Mikael stared out at the Emerald forest, the large trees stretched out as far as the eye could see. From a distance it looked peaceful, but within lay the abominations known as Grimm which the first years would have to fight through to reach their objective. He stood of to the side watching the new students arrive, seeing some familiar faces Miss rose and the Schnee girl among a few of them.
Each student took up a position on one of the stone pads with the emblem of Beacon engraved on them in front of Professor Ozpin and Professor Glynda, who then began speaking to them.
"For years you have trained to become warriors. And today your abilities will be evaluated within the emerald forest." Glynda picked up where Ozpin left off
"Now, I'm sure many of you will have heard the rumors about the assignment of teams. Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates today."
There was a brief pause among the students a subtle 'what?' came from Ruby's lips while the headmaster continued where goodwitch left off.
"These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time at Beacon. So, it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well with. That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years."
"WHAT!" Ruby shrieked with several others around her muttering to themselves. "After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest." Ozpin said gesturing to the woodlands behind him " You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path or you will die."
"Blunt and straight to the point, I like his style" Mikael said
"You will be monitored and graded for the duration of the initiation." The headmaster continued " But our instructors will not intervene. You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pair must choose one, and return to the top of the cliff. We will regard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?"
The blond knight, raised his hand "Uh, yea, um sir? how-"
"Good" Ozpin said acting like he didn't hear him "Now, take your positions."
Each students began to brace themselves on their platforms it didn't take a genius to figure out what was going to happen next
"Uh, sir? I've got a, um, question." the knight stuttered as the others were lifted off one by one " So... this landing strategy thing, what is it? Are you like dropping us off"
Ozpin shook his head "No, you will be falling."
The boy palled at the statement "Oh, I see. So did you hand out parachutes for us?"
"No you will be using your own landing strategy. " What ever the boy was about to say next was replaced by a high pitched scream, as the pad beneath him sprung up launching him into the air with the others.
Mikael walked over to the cliff "Ozpin" he said getting the headmasters attention "I have seen many strange things in my lifetime, but that was by far one the of the most evil things I have ever seen, well done." Mikael said chuckling slightly
resting in a nearby tree sat a raven, small bone armor covering it's torso, and a small mask with red lining, Its vibrant red eyes watched the Nightingale and his companions with great interest
/
Within her realm, Salem watched the events through the eyes of one of her children. Her glowing red eyes opened, her knuckles resting under her chin contemplating what appropriate actions would be taken. She had taken time to watch and study this man but what she saw only raised more questions.
He man wielded great power and had the skills and understanding of the art's to call upon a being beyond the comprehension of man, she shuddered slightly at the memory, it had been eons since she had felt the presence of one of 'there' kind touch this shattered world of theirs, and yet even during the reign of the brother god the mother of Grimm felt so... insignificant until the day she felt the presence of this 'Nocturnal'. It was a rather... humbling experience and one that she loathed with a passion.
Although there was a small silver lining, this Nightingale could prove useful, from what she had seen he held no loyalty towards Ozpin, although he and the Fall Maiden did harbor personal feelings for one another. These emotions would only cause more trouble as the Nightingale would most likely spring to her defence if another attempt to obtain her power was made.
If he would not join her, he would have to be dealt with to avoid any further interference.
Salem turned towards the creature beside her it resembled a jellyfish "Gather our forces within the emerald forest." she said a small smile graced her pale features" slaughter the initiates and draw in the Nightingale, let the strongest of them know prey has entered their domain." the creature floated off obeying it's mistress commands.
The mother of Grimm sat back upon her throne resting the palms of her hands together "Let's see if Cinders tales hold any merit."
/
An hour had past since initiation had begun. Amber had joined the three watching the first years students progress. the last few initiates had finished partnering up and were currently progressing towards the temple ruin.
He made a mental note that a certain orange haired girl and Sheogorath should never learn of one another existence, or face all of existence dissolving into madness. Professor goodwitch approached from behind, her scroll in hand "Our last pair has been formed, sir." Glynda said waiving a couple of screens on her scroll around focusing on the pair " Nora Valkyrie and Lie Ren. Poor boy, I can't possibly imagine the two of them getting along"
"Opposites are known to attract one another "Mikael noted
"Still" she moved onto another screen showing the Blond knight walking through the foliage along side a red-haired spartan girl " He's probably better off then Miss Nikos."
