A/N: Teams PASM and CPER are now going to face their first Second-Year exam. And just as they were about to depart, they had some unexpectedly familiar company. One that only Patrick can understand the hidden danger.

Chapter 59: New Students


Patrick is astonished to find the Shadow Tread of all the people here.

Sakuya. Wallace. Hikari. And a 'brother' he doesn't recognize.

"Sakuya? What are you-" Patrick quickly covers Selena's mouth and hushes her.

"Ah, yes. The Transfer Students of Shade: Team SHDW." Professor Port says.

"Excellent. Now that everyone is here, we shall depart immediately." Professor Oobleck says, before dashing off.

Almost everyone starts heading towards the airship. Teams SHDW and PASM are the only ones who remain in place. Patrick then marches to Sakuya and glares at her. "What are the Shadow Tread doing here, Sakuya?" He asks in a harsh whisper.

"Whatever do you mean, fellow Huntsman?" Sakuya asks innocently.

"You're not fooling me. You and I both know you are here for one reason and one reason only. Who sent you and what mission did they give you?" Patrick asks.

Sakuya puts on a serious face and whispers back to him. "Look here, Shadow Boy, if this is about how you behaved, I can understand your skepticism. But rest assured, we're here for a different mission. One assigned by the Headmaster." Patrick only raises an eyebrow at her. "Don't give me that look. After all, if this is really about you, wouldn't we have taken action when you're all alone during the summer and not in a public place like Huntsman Academy?"

"Even I'm not that foolish. The Shadow Tread is known for patience, waiting for the right time and place to pounce." Patrick says.

"True. But we would still be hiding out in the shadows, instead of being out in the open. Even in disguises." Patrick isn't convinced, but Sakuya pats him on the shoulder as she walks past him. "Lighten up, Shadow Boy."

Wallace, Hikari, and the fourth member follow Sakuya. Patrick only stays behind and watches them head towards the airship. Selena and Marlene start boarding the airship, but Patrick stops them and whispers to them. "Keep an eye on them. Whatever the Shadow Tread is here for, it can't be good."

"I'll admit, I'm just as surprised to see them here, but are they really that suspicious? They did help us calm you down when you went berserk." Selena says.

"Yeah, by repaying the debt they owe me for helping them out." Patrick says. Marlene and Selena realize that he made an excellent point there. "Just do what I say and keep an eye on them, and your guard up around them."

Team PASM is the last team to board the airship. Professors Oobleck and Port pilot the airship from Beacon to the wilderness outside the Kingdom of Vale. Patrick can't take his eyes off the Shadow Tread during the whole trip. Wallace and Hikari have taken notice of his suspicion. The mystery Shadow Tread is greeting the other students, and Sakuya is occupied by Peter's desperate fluttering attempts to whoo her.

The Airship lands on a cliff just outside of the forest.

All of the students unload from the airship. "We're camping out on a cliff outside of the woods?" Patrick asks in disappointment.

"Of course not, Mister Aki. Our purpose in this exam is to survive out in the wilderness with our wits and manliness." Professor Port says. Patrick only rolls his eyes at the 'Manliness' part.

"Indeed. We must first journey into these woods, clear out any Grimm that stands, look for the perfect camping spot, and build our campsite." Professor Oobleck says. "Now, let us make haste. We are burning daylight, Huntsmen Trainees."

Professors Oobleck and Port take the lead. The students follow them from behind. The Forest is crawling with Grimm. The students fight against the Creatures of Grimm, divided by their teams. Team PASM is the only 3-man team among them all. Throughout the woods, as they battle against the group, the students and the two teachers search for the "perfect" camping spot. In each spot, Oobleck does his inspection of them and speaks his opinion about them:

"Too hot."
"Too small."
"Not enough cover."
"Not enough shade."

Some of the students grow annoyed by his pickiness. Finally, they all arrive in a wide area in the middle of the forest. The whole zone is packed with Grimm, which the students arm themselves and fight them. The second the area is clear of Grimm, Oobleck does his observation skills, and it ends with him taking a deep breath through the nose and exhaling out of the mouth.

"This...is perfect. We shall set up camp here." Professor Oobleck says.

"Very good, now to divide up the teamwork." Professor Port says.

