The four boys lay strewn about the hill, winded and some, filthier than others. Caelum caught his breath and sat up. His barrel still warm but cooled by the creature's blood that doused him and his bayonet. It was a wonder how their bodies dissipated but the foul-smelling liquid remained.
A glance to the right showed the boy in brown rolling over as he groaned. "Pfft, I, I think I got some in my mouth."
To the left, Raiden seemed shell-shocked but still able to make a quip. "Heh, yeah. Tastes bad huh?"
Further left was the boy in green, already on his feet and pacing. "What the hell was that?!" He asked no one in particular. "Is that senile bastard Ozpin even doing his damn job?!"
'Ozpin had said that the teachers would not intervene…' recalled Caelum watching the outburst.
With a groan, his joints felt as if they were creaking and about to pop under the strain of simply standing, Caelum stood and approached his partner. He retracted the blade into its bipod form and folded it back. As he walked, he checked himself and his gear.
Bloodstained and slightly torn clothing, a few Grimm had gotten some nicks on him downhill. His weapon was operable with a few new dings to it. The first barrel was downhill, the throat it had blistered already ash but he was unwilling to go back for it. He had more and that one had seen plenty of rounds go through it anyway.
Raiden looked up at Caelum seemingly lost as his partner collapsed the MG and slung it to his back. Seeing the calm face of Caelum he seemed to snap to reality as he looked around for his weapon.
Raiden locked it into its halberd form and used it to stand, his legs feeling unstable. Caelum raised an eyebrow, to which Raiden assured him he would be fine in a moment. With a nod of his head, Caelum ushered him to follow.
"Wait a moment please!" called the boy in brown after them. He ran over to his colleague who swatted away his hand, still furious at their brush with death. Despite this, he followed his partner.
Addressing Caelum, the taller boy bowed his head slightly. "He may be a little upset right now but let me thank you for your help. Both of you" he insisted, turning to Raiden.
Raiden bowed back, accepting the thanks as Caelum eyed them with a scrutinizing gaze. The boy in brown stood firm but his expression seemingly wilted under the intense stare. The boy in green interrupted the courteous exchange, however.
"Are we just gonna ignore that?! That was not supposed to happen! A Grimm that size shouldn't be this close to Vale's proximity let alone Beacon!"
Caelum turned to the boy with a sullen glare. "You should focus on completing your task and yourself before complaining of ineptitude."
The boy in green was stunned at the comment as his partner seemed to jump in for damage control. As he held back his furious friend, he insisted on remaining together. "A-as you've said we should focus on leaving here at once and therefore completing our objective!" He struggled to restrain his friend despite being stronger, evidence of the boy's rage.
"May we stick together if any more adversity arises?" he asked.
Caelum's expression showed immediate refusal but Raiden interjected. "Of course! At least until we're out of the forest!"
A distasteful glare from Caelum silenced Raiden as the boy thanked him and his peer begrudgingly calmed down as his partner muttered some reasoning to him.
Caelum took his leave. "Thankfully that won't be too long."
Raiden followed his partner and saw what he meant. There were no trees here. His eyes scanned their surroundings, the clearing expanded further out to where a small black ruin lay.
'Just as he said' thought Raiden, running after his partner. The two boys followed at a distance, bickering quietly along the way. There was an almost eerie serenity about the place as they approached. The wide field expanded out towards the decrepit ruins of a temple. Black stone still standing after who knows how long.
Raiden could almost see the grandeur it held in its prime. An open ceiling invited the sky amidst this wide field as the Mountains on the horizon stood prominent behind it. Lost in his admiration, he was left behind as the three boys walked ahead of him.
Catching up he saw several pedestals orbiting the ornate design on the stone floor. Half to the left held gold chess pieces, and half to the right held black pieces.
The two strangers began discussing just which piece they should take as Caelum slowly strode from the leftmost column to the right and the center of the structure. Raiden watched patiently as his peer strode forward and snatched a piece before returning to his side.
Caelum held his fist out to Raiden, who hesitantly outstretched a palm. He dropped the 'relic' into his hand. It was a black King. "Keep it on your person, I'll be taking point and we can't risk losing it."
"Uh, sure thing" nodded Raiden, stashing the king piece away.
The two they helped bickered a moment longer before taking their own piece, the boy in green convincing his peer that if nothing happened when their peers took the king piece, why shouldn't they? The boy in brown conceded that their saviors seemed to know what they were doing and allowed his partner to jostle off and retrieve their relic.