Ozpin Hummed in response his focus on his own scroll "I dont care what his transcripts say" Glynda continued "That Jaun fellow is not ready for this level of combat"
"Glynda" Mikael said causing her to look at him " Have some faith in the boy, after all he may surprise you." Mikael said his eyes not straying from his own scroll
She exited out of the screen and looked out towards the forest. "I guess we'll find out soon enough."
"They should be coming up on the temple soon." Amber said looking down at her scroll "They've encountered some resistance, but it wasn't anything they couldn't handle, there shouldn't be any issues getting their relics and making it back"
Glynda nodded and regarded her boss " Speaking of which what did you use for relics this year?" His silence made her nervous " Professor Ozpin?"
Ozpins gaze never left his scroll flipping through the cameras Mikael found the one he was viewing.
/
Down in the Emerald forest Weiss paced back and forth in a clearing "It's definitely this way" Weiss said, before quickly turning on her heels in the opposite direction "I mean... this way! It's definitely this way." Weiss said her voice slowly loosing confidence "Alright, it's official, we passed it."
Ruby stood up from her sitting position " Why cant you just admit that you have idea where we're going."
"Because I know exactly where we're going! We're going to " she paused for a moment " The forest temple"
"Ugh!" Ruby in annoyance at the heiress actions
"Oh, stop it! You don't know where we are either!" Weiss huffed
"Well at least im not pretending like I know everything!" Ruby shot back
"What is that supposed to mean!" Weiss snipped
"It means you're a big stupid jerk and I hate you!" Ruby yelled in anger
"Ugh! Just keep moving" Weiss ordered
"Oh, Just keep moving! Hurry up! Wha, watch where your going!" Ruby mocked intimidating Weiss "Why are you so bossy?"
"I'm not bossy! don't say things like that." Weiss said stomping over to ruby
"Stop treating me like a kid!" Ruby grit her teeth in anger
"Stop acting like a kid!" Weiss snapped back
" Well stop acting like your perfect!" Ruby yelled annoyed at her so called partners behavior.
"I'm not perfect!" Weiss snapped "Not yet. But I'm still leagues better then you" Weiss said in a cold voice
Ruby shoulders slummed her eyes trailed down to the ground for a moment "You don't even know me"
/
"That could have went better" Mikael muttered shaking his head. What the Rose girl had to put up with bothered him, despite what many back in skyrim would believe he had a soft spot for children most likely instincts left over from his time as a parent
Deeply despising those who would harm them physically or emotionally. Which was one of the reasons why the Riften orphanage was 'under new management' after the tragic death of 'Grelod the kind'. Never the less if the two could not get along with one another, or at the very least tolerate one another it could prove to be a detriment to the team they would later join.
He cracked a small smile watching the feed of Ruby managing to convince Weiss to hitch a ride on a sleeping Nevermore.
"There certainly creative" Amber said viewing the girls action from her own scroll
"Quite" Mikael responded changing camera view to the temple, two young women had entered the clearing he pulled up the two young lady's files
: Yang Xioa Long, the elder sister of Ruby Rose. A brawler class fighter with a semblance that not only giving her power over the flame, but also allowing her to take any damage she took and dish it out tn fold. She was boisterous and cocky: the complete opposite of her partner
:Blake Belladonna, her fighting style mostly focused on stealth, quiet and a loner. Good in close quarters combat although more skilled with her blade then her fist. And with a semblance that created a clone of herself to avoid an attack :
Mikael looked at the girl she would have made a promising recruit for the dark brotherhood Babette certainly would have liked her, although that opinion was better kept to himself.
Mikael continued watching the feed from the cameras, until he stopped on one "Professor Ozpin" he said getting his attention "You need to get them out of there now" Mikael said
"Why?" Ozpin inquired taking a few steps towards the Nightingale
"Camera three north-eastern quadrant." Mikael stated as he made his way towards the edge of the cliff
Glynda brought up the camera and her eye's widened "my...Oum" she uttered in horror, a hoard of grimm where massing on the edges of the emerald forest and were making there way further in towards the first year initiates and it was quickly growing in numbers and strength.
