Here we are at Chapter 3. Time to meet a few more meaningful characters from RWBY. And maybe a scream here or there. I do not own RWBY or Genshin Impact. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 3. Enjoy.
Chapter 3: Knowing People
Ei finds herself walking with Ruby and the blonde boy from earlier, who called himself Jaune Arc.
"Look, motion sickness is a common thing. There's no need to say something like that about me!" Jaune complains.
"But it was the first thing that I saw you do when you left the airship. And we had no prior interactions before today, so I had no other way to describe you," Ei replies.
"She has a point," Ruby adds.
"Okay, well instead of 'vomit boy' or something lame, just call me Jaune. Short, sweet, ladies love it?" Jaune says.
"Do they? What about your name makes women love it, if I may ask?" Ei asks, not getting it.
Ruby sighs, "I don't think that's what he means,"
"Okay, okay, stop taking pot shots at me," Jaune groans.
"So... I got this thing," Ruby pulls out her scythe.
"Whoa! Is that... a scythe?" Jaune gets spooked by the large weapon.
"It's also a high-impact sniper rifle," Ruby coos.
"A what?" Jaune looks confused.
Ruby cocks the weapon, "It's also a gun,"
"Ah yes, I remember seeing this in action the night we first met. I was impressed by your skill with such a weapon," Ei notes.
"Oh, thanks. I made it myself," Ruby smiles.
"You made that? All by yourself? Once more, I'm impressed," Ei adds, making Ruby rub her head with a cheeky smile.
"Hey, what about you? Can I see your weapon again? Please?!" Ruby begs, bouncing.
Ei giggles, "I don't mind," Ei brings out her naginata.
"Wow! It's so cool! What's its name? What's it do?!" Ruby gets stars in her eyes.
"Wait, where did you pull that out from?" Jaune noticed how her weapon just appeared, though Ruby didn't seem to care.
"Well, its name is Engulfing Lightning. I admit, it's not like your weapon Ruby. But, this has been my partner in many battles. I always feel more at ease with it in my hands," Ei says, stroking the blade.
"The design looks old-school, but at the same time, it looks so awesome!" Ruby coos.
"Man, compared to you two, my weapon isn't much. I just got this sword," Jaune pulls out a standard sword. "And then I have this shield," Jaune's sheathe turns into a shield.
"Ooh," Ruby mutters.
"Huh. I'd say your weapon is not bad. Mine is much older than yours, I'm sure," Ei notes.
"You think so? It's a hand-me-down. My great-grandfather used it back in the Great War, and now it's been given to me," Jaune explains.
"Huh, sounds like a family heirloom. Well, at least some people still appreciate the classics," Ruby notes.
"Yeah, the classics," Jaune mutters.
"Forgive me you two, but we should be going. The headmaster is going to give a quick speech to the new students shortly. Follow me, I know the way," Ei says and leads them towards the amphitheater.
...
Once inside, they find the place packed with aspiring new students.
"Ruby, over here! I saved you a spot!" they look to see Yang waving over to them.
"Oh! I gotta go. See you later Jaune," Ruby says and runs off.
"I'd better get going as well. I'm sure we'll meet again, Jaune," Ei says and walks off.
"Hey, wait! Oh man, where else can I find a nice girl to talk to?" Jaune groans, walking by a red-head staring at him.
Ei finds a spot by a wall in the room, waiting for Ozpin to give his speech.
"I was hoping to find you here," Ei looks to see the two girls she met earlier. "We didn't get a chance to speak due to all the commotion earlier."
"Hello. I don't believe we've properly introduced ourselves," Ei greets them.
"A pleasure. My name's Candace. This is my good friend Dehya," Candance introduces them.
"Yo," Dehya waves.
"It's nice to meet you two. My name's Raiden Ei Inazuma, but you can just call me Ei," Ei returns the greeting.
"Ei? A pleasure. I hope you don't think too badly about my friend here. She can get quite heated at times," Candance says.
"Hey, that brat started it. She was about to say something stupid, so I shut her up is all," Dehya says.
"And had it gone further, you might've gotten in serious trouble at the school, Dehya. No need to go around picking fights before school officially starts," Candace tells her.
"Does that mean I can pick fights after school starts?" Dehya jokes.
"Dehya," Candace gives her a look.
"Fine, just as long as they don't tick me off," Dehya rolls her eyes.
"By the way, you don't mind that Dehya is a Faunus, do you? I don't mean to assume. I only ask because there are always those that discriminate because of her people," Candace asks.