Taking their leave, the four boys weren't too far before they heard the sounds of chaotic combat erupting at the ruins. Raiden had a puzzled look as Caelum dismissed his worries without even looking back. "We've achieved our objective, no need to endanger ourselves any further. Besides, anyone making that much noise must have some handle on the situation."
The two boys who had continued following them with little conversation agreed perhaps out of exhaustion if not practicality. The boy in green distastefully agreed with Cealum, announcing his uncaring attitude for any more surprises as his partner placed a sympathetic hand on Raiden's shoulder. The two exchanged looks of remorse, wishing to help but knowing they had approached their limits earlier and without their partner's help they were limited in their capability.
Raiden could tell by the hopeful look in the boy's eye that he hadn't discovered the corpses that he and Caelum had.
They were the first to arrive back at Beacon.
The other participants began to filter in over the next few hours, those who arrived early enough were given time to clean up and eat. Some upperclassmen congratulated the boys as they were escorted but received little cheer. The seniors could tell that they had experienced a rather grueling first day and decided to leave them to unwind.
Their cleanup and meal did not last long as Caelum rushed Radien along. The two boys they had been with, were separated from them as they sought to relax. In his hurry to be prepared and make efficient use of time, Caelum had dragged Raiden along and found themselves waiting outside the auditorium.
Raiden wished to make conversation but found it to be as hard as ever. From his expression to his posturing, Caelum seemed closed off to any approach as he stood with crossed arms.
Soon other students began wandering to the auditorium and waiting when an upperclassman told them to enter and await the headmaster's speech as the final groups returned. The two entered and watched as the school staff appeared. As Raiden watched the stage, Caelum looked around. There were fewer students than earlier in the day. Not a large difference, but noticeable.
The headmaster strode onto the stage while Ms. Goodwitch called for everyone's attention. The crowd, now standing in pair's turned their eyes to the stage as the lights dimmed. Ozpin stepped forward and a screen appeared above his head.
He began reading off names, the piece obtained, then the team name and its leader. There seemed to be no particular order either as he introduced teams 'Maroon', 'Teal', 'Slate', and 'Gold' despite them arriving after.
Awaiting their turn, Raiden could only assume it was by order of which teams they could make a name out of first. It was a silly thought that distracted him from Caelum's grimace. He, himself had realized the criteria for the teams were the pieces they chose and that they had already met their teammates.
Around halfway through the proceedings, they were called up by Goodwitch who sent a notification to their scrolls. The four boys walked on stage and awaited their headmaster to announce their team.
"Niel Taklashin, Lukas Coil, Radien Gorm, and Caelum Hyalus. The four of you retrieved the black king pieces. From this day forward you will be known as team Cerulean. Led by Caelum Hyalus."
A round of applause resounded as with every other team announcement. Caelum gave a small nod to the headmaster at his instatement. Raiden and Niel exchanged a handshake and friendly smiles as Lukas seemed none too interested.
The four walked off stage and watched the remaining team announcements.
The headmaster then listed off the final teams. Cardinal, Juniper, and Ruby. The newfound members of "Cerulean" held varying levels of interest in each individual, their team, and whoever was installed as their leader but none left any remarkable impression on the four youths. Other than Lukas who let loose a whistle at those he deemed a 'bombshell'.
"It looks like things are shaping up to be an interesting year," said the headmaster as Glynda took the stage and dismissed the new students. As the new teams meandered about, taking their time in leaving, Caelum was not hesitant in being one of the first out the door.
Raiden followed him as their scrolls vibrated. The alert told them of their rooms, how uniforms would be distributed to their dorms in the morning, and which classes they had on their first official day.
Before Caelum disappeared entirely, Raiden caught him in a short conversation. "It's almost surreal being here, isn't it? I'm surprised by some who passed. I guess there really are huntsman of all kinds" he commented with an excitable air.
"I'm sure they thought the same of you."
Raiden felt the instinctual urge to retort but after a day with his partner had learned that there was no ill intent behind his words. It was, for him embarrassingly, a fact.
"Besides, we're not huntsman you'll do well not to get ahead of yourself lest you lose it" warned Caelum gesturing at his skull.
"You seem more irritated than earlier. What gives? You even got placed as our leader."
Caelum cast a sideways glance at his partner. The innocent curiosity shone through Raiden's annoying persistence. With a sigh he reminded him. "Saw your first two corpses not even twelve hours ago and already forgot? Ozpin didn't make a single mention of those missing."
Raiden's eyes widened as his mouth became slightly agape. "H-he didn't even seem to know-"
"He knew" corrected Caelum. "He said they would watch everything and that the teachers wouldn't assist."