"Professor Ozpin with this concentration of grimm the first years won't have a chance." Glynda stated in horror
"Glynda prep a Bullhead, I want you and a group of teachers to move in and extract the students." Ozpin ordered
"They won't make it in time" Mikael said examining the drop off the edge of the cliff
"What are you doing" the blond huntress said observing the Nightingale actions.
"I'll move through the forest and make sure the initiates make it to the cliff." Mikael said stepping back towards one of the launch pads " Forget the rules of interference, I will not sit idly by and watch them die."
"I'll come with you" Amber said drawing her staff
"No, you need to stay here. Help glynda prepare the extraction I can buy the first years time but they'll still need a way out if worst comes to worst." Mikael said sternly leaving no room for argument.
"I'm on it" Amber responded she and Glynda quickly dashed off towards the school
"Mikael" he looked over to the professor "Bring them back safely " Ozpin said
"You have my word" Mikael said before activating the launch pad flinging him into the forest.
/
Mikael flew through the air like a bullet, any other man in his situation would most likely be screaming their lungs out right about now. But to him he found the sight peaceful, calming even he was one of the few people of Tamriel who had the chance to view the world in such a way. Riding on dragon back from time to time did come with some perks.
As he reached the apex of his flight, the effect of gravity returned and soon found him self descending at an alarming rate although this could easily be remedied.
"Feim Zii Gron!" his formed shimmered into an ethereal blue descending through the canopy he landed with a role that soon evolved into a full on sprint as he form became tangible once again making his way north towards the initiates that were unaware of the imminent threat.
He looked up into the sky seeing a large nevermore circling in the distance a red speck dropping from it's back. Mikael quickly picked up the pace vaulting over a fallen tree, a growl erupted from his left as a Beowolf leapt out of the forest before it could even blink it found it's head severed from it's shoulders
'I don't have time for this' Mikael thought sheathing his blade, suddenly a feminine shriek echoed in the distance... or at least what sounded like one, the nightingale watched a familiar blond knight sail overhead towards the clearing.
/
"HEADS UP!" Ruby cried as the ground began getting drastically closer, she braced herself for the impact. Suddenly Jaun crashed into her, sending both of them into a nearby tree.
"Did your sister just fall from the sky?" Blake asked yang, whom didn't even have an answer.
The two then turned their attention towards an enraged Ursa, thrashing it's limbs wildly knocking trees over left and right, only to fall a few seconds later reviling a red haired girl on it's back "Yeehaw!" Nora shouted, sending the Ursa crashing to the ground. "Aww, it's broken" she said disappointed.
Following her out of the brush Ren rested his arm against a tree giving himself a moment to catch his breath " Nora!...Please!... Don't ever do that again." he wheezed before looking up to find her gone
she looked at a gold rook piece with interest before grabbing it then she began to sing "I'm Queen of the castle! I'm Queen of the castle!"
"NORA" Ren yelled stopping Nora
The bubbly ginger gives him a salute with a laugh "heh, coming Ren" she shouted before dashing off.
Yang and Blake were just dumbstruck from what had just transpired "Did that girl just ride in on an Ursa?" Blake asked, suddenly a loud screech pierced through the air and was followed by a section of trees at the far side, Pyrrha sprinted through the clearing with what looked like a giant scorpion hot on her heels.
"Jaun!" She yelled leaping forward to avoid one of the scorpions massive pincers from closing in on her.
"Pyrrha!" Jaun yells from the tree. He then looks at Ruby" Ruby!"
Ruby then jumped down from the tree, landing close to the temple where Blake and Yang were "Ruby!" the blond asked in surprise
"Yang!" the younger girl cheered raising her arms in excitement, going to hug her sibling. "Nora!" Nora cheered appearing between the two of them interrupting there moment.
Did she just run all the way here with a death stalker on her tale?" Blake asked as yang began to shake in frustration before she exploded in flames "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE COULD EVERYONE JUST CHILL OUT BEFORE SOMETHING CRAZY HAPPENS AGAIN?!" snapped yang, there were two seconds of absolute silence.
