Checking his scroll, Ragna grumbled as he was reminded of how behind schedule he was. "Shit, I guess I should've taken an airship after all." Flying wasn't exactly the young man's preferred method of travel, but the longer he spent on the passenger train, the more it became apparent that he'd made the wrong call. The sun was already starting to set, and he'd probably have to grab his student ID from building security after school hours.
Master said that he'd be going on a pilgrimage while I'm training here, so I get that he probably has his own reasons for traveling alone… but seriously, does he really think that I need some piece of paper with my name and a fancy emblem on it? I've been fighting Grimm my whole damn life!
Of course, he knew well enough what Jubei's actual reasoning was. "You've come a long way since I first saw you floundering about in that old Licht Kries church," he recalled a conversation that they had during the last Hollow Night. "But despite how much you've grown as a combatant, you haven't grown one bit as a person… and I'm afraid that there's some lessons that this old man just ain't cut out to teach."
Ragna could remember his response that day. "So what, I've gotta go play nice with some rich city clowns for the next three years of my life? You seriously expect me to just get along with those people?!"
"I don't expect much of anything from a disciple that bitches and moans like a damn runt," Jubei gave Ragna a stern look, his one eye reflecting the light of the moon's fragments. "But you don't have to worry about my expectations anymore. The paperwork is already in, so as far as I'm concerned, you're a student of Beacon now." He looked up at the starry sky, breathing in the night air as the wind softly blew against his dark fur. "Think about those siblings of yours for a sec'. Jin took on the Kisaragi name, and all of the responsibility that comes with that. Saya swore her oath as a Sister of the Licht Kreis. The only sibling that's still playing the 'Lone Wolf' is you, Ragna." The old cat sighed, looking back down to his disciple. "It's about time you quit meandering around in my shadow, and find your own purpose."
My own purpose? How could someone like me ever have—
"Pardon me young man, but I believe that this is your stop."
Jolted out of his recollection, Ragna looked around as he realized that the train was slowing down. The station they were approaching was labeled "VALE CENTRAL PASSENGER STATION," and beyond the city streets and buildings, he could see the looming shadow of Beacon Academy in the distance, the setting sun barely illuminating its structure enough to make it visible among the forests and mountains that followed further in the distance.
The voice that had spoken appeared to be an elderly man in a wheelchair. He wore an orange business suit, and glasses that reflected what remained of the sun, obscuring his eyes. "You're a student, are you not? You may wish to hurry if you don't want to be late."
Ragna had no idea how the geezer was so perceptive, but he clearly didn't have time to ask too many questions as the train came to a halt. "Thanks, old timer!" He grabbed his bag and weapon, and bolted out as the train doors opened.
As the boy left, Stephen smiled as his assistants walked up from behind. The first was a mature-looking woman in a blue uniform with various straps and buttons that tapered off into a long skirt, her platinum hair reflecting the sunlight. "Shall we keep an eye on him for you, master?"
The other assistant, a little girl in a red-on-black dress with long white twintails, followed up on the elders' question. "The Aspect is still incomplete, master. Is close observation necessary at this time?"
"For now, we need only keep a general observation of the boy." Stephen leaned back in his wheelchair, considering the potential futures to come. "Should his fate intertwine with the Sentinel, then even the Fourteen Law's shall not forestall his awakening."
Rubbing his temple, Jaune groaned in discomfort as his blurred vision slowly cleared up. Oh man, how long have I been out for? Struggling to sit up, he realized that there were actually numerous other students surrounding him, all laying on various mattresses, futons, and hammocks. Despite this, they were all still outside for… some reason?
What the heck is going on? Why are we all sleeping outdoors like this? Is camping a part of Initiation?
"Looks like Mister Sleepyhead is finally waking up, Sa-sa!"
Looking to his left, Jaune saw an energetic girl in a pink pajama onesie, her hair and night cap equally as pink. This girl really likes pink stuff, huh?
"Please be careful around that boy, Heart." A girl next to the pink chick with long, blue hair, and a red nightgown, glanced at Jaune with judging eyes. "I can't see how you could possibly trust him after that incident with the Mistralite girl."
Oh crapsticks, how many people saw that?! Jaune immediately tried to clear things up. "Hey, that was a complete accident! I was running because I thought I'd be late to Orientation (which, now that I think about it, I ended up missing anyway), and I wasn't paying attention and ran straight into that girl." He paused for a moment, then added. "It was an honest mistake, I swear!"
Though the blue-haired girl simply scoffed in response, her pink friend, Heart, giggled as she leaned in and poked Jaune on the forehead. "All is forgiven, Mister Pervert! Now go change into some jammies before people start calling you Mister Sleeps-in-his-Armor!"
Honestly, I'd happily take that second nickname if I never have to hear "Mister Pervert" ever again in my life. Feeling defeated, Jaune grabbed his bags and jogged over to the main building to find a restroom to change. After about twenty minutes of fumbling about through various halls and corridors, he finally found a men's restroom. As he headed inside, he almost bumped into a tall guy with blonde hair who was conversing with a shorter student, his own hair appearing to be partially bleached blonde.