"No, I don't mind. In fact, an old, dear friend of mine is a Faunus. I see no reason to harbor ill will towards Dehya because of something like that," Ei replies.
Candace smiles, "Good. I'm glad,"
They wait for the speech to begin, with Ei noticing Ruby getting yelled at by that Weiss girl again and her sister defending her. Just then, they hear a noise and look to see Professor Ozpin on the stage with a microphone.
"I will keep this brief. You have all come here to this academy in search of knowledge. To train and hone your skills in order to become the next generation of warriors who will dedicate your lives to protecting the people. But when I look amongst you, I see only wasted energy. Energy in need of purpose, direction, guidance. You are all here for various reasons. For strength, duty, honor, a desire to do good. Maybe even to learn more about the world and about yourselves. Some may accomplish this task, others may not. However, your time at this school will show you that knowledge alone will not help you succeed in these goals. It is up to you to take the first step into a larger world that stands before you," Ozpin says, his words changing the mood in the room.
He then leaves the stage and is replaced by Goodwitch, "You will spend the night in the ballroom. Tomorrow, your initiation test will begin. Be ready. You are dismissed,"
People start poring out of the room, but Ei remains a moment as she ponders Ozpin's words.
"Hmm, was he referring to me in part of that speech? Well, either way, he did have a point. I thought I had the knowledge needed for Inazuma, but I was very wrong. Experience, perspective, knowledge, and other factors. They are all needed to achieve one's goals," Ei thinks.
"Hmm, he didn't seem very happy about the new year," Dehya notes.
"I'm sure he has something up his sleeve. Come on, we'd best get ready for tonight. Would you care to join us, Ei?" Candance offers.
Ei wasn't expecting to be invited to join them in the ballroom for the night. She expected to just find a quiet corner, do some more studying, and then go to bed. However, Miko did say that she should interact with others more.
Ei nods, "Sure. I appreciate the offer and shall join you,"
With that, the three of them leave with the others to head to the ballroom.
...
Late in the evening, everyone is in the ballroom, decked out in their pajamas and their sleeping bags laid out. In one section of the large room, Ei sits with Candance and Dehya. Dehya is wearing a pair of black shorts and a red tank top while Candace is wearing a dark blue nightgown with a long skirt.
"So, are you some kind of rich girl, Ei?" Dehya asks.
"Now what could make you think that?" Ei cocks her head.
"That outfit you're wearing is hardly something just anyone can get their hands on," Dehya deadpans.
Ei is wearing a dark purple yukata with light purple flower designs on it. Suffice it to say, it looks expensive. The fabric itself looks expensive too. She also has her hair down and out of her usual braid as she brushes it.
"A friend of mine gave me this, along with a few other pairs, before I came here. She said I would need them. I did not think much of it. Besides, they feel quite comfortable," Ei replies.
"Well, I think they suit you," Candace throws a compliment in.
"Thank you. So, back to our previous topic, you two are from Vacuo?" Ei asks.
"Actually, we're from a settlement just outside Vacuo. It's called Auru Village. It's my home. Dehya is from Vacuo. Back there, I was the village's guardian. I started at a young age due to my talents with combat," Candace explains.
"But, if you're here, then who is watching over the settlement?' Ei asks.
"We have a good friend from Vacuo looking after the place. He's serious and a real stickler for law and order and all that, but deep down he's a good guy. Plus, when it comes to dealing with lowlifes, he can be really intimidating," Dehya explains.
"Well that's good. He sounds like quite the capable warrior. An acquaintance of mine from back home is also dedicated to her work and more of a serious type," Ei says, thinking about her loyal subordinate Kujou Sara.
"So, where do you live, Ei?" Candace asks.
"My home is in Anima, outside of Mistral. It's an old city, but rich with life. It is my beloved home, one which I have dedicated my life to protecting," Ei says.
"Well, then we have something in common," Candace notes.
Just then, the three hear some noise and look to see Ruby, Yang, and Weiss in another argument while the girl with the bow from before just looks on. Ei notices how she has some lit candles, several books around her, and is wearing a black yukata similar to hers.
"Oh, I wonder if she's from Anima... Hmm?" Ei mutters before noticing the bow on her head twitch a bit. "Did her bow just..."
The argument looks like it was about to get worse before the girl with the books blows out the candles. That seemed to calm them down with Weiss stomping away and Ruby and Yang bidding the black-clad girl goodnight and returning to their sleeping bags.