"Um…yang" Ruby said tapping the blond brawler on the and pointed up, the others following her line of sight caught a glimpse of something white
"How could you leave me?!" Weiss cried dangling from the talon of the large Nevermore, before suddenly she let go and started plummeting to the forest bellow. Jaun had managed to free himself after being stuck in the tree, he looked up to find his snow angel plummeting to what seemed to be her doom
Acting quickly he leapt out of the tree just in time to catch Weiss "Just dropping in" He added with a confident smirk he smile left his face as he realized the situation they were both now in "Oh, god" the two latched onto each other before slamming into the ground face first with Weiss landing on his back.
"My hero" She said while examining her nails. The other merely stood there watching the events unfold before the red-head running from the large scorpion took a hit and was thrown in their direction, landing in the dirt in front of them.
"Well, the gangs all here. Now we can die together." Yang said
A look of determination appeared on Ruby's face as she turned to face the scorpion "Not if I can help it" Ruby said as she charged forwards, her scythe opening in her hands as she met the Grimm head on slamming hard against its carapace.
Her massive scythe rebounded off and sent the cloaked girl crashing to the ground. Staggering to her feet, Ruby spun around firing a sniper round from Crescent Rose into the Deathstalker's face only for the round to be deflected off the Deathstalker's dense chitin armor as she started to run from it. Folding her weapon up and placing it on her back as she tried to put as much distance between her and it.
"Ruby!" Yang shouted running towards her sister. A familiar screech echoed from above as the Nevermore had circled back. Flapping it's powerful wings it unleashed a volley of feather like spears towards the ground blocking the blonds path and pining the back of Ruby's cloak to the ground.
The rest of the large group now moved to help the now vulnerable 15 year old, Ruby paused as a large shadow loomed over her, the Deathstalker had closed in on her stinger held high ready to end her life.
/
"RUBY!" yang screamed in horror Weiss by her side rapier raised ready to save her new partners life, suddenly a thunderous voice called out shaking the earth beneath them
"Wuld Nah Kest!" A dark figure shot out from the forest with the speed and strength of gale force winds behind him.
The young girl had closed her eye's, thoughts of her Dad, uncle Qrow, Yang and all the friends she had made. She heard the mighty voice shake the earth followed by the clashing of blades, taking a chance she cracked a silver eye open and was shocked to see a familiar black cloak in front of her. Attached to a familiar person the one she had met just a day prior when she arrived.
"Professor Salmon" The words came from her lips like a whisper, Mikael was knelt in front of her his ebony sword raised the death stalkers stinger held back by the slender blade, his left palm pressed to the flat side of the sword for added support
Mikael stared the abomination before him in the eye that radiated nothing but hatred and a lust to kill, he took a breath "Fus Ro Dah!" A blue shock wave Impacted the death stalker the power behind it threw the massive Grimm off it's feet, the Deathstalker flew back rolling across the forest floor skidding to a halt at the edge of the treeline.
He turned to face the young Rose who looked up at him in awe, as if a character from her favorite story as a child had stepped off the pages and into reality.
He reached over her shoulder yanking the feather from her cloak freeing the girl, she rose to her feet looking up at him silver eye's filled with gratitude his head turned back towards the Deathstalker as it regained it's footing, it's massive pincers clacked together loudly, hissing it charged towards the human who had stolen away it's prey.
Mikael spun his ebony sword in his grasp looking back over his shoulder at Ruby "Run" he said as he turned to fully face the oncoming threat
Ruby slowly began backing up "T-Thank you" she said before turning and breaking off into a sprint back towards her sister.
Mikael stood tall against the oncoming threat that barreled towards him in blind rage 'How predictable' he inwardly mused despite there overall numbers and size the grimm weren't that different to the beasts of skyrims vast wilderness although none of them could even hold a candle to that of the Dov. These creatures despite becoming more intelligent over time still had one fatal flaw they would always give in to one of there most primal instincts. A lust to kill.
Mikael switched his grip on the Nevermore's feather hurling it like a javelin at the charging Deathstalker, the result just as he had hoped, a spear like feather flew through the air impaling the creature of darkness through it's left eye, it let out a hiss of pain the left side of it's peripheral vision was either black dew to that eye now being worthless or obscured by the feather.