"Oh, excuse me." Jaune walked past them to an empty stall to start changing. I hope my sisters packed me a normal-looking pair of PJ's for once… Much to his dismay, however, the only option provided for him was a single, navy-blue bunny onesie. I just can't catch a break today.
Swallowing what meager remains were left of his pride, Jaune began changing into his onesie as the other two boys continued their conversation.
"...so that's why it's best to just not interact with those two." Hyde said, now changed into a basic black t-shirt and gym shorts. "Especially Carmine. Seriously, if that damn lobster see's even the tiniest ounce of weakness, he goes off the fucking deep end!"
Kanji had on brown pajama bottoms, and a purple shirt with a white skull insignia. "So I'm just supposed to let those pricks off the hook after jackin' the rest of my topsicles?!"
"Hell no, dude! Just wait until after Initiation so you can write a report to the staff—!"
Hyde was cut off as the stall door opened, Jaune trying his best to avoid eye contact as he walked out, fully adorned in a blue bunny onesie.
"Uh, what the hell are you wearing?" Hyde tried to choke back a snicker as he observed Jaune's outfit.
Before Jaune could respond, Kanji was grabbing him by the sleeve, rubbing his fingers against the onesie. "Woah, it's so freakin' fuzzy!" His facial expression was an almost disturbing mixture of joy and jealousy, like a kid seeing his friend get a new toy. "Man, I wish Ma' would let me work with materials like this!"
Okay, this guy is getting WAY too close for comfort! Jaune tried to casually pull back from the boy as he nervously laughed. "Oh, w-w-well I'm certainly glad that somebody likes it." He started walking to the restroom door as he continued. "Here's hoping that you're not the only one!"
Just as he touched the door handle to leave, a hand grabbed him by the shoulder. Looking behind him, he saw that the shorter of the two boys wore a serious expression as he held Jaune back. "Trust me, you do not wanna go out in that, tonight."
City lights lit up the night, as the streets of Vale were ablaze with the hustle of various street urchins and hoodlums. In the distance, police sirens could be heard, drowned out only by the ranting and ravings of local drunks. This was the city that Roger had grown to adore; a chaotic melting pot of different cultures and attitudes, with people from all corners of Remnant hoping to drown out the monotony of their daily grind with the excesses of night life.
But, he ultimately was there for more than just fun and games. The Boss and Red trusted me to snag some more recruits, so I better deliver! However, no matter where he looked, or who he talked to, every night for the past week had come up completely dry. He still had stacks of invitations, but just had zero luck with finding suitable recruits for Amnesia.
Oh, who am I kidding, he stopped himself along a train track that led north past that fancy school for Huntsmen and Huntresses. "Man, Junior was right, I really suck at this shit." Reaching into his pocket to grab his scroll, he figured that maybe if he sucked up to Mongrel, she might throw a few leads his way. If nothing else, it'd give him something productive to do.
"Hey jackass, you're hogging up the whole sidewalk!"
Roger jerked up to see a tall guy in a red coat walking up to him. He had white, spiked hair and a massive weapon holstered behind his back. He had a large green sea bag slung over his shoulder, and looked fit enough to carry at least three more if he wanted to.
"Damn, son! You look like you could bench press a friggin' truck!" Man, my luck is totally turning around! This guy is worth at least ten invites by himself! Snagging a sheet of paper, Roger thrust it towards the big guy, a smile adorning his face. "Well I certainly hope you don't have anywhere to be, because I've got one hell of an offer for ya, pal!"
"Actually, I do have somewhere I need to be, so you can take whatever offer you've got and shove it." The guy pushed Roger aside, completely ignoring his attempted sales pitch.
Crap, I can't let this guy go! He's like a golden goose walking! Keeping up with his target, he maintained his trademark smile. "Oh buddy, whatever you've got going on, I can promise you that it won't come close to what my boss has cookin' up for new blood! Ever heard of the up-and-coming freelance agency Amnesia?"
This seemed to catch the guy's attention. "Oh, believe me, I definitely know about you assholes." He then turned to Roger, grabbed his collar with his free hand, and (much to Roger's terror) lifted him off the ground. "Bunch of mafia wannabe's eating up properties and trying to throw together a private army of lowlifes and dropouts. Not my cup of tea, assclown."
Roger then felt himself thrown into the safety gate adjacent to the train tracks. The white-haired powerhouse then knelt down as he looked Roger straight in the eyes. "I'd strongly suggest that you don't follow me, unless you want the next throw to be straight into oncoming traffic."
"Y-y-you got it, boss!" Roger didn't feel like taking any more risks with the dude. So with that, the guy left, leaving the Amnesia member with no leads, and some particularly crumpled invitations.
Sorry, Boss. I think tonight's gonna be another bust.