"It'd be best to head in ourselves as well. We have a busy day tomorrow. Goodnight Dehya, Ei," Candace heads in first.
"Goodnight you two," and then so does Dehya.
"Goodnight," Ei replies and lays down on her bag.
Soon enough, she drifts off to sleep, awaiting the next day for her initiation.
...
The next morning, Ei is one of the first to wake up, seeing the sun has barely risen into the morning sky. As she sits up, she spots a girl with long red hair in a long-sleeved light blue night gown with a short skirt walking by with clothes in her hands. She watches her for a moment longer before getting her clothes.
"Wake up lazybutt, it's morning it's morning, it's morning!" Ei hears and looks over to see a very energetic girl in white and pink clothing practically harassing a guy with black hair in a green oriental shirt who still seems a bit sleepy. "I can't believe we've been a Beacon for a full twenty-four hours. Can you believe it?! I'm glad they haven't kicked us out yet! Aren't you excited, Ren! We're so close to being huntsmen and huntress-in-training! Oh, I wonder if we'll be on the same team together!" the girl bounces all over the place.
Confused by the display of energy, Ei decides to leave it alone. She glances at her new friends, seeing Candace starting to come to and Dehya still asleep.
"Good morning, Ei. Don't worry about Dehya. I'll wake her up," Candace says.
"Good morning to you two, Candace. In that case, I'll see you at the locker rooms," Ei says before making her way to the women's restroom.
There, she quickly gets changed and ready for the day. After that, she heads to the locker room. Considering that she can simply make her naginata, she didn't have it in the locker before. However, if she wished to keep her true identity a secret, she'll have to get used to leaving it in said locker. Besides, she always has her sword wherever she goes. She looks over to see Dehya, already changed and hoisting a greatsword onto her back. The sword was practically her size and yet, Ei's instincts say Dehya has no problem wielding it. Meanwhile, Candance puts a spear on her back and a circular shield on her left arm.
"So, those are their weapons. I wonder if they're as intricate as Ruby's scythe. Speaking of which," Ei looks over to see Ruby hugging her weapon like it's her baby with her sister Yang next to her.
Given how much time and energy she put into making it, she probably does see it that way.
She walks over to the two sisters, "Good morning, Ruby, Yang,"
"Good morning, Ei. You ready to go kick some butt?" Yang smashes her fists together.
"I probably wouldn't word it that way, but yes, I am ready to pass the initiation and become a true student of Beacon," Ei nods.
"Great. Then maybe you can help me convince my little sister that getting to know people isn't such a bad thing. She thinks all she needs is milk and her weapon to grow up and fight monsters, respectively," Yang nods to the cloak-clad girl.
"She doesn't like people?" Ei wonders.
"More like she's too shy to talk to people and talks to her weapon instead," Yang teases her sister.
"No, I'm not, shut up! We're training to fight monsters, so what's the point in getting to know people?" Ruby pouts.
"Well, I heard we'll be put into teams and remain in those teams for the duration of our time here at Beacon. With that in mind, it would be more beneficial to you to form meaningful attachments with other people. I myself went through a similar situation before coming here," Ei explains.
"Really, like what?' Yang asks, curious.
"I once closed myself off from those around me. Thought I had to in order to accomplish my goals. But, recent events and encounters back home helped me realize that I was doing things wrong. Now, I am here to rectify that. So, I agree with your sister Ruby. Being a warrior is about more than simply fighting and defeating your foes," Ei says.
"Oh, not you too, Ei! Fine, then if I can't be on the same team as my sister, then I'll just have to be on a team with you, Ei!" Ruby declares.
"And if that's not possible?" Ei asks.
And Ruby's confidence plummets, "I mean, well, I..." she starts muttering incoherently.
Just then, Jaune pops up in between them, "Um, excuse me, you guys wouldn't happen to know where locker 636 is, would you? I can't find it," he rubs his head while holding a piece of paper in his hand.
"Beats me," Yang shrugs her shoulders.
"You might find it over there," Ruby points in the direction of Weiss Schnee, who's talking to a girl with long red hair and wearing bronze armor.
"Oh, great idea!" Jaune smiles and practically runs over.
"Um, what was that about?" Ei asks.
"Well, that brat sarcastically said that Jaune was cute and now he's trying to woo her with his 'charm'," Yang explains.