Mikael dashed forward meeting the threat head on he slid under one of it's pincers that attempted to close around him, he hopped up onto the Deathstalker's back the glowing stinger lashed out at him attempting to impale on knock him off. Mikael plunged the end of his ebony sword through the right eye of the Deathstalker down to the hilt the creature of darkness took the opportunity to bat him off with it's stinger now without a weapon it closed in on him.
Two orbs of darkness formed in his hands Mikael clenched his hand shut around them, a vibrant violet light glowed from within two bound swords appeared in his grasp. Swinging the blades he slashed the death stalker across it's face leaving two large cut's in it's armor a pincer lashed out attempting to slice him in half mikael rolled back avoiding its attack, he charged forward side stepping the stinger missing it's intended target and embedding it'self the earth Mikael rolled under the the Deathstalker's pincer stabbing the two blades through two of the remaining eye sockets penetrating deep within it's flesh.
The now fully blinded creature began thrashing uncontrollably in a futile attempt to strike it's opponent. Lightning crackled in Mikaels hands it was time to put this creature out of it's misery, his gaze landed on the hilt of his ebony sword an idea forming in his head. Lightning shot forth focusing around the are where his sword lay embedded in the Grimm's flesh, latching onto the metal blade sending thousands of volts of energy into the Deathstalker's body.
The death stalker let loose one final cry of pain before it's body, body fell to limp to the ground shaking the earth, Mikael walked up to the smoking body off the Deathstalker he reached up pulling his ebony sword free the blade was slightly warm to the touch. He spun the blade flicking off any of the black ichor that remained before sheathing it, he took a deep breath calming himself as the rush of battle faded.
He turned back to face his future students who stared right at him looking at him with a mix of shock and awe. Ruby was the first to come out of it "That... was... AWESOME!" she squealed dashing up to the dragonborn staring up at him eye's filled with child like wonder.
"Uhh... who's this guy?" Yang asked looking to her partner who just stared at him in shock and slight fear
"Questions latter, right now you need to start making your way back towards the cliff now." Mikael said looking to the other first years
"We still have to finish initiation" Weiss said
"Then i suggest you grab your relics, we are rather pressed for time and i'd rather put as much distance between this place and us." Mikael said his eye's scanning the tree line
"What do you-" Pyrrha's words wear interrupted by a monstrous roar in the distance. Dozens of Crimson red eye's appeared from the treeline, the earth shook as multiple tree's began to topple making way for what was now leading the hoard.
The large beast had five serpent like heads, each baring a bone mask with red markings and a red frill leading down along the neck. It's body was pitch black except for the bone plating along it's chest and leading down it's spine in small spikes before ending at it's tail. The beast let out a mighty roar towards the heavens the center head breathing a jet of black fire into the sky above.
The first years took a step back in horror "A...a Hydra" Weiss said her voice barely audible.
"Go, I'll distract it!" Mikael Ordered as he began marching towards the hoard.
"You can't fight that thing on your own!" Pyrrha yelled unwilling to allow him to fight this battle alone. The others didn't move an inch Ruby unfolded Crescent Rose despite their fear they weren't willing to leave this man to fight alone.
Mikael could only sigh 'There a stubborn bunch maybe I'll enjoy teaching them if I make it out of this one' he thought looking over to the imposing creature of Grimm
Mikaels hand lashed out behind him before any of the first years could react there pathway was blocked by a wall of fire " If you try and face this hoard you will die. Other's are coming I suggest you go" Mikael said his form vanished from there sight as the flames obscured there vision.
Ruby stepped forward trying to find a way through the blaze until a hand grasped her shoulder "Ruby he's right" Yang said looking down at her little sister with a serious expression "We have to go"
"But" Ruby said looking back towards the wall of flames, she could just make out the cries of dying Grimm
"No" Yang said gripping her sisters shoulder tighter "I almost lost you, I'm not going to let that happen again, please we need to go"
"She's right" Ren began "Even at full strength we wouldn't be able to stand against a grimm of that size on our own, he took down a death stalker single-handedly, he has a better chance then us " Ruby cast one final look back towards the professors direction, nodding she and the others quickly acquired their chess pieces before hurrying towards the cliffs direction.
The sounds of battle and screams of dying Grimm fading off into the distance
'To be continued'