"Wait, what are you- Shouldn't we report this to somebody?"
Caelum rolled his eyes. "Who? Who has the authority let alone proof to condemn the headmaster of the most prominent huntsman academy on Remnant? Besides, he probably has a system set up to give out hush money or inform the parents their kids never arrived at Beacon in the first place. Wouldn't be surprised if Vale's government was in on it too. At the least, it ensures only strong applicants get through I suppose."
"Then why are you upset if you agree with this?!" asked Raiden incredulously.
"I can't forgive brushing off loyalty. He could at least acknowledge their demise. No matter how small or pointless it may be. People die every day but some for what they believe and to toss their will away like trash is a sin itself. It's just more of the damn same" explained Caelum bitterly.
Raiden was silenced by the venom in his partner's tone. Something about this seemed almost personal to him. "You're… prideful. Aren't you?"
Caelum cast squinted eyes at his partner who avoided eye contact upon realizing what he said.
"Pride and honor are all a man has when he's cold, starving, alone, and dying."
Raiden couldn't find words to respond to such a statement. He felt it was almost divine intervention as the crowd began to filter outside and two familiar voices called their attention.
Niel was waving toward them and dragging Lukas along. The two pairs of partners, now a team, eyed each other as they drew closer. Niel and Raiden gave quick observations but Caelum and Lukas seemed to be analyzing every aspect of the other.
Niel Taklashin was the tallest of the four, his gun blades holstered in asymmetrical holsters on his hips. His appearance was unassuming but stood out as it wasn't stylish nor common amongst citizens of Vale proper. Wearing dark browns and tans with light traces of dark blue. It was clothing made for the frontier and some of it by hand, presumably himself if one had to guess. With his pale skin, black hair, and blue eyes, Caelum could further assume he was of the northern nomads northeast of Vale on the peninsula's tip.
A full head shorter and to his left was Lukas Coil. Dirty blonde hair and emerald eyes accessorized the condescending expression plastered on his face. His mech-shifting SMG was stored as a small briefcase on his lower back as he approached with his hands behind his head. His posture was remiss of any discipline yet his clothing was formal. Black slacks, a white dress shirt with no tie, and a dark green vest all tailored to his size. The material seemed durable, perhaps more expensive than any name brand his teammates knew of.
Niel gave a courteous greeting and expressed his excitement to work with them. When silence followed he nudged his partner. Lukas faced them with a dismissive sneer. "I'm sure the pleasure's all yours."
Raiden cast a questioning gaze at Niel who seemed to be biting his lip in distress. "So… have you two known each other long?"
"First day" chuckled Niel. "And you?" Raiden gave an awkward laugh at the question. Niel looked between the two, seeing Caelum's distinctive frown, and nodded. "We are all strangers united it seems."
Lukas laughed aloud. "Only strange one here is you, don't go around talking like that and maybe you'll fit in."
Raiden was shocked by the snide remark as Niel took it with astounding indifference. Noticing Raiden's surprise, Lukas gave a harsh slap to his shoulder. "Lighten up, 'Tak' here knows how to take a joke, thick skin to go with that thick head of 'is."
"Seems he's used to idiots reaping what they sow. Where he's from jackasses like you die daily."
All eyes turned to Caelum. The same expression on his face with the same monotone voice. They nearly thought they imagined it. "Do you have to do this now?" pleaded Raiden.
With an indifferent glance, Caelum shrugged a shoulder. "Can't help it, part of my semblance."
"Wait, really?!"
"No, you dumbass" snarked Caelum as Lukas' demanded his attention with a scowl.
"Come again?" asked Lukas indignantly, stepping forward.
Niel intercepted him. "Please you two." He looked at Caelum. "I thank you but he is my partner. I will handle him, in my own way."
"I didn't do it for you. It's just obvious that you're used to dealing with the children in your tribe" Caelum taunted bluntly.
Lukas ripped the hand blocking him away and stepped face-to-face with his new team leader. He eyed him up and down with a snicker. "Not a bad face but you're clearly dull. Dull clothes, dull eyes, and dull wits to match. Dull all over ain't ya?
Without missing a beat Caelum showed his ability to banter wasn't a fluke. Raiden had assumed he was introverted as he had hardly spoken before now yet the oncoming argument amended that quickly. "Perhaps I'd care for my appearance if I was like you. After all who wouldn't want to hide inadequate skill, a lukewarm IQ, and the cheapest accent money can buy?"
Lukas' attempts at intimidation had fallen flat. He seemed to have never been talked to so disrespectfully. Lost for words, anger soon overtook him. "This 'accent' is old Valean, my blood runs as far back as the founding of this damn city!"