"I see," Ei glances over, seeing the white-clad girl give Jaune the stink eye. "I'm... not sure it's working,"
"He might have better luck with the girl standing next to Weiss Schnee," she turns to see Candace and Dehya approach them. "Hello, I'm Candace, and this is my friend Dehya. That girl is Pyrrha Nikos. I heard she's a champion fighter from Anima. Set records and remains undefeated in arena combat. Not to mention that she's done some celebrity work as well. Despite that, apparently, she's a very humble and kind person. I'm sure he'd get along better with her than with Weiss Schnee," Candace explains.
Just then, Jaune goes flying by them and gets pinned to a wall by a spear.
"I'm sorry!" Pyrrha yells.
"Are you sure about that?" Dehya deadpans.
"Would all first-year initiates, please make your way to the cliffs. Repeat, all first-year initiates, please make your way to the cliffs," an announcement goes off.
"Well, it's time to go," Dehya notes.
"We'll see you at the cliffs," Candace says and they take their leave.
Ei, Ruby, and Yang follow them, finding Jaune freed from the wall thanks to Pyrrha before she walks by with Weiss.
"Are you alright, Jaune?" Ei asks, a little concerned.
"I thought I was doing it right. My dad said girls look for confidence in guys. Where did I go wrong?" Jaune groans.
"Did you say anything weird to Pyrrha or Weiss? Called them any kind of names?" Ruby asks.
"Um, well, I called Weiss 'Snow Angel'. Does that sound right?" Jaune asks.
"Yeah, that probably wasn't the best way to start," Yang notes before she and Ei walk on with Ruby helping Jaune limp his way to the cliffs.
...
Outside, all the initiates find themselves at the cliffs overlooking the Emerald Forest. Ei notices how they're all standing on stone pads all lined up in one row. Standing in front of them are Professors Ozpin and Goodwitch.
"For most of your young lives, you have trained to become huntsmen and huntresses. Now, your abilities will be tested here in the Emerald Forest," Ozpin begins.
"No doubt some of you have heard some things about teams. Well, allow us to clarify things for you all. Each of you will be assigned teams... today," Goodwitch announces, much to Ruby's dismay.
"These teammates will become your closest allies for the duration of your time here at Beacon Academy. So, with that in mind, you should try to find those with whom you can work well together," Ozpin speaks.
"Oh, no, no, no, no," Ruby mutters with worry.
"That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after you land in the forest will be your partner for the next four years," Ozpin declares.
Just then, Ei felt like she heard glass shatter and looks over to find Ruby about to have a nervous breakdown.
"WHAT?!" yeah, Ruby's freaking out.
"See, I told you," the energetic girl from before tells her male friend.
"Now then, after you've found your partner, you shall make your way through the forest to reach the northern end where some old ruins remain. You will encounter opposition along the way. Destroy any obstacles in your path, or you will die. While our instructors will monitor and grade you, they will not provide you any assistance. In those ruins I mentioned before, lie several relics. Each pair must choose one relic and then return to the top of the cliffs. We will regard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you accordingly. Now then, any questions?" Ozpin explains.
Jaune raises his hand, "Yeah, um, sir-,"
"Excellent. Get ready now," Ozpin ignores him.
Ei looks as Weiss is suddenly shot into the air by the platform she was standing on, sending her high into the air.
"I see. So that's it," Ei mutters.
More initiates get launched into the air, including the red-haired girl from earlier and then Pyrrha Nikos.
"Um, sir, about this landing strategy thing. Are you dropping us off somewhere?" Jaune asks.
Dehya gets launched next.
"No, you will be falling," Ozpin replies.
"Um okay, did you hand out parachutes?" Jaune asks as Candace goes flying.
"No, you will have to utilize your own landing strategy. So, good luck," Ozpin jokes.
Yang winks at her sister before flying off, followed by Ruby who waves at Ei before flying.
Ei glances at Ozpin, "Are you sure you didn't pick up some of Miko's mischievousness yourself?" she asks before she goes flying.
"I certainly hope so," Ozpin jokes.
"So, um, what is a landing strateGGGGEEEEEE-HEEE-HEE-HEE!" Jaune screams like a little girl as he gets launched into the air.
"Now then, what kind of test will you show us, Almighty Shogun?" Ozpin mutters with wonder as he watches the new students fly off into the Emerald Forest.
And that's the chapter. Ei makes some new friends, and I got to see Jaune screaming at initiation again (one of my favorite funny scenes from RWBY). Now, the initiation begins. What kind of challenges await Ei in a forest filled with monsters? Who will her partner be? Until then, please Read and Review.