felt the need to puke.

"P-private Arvid Chinmayu." Replying with a hiccup, the male was graced with a scowl.

"Rank one-hundred and forty-two." Upon hearing his dreadful rank, he questioned the monsters who came in the top fifty and how they knew what to do. Blindly following vague directions was not something he wanted to adapt to. Not finding the strength to stand, Arvid enjoyed the gentle breeze. Although he didn't have a proper look, this camp was stationed in the mountains the dense air was one thing but as he trekked through the overgrown grass the amount of dew was abnormal. Most likely a result of the heightened moisture. "How many people are we waiting for, if I'm damn near in the end?" Asking himself was useless, perhaps after some rest, he could find out.

Four Commanders stood on top of the podium, staring down at the magnitude of fledglings. "Before we start with anything, you all must be curious about what those ranks mean." Hands crossed his lips parted with each word, "The ranks you were given, are what place you're in recruits." Murmurs enlisted right after. Of course, people would feel wrong if they were never warned. "Don't let this discourage you! During the four months of boot camp, you all will have multiple…let me repeat MULTIPLE chances to gain points and rise in the ranks and LOSE points." Static followed the microphone. "Each morning, we will have a list of the current standings on the exercise board! I will repeat that once more for the dumb ass that won't listen. EACH morning, we will have a list, of the current standings with the number of points you've gained and lost." Looking around, the commander shook his head. "You may call me Commander Grif, my fellow comrades will explain the rest." Going back to his seat, a woman took the stand.

"As Commander Grif stated, all of you are valued by such ranks while progressing through camp. It's a friendly…friendly competition to strive to better yourself, no matter your race, gender, or disability you want to be the best version of yourself!" Clearing her throat she scanned the crowd, "The top three ahead in the rankings will reap benefits while the others won't, use this as motivation to rise above others. With that in mind, points will be distributed starting tomorrow." Smacking her lips, she turned to view her fellow commanders. "Tents are coed, meaning who you bunk with will be with you until further notice! I shouldn't have to say this as you're all adults, but sexual relations are forbidden. If caught punishment will be immediate! For young women, if you start your period-" A flutter of laughter emitted from the crowd, mostly a result of the men present. "If that's funny, all of the men will be deducted fifteen points!" Stepping back, she assumed attention as another one of her commanders to the stage.

"You all are in for a treat tomorrow for that sorry display." A lanky man came to the stage fiddling with his glasses, "Piggybacking off of Commander Rose, you will choose your tents for tonight but tomorrow and the following days it will be according to rank. The top three get to pick where they stay, while the others aimlessly wait." Swallowing down his nervousness he continued, "Your items will be given to you at a later date, and bathrooms will be separate between tents and gender…what else am I missing? Anytime you want to give up, the exit is the way you came in. All you need to do is make your way down the mountain toward where you started. That's all from me, yea." Stepping away, the last man stepped up.

"Ahem, Tucker forgot to mention that in the morning, you'll have to check the board for updates and the schedule for that day." Waiting for the muttering to calm, he started again, "The max points you can achieve is two-hundred! You can pass that threshold to accumulate extra points, and you can also lose them. Standard clothing will be provided to you for your duration, AND those top three will be personally accommodated by the commanders, they can have personal meals and more benefits. If you miss the updated rankings in the morning, do not worry. We and what I mean is me and only me, during the scheduled roll call which will be where we are now. The projector we have set up will show the current standings starting next roll-call, and today it will show you how many points you can gain and lose." Moving to the side blond hair bounced, emerald eyes picking apart the trainees. "After you memorized the list when Commander Rose says fall out you will socialize until you hear the alarm."

Light screened onto the wooden board behind each commander, declaring the point distribution. Tapping on a remote Commander Glen watched as everything booted up.

Finishing first and following command: +15

Finishing second and following command: +10

Finishing third and following command: +5

Leading platoon to victory (leader): +10

Assisting a comrade: +5

Top markings ending weekly exercise: +20

Winning spar: +25

Repetitive first place during exercise: +15

Repetitive second place during exercise: +10

Repetitive third place during exercise: +5

Correct answers: +5

Losing spar: -30

Low markings ending weekly exercise: -25

Failure to follow orders: -15

Failure to lead platoon to win (leader): -10

Unnecessary violence: -50 or suspension, possible retirement.

Repetitive last place during exercise: -40

Bullying/harassing fellow comrades: -25

Abandonment of duty: -20

Sexual relations: -50

No one particularly stood out even as the trainees were left to socialize Earl found himself in the dark, although he said he would be scouting to build around him it was harder to find those people with the ranks unavailable until morning. Even if he were to find out who entered the camp first, befriending them would be a hill to climb over. Placing ninety-sixth was another hurdle, his goal to be scouted with talented individuals was an extended stretch spanning miles. Walking around, he controlled his thoughts while taking in the area.

"What gives me an edge over everyone is my knowledge and understanding, if I were to join someone's side I would need to prove myself." Nibbling on his nails, he turned at the large stone wall. "The rules had team values, so socializing with others immediately would work in my favor." Unfortunately, someone who was only friends with his mother, father, and Faunus maid didn't have such talents. Spitting a shard of his nail, he circled round the third corner outpost. "My faults? Physical activities, anyone can see I'm sorta big boned. Luckily I came in the top hundreds."

"Are you speaking to yourself, soldier?" Feet shuffled towards a 45-degree angle, heels placed against each other. Chest puffing, his arms fell to his side, his gaze lying ahead. "Fall-out soldier it's the first day." Not following, Earl kept his head straight sweat forming on his forehead.

"Private Earl Flowstone!" Legs shaking, he swallowed down any sort of nervousness.

"Flowstone…Flow…Flow? Oh, your father served with me! Legacy is one hell of a thing, surprised your old man had it in him." Blond hair styled in two-block matched the commander's fair skin. "You're a tad chubbier than him, but I know you must pack one helluva punch like him."

The young man flinched as commander Glen placed his hand on his shoulder blades. "Your back is curved, and you miscalculated where your left foot should go. If you want to impress the other commanders, next time don't state rank and name unless asked, and don't talk to yourself champ."

"Permission to speak above rank!" Earl forced his voice, eyes closing preparing for the worse.

"Uh, granted?" Glen's emerald eyes hovered on Earl awaiting whatever was coming out.

"My father told me about his time in the army, and I just want to know what kind of person he was in boot camp. Sir." Bowing after the speech, Glen squinted.

"Just like you, nervous and overthinking. Now hurry back to the others, since I knew your father you'll be in my care and me likewise." Glen tossed his hand in the air walking away, announcing the end of the conversation.

"Awesome." Listening to the superior the trainee ran back smiling ear-to-ear.

An official start, for the people that submitted so far. Thanks, you'll see in the upcoming chapters if they made it or not. Still accepting though, nothing is full as of yet. In other words, RWBY's plot is about a bad breakup the more you look into it. It's funny. Have a great night/day catch ya soon.