Caelum shifted his weight to one hip. "Glad to see some admittance to your skills, seems our team has quite some work cut out for us," he answered with disinterest.
"I can show you plenty right here! Knock some proper respect into ya!" he threatened, reaching to his back.
"A brat with the attitude of a thug. Charming" replied Caelum leisurely. Nonchalantly staring down at Lukas, he felt no need to reach for his own weapon. He placed his hands on his hips and leaned forward, boredom prevalent in his eyes.
"I'll have you know I've worked for my keep! Nothing was handed to me!" refuted Lukas with a swipe of his hand and a hiss of a tone.
Perhaps for the first time, anyone in his team had seen, Caelum showed emotion. With a chilling grin, he sneered at Lukas. "Must've been hard lifting that silver spoon, huh?"
Lukas found a new venom in his tone. "You've lost it haven't ya? Some dirty grunt who doesn't know how worthless he is."
The words seemed to strike Caelum. His disposition turned back to its indifference but a newfound coldness took his words. "If it wasn't for this 'grunt' then you'd be shit seeping out of a Beowolfs ass right about now."
The crude comment caught everyone unaware. Fellow students passing by even glanced over. Niel leaned down and whispered a query to Raiden. "Do Grimm defecate?" he asked somewhat entranced by the show.
As if it was his cue, Raiden interjected as he dragged Niel to calm Lukas. "We're getting off on the wrong foot. Why don't we all get some rest and start anew tomorrow?"
Lukas turned with a click of his tongue as Caelum shrugged a shoulder. "Great we'll head back to the dorm first, Niel why don't you take a walk with Lukas and explore?"
"Sounds wise" nodded Niel, bowing his head slightly before noticing Lukas was already leaving without him.
Raiden slumped slightly as he sighed. "Why can't you get along with anybody?!" he exclaimed, turning to Caelum. There was no one there. Caelum was already walking back himself. Jogging to catch up he posed the same question again.
Caelum dismissed the notion outright. "I don't care how this 'team' acts, so long as we provide results. Consider this laissez faire."
Raiden was yet again at a loss of how to respond to such a difficult person, who just had to be his partner of all people.
Meanwhile, in Ozpin's office, the headmaster sipped at his coffee while reading through the day's results. Glynda appeared from the elevator with a report.
With a somber expression, she informed him. "Headmaster, the deceased applicants' remains have been retrieved and are being prepared for delivery home. The council has been informed and will be in contact with their families with compensation and if necessary, a coverup."
Ozpin's slight grin faded as he listened. "Hmm, I see Glynda. Thank you. It is tragic that three applicants lost their lives this year. As well as over a dozen more not succeeding."
Glynda nodded, clutching her clipboard to her chest. "It seems that James was correct. The Grimm are becoming more active and stronger variants are appearing more frequently."
"Concerning indeed. Yet with this strife, we have harnessed the newest generation of talent. And quite the talent they seem to be. Tell me, do you remember why the relics are chess pieces?" asked Ozpin.
"Yes sir."
"Regale me."
With a raised eyebrow Glynda did so. "The pieces are a form of psychological test that you have seen proven 'back in your day' or so you say. The white pieces are chosen by those with pure intention and selfless desire. The blacks by those with ambition and an inclination to dubious means. Each piece represents a personality of the warriors who chose it."
"And the order of choice?"
"The skill of each individual is shown by how quickly they arrive to choose. As options are wider the earlier they pick the more reliable the assessment of their character."
Ozpin nodded, pleased with his ever-trustworthy aid. "The rooks show those who are unshakeable defenders. The knight, honorary warrior's. The bishop, loyal aids" he glanced at Glynda reminiscing of her school years when she chose the white bishop. "The queen, powerful individual's who seeks to protect. Now, what of the king piece dear Glynda?"
Without hesitation, she answered. "Gifted with a thirst for power and the tendency to be egoistic."
"Perfect as always. That is correct, hence why I would like you to focus on the growth of those who chose the white pieces namely our loyal defenders and warriors."
"And of the others?"
Ozpin chuckled to himself. "We are not in the habit of leaving talent to dwindle. See that they grow well but keep an eye on them, especially those of worrisome interest."
Glynda nodded and took her leave. Ozpin reclined and sipped his coffee as he turned to his monitor. He had been going over his new student's profiles and had arrived at an impasse. A black king piece was prevalent atop the screen with four faces and detailed bios underneath. All with interesting backgrounds except for the leader whose information was redacted.
"Worrisome indeed."
-Chapter End-