Oobleck dashes off to stand before each team as he gives them their assignments. "Team PASM, you shall gather some firewood. Team CPER, You shall forage for food. Team SHDW, you shall keep watch. The rest of you shall set up camp, starting with setting up tents and a barricade around the camp. And above all else: Stay vigilant. There are still Grimm and wild beasts out in these woods."

Team PASM heads off into the woods to collect the firewood. As the three of them gather their wood. Patrick and Selena do most of the fighting. Patrick even decided to leave behind his arrows and use his quiver to store his own, while he could just focus on the Grimm with his blades. And Selena can just use her Semblance to charm the Grimm while her hands are full carrying the wood.

Marlene feels left out that all she can do is carry her load of wood. But there's one other thing going on in their minds. "So, since it's just the three of us, does that really still make us a 'Team PASM'?" Marlene says.

"Yeah, it doesn't really feel like we're a team with just the us three. Let alone without Akira." Selena asks.

Patrick whispers to himself. "And I somehow doubt I can carry the missing fourth with my Grimm power."

Selena looks at Patrick confused. "Did you say something, Patrick?"

"Nope. Nothing at all." Patrick says.

Team PASM returns with the firewood. upon their arrival, half of the tents are set up and the barricades are under production. Professor Oobleck get started on lighting the campfire in the middle of the site. Team CPER has returned with their bounty. Peter and Earnest are carrying the fruits and berries, Rayla carrying the fish she and Clawdia have caught, while Clawdia is mindlessly following Rayla with stars in her eyes and her mouth drooling.

Once everything is set, it is already nightfall.

After dinner, Oobleck stands and stretches while yawning. "Well, it's been a long day of hard work, time to turn in for the night." Oobleck turns to the students. "I suggest you all do the same, for a Huntsman needs to be well-rested for the challenges we shall face out in the wild."

"We must have two people up on watch, we'll change shifts every hour." Professor Port says. "Clawdia and Earnest from Team CPER, you shall take the first watch."

Everyone turns in for the night, and Clawdia and Earnest keep watch. Since Earnest is mute, he decides to use a ringtone on his scroll as a signal for Clawdia. Patrick can hardly get any sleep, he can't turn his mind off about everything that's going on. Not ever since they returned to Beacon. First, there was reliving the sorrowful moment that Akira is not with them, then there's the Shadow Tread being here when he knows the obvious reason for their arrival, and now there's the fact there's a hole in their team.

It's a wonder how everyone's acting like everything's normal.

When it's Patrick's shift to keep watch, Rayla goes to wake him. Although Patrick was already awake. He goes to his position, and once there he sees that his partner is already set and waiting for him.

And he's not too thrilled about it.

"Hey there, Shadow Boy." Sakuya says with a cheerful smile.

Patrick only groans and rolls his eyes. They both sit and keep watch, keeping an eye out in different directions. Patrick kept his distance from Sakuya. The whole time they are keeping watch, they are silent. Patrick has some things to say to Sakuya but can't bring them out.

And Sakuya can sense his discomfort. "Something on your mind, Shadow Boy?"

"You should already know." Patrick says. "I know you and the Shadow Tread are here because of me. This mission your 'headmaster' assigned you is to keep an eye on me, isn't it?"

"Don't be silly. Our mission is different. One that is unfortunately top secret and we are unable to share it with you." Sakuya says. "Which is a darn shame, cause you would be a valuable asset to."

"Say all you want, I'm not buying your little innocent act." Patrick says. "I will be watching you four."

Sakuya doesn't say anything, knowing that nothing is gonna convince Patrick otherwise.

When Patrick's and Sakuya's shifts are over, they call in the next lookouts and return to sleep.

The rest of the night is calm and peaceful. No Grimm invasions happen.

Before sunrise, the professors awaken the students. Now is the time to work on breakfast. Team PASM goes fishing and Team SHDW forages for berries. Students in the cooking club, including Rayla, work on cooking the meal.

Team PASM is fishing by the river. The three of them are handling the fishing while no one is standing guard keeping a watchful eye for Grimm. Selena suggests someone to keep watch, but Marlene points out they need all the help to catch enough to feed the whole camp. This is nothing but another reminder that there's a hole in Team PASM.

Once Team PASM returns with the fish, everyone eats their breakfast. Each of the teams talks about some stuff. Team CPER Speaks with Patrick, Marlene, and Selena, asking them what'll happen now that Akira isn't with them.

Professor Port stands up. "Now that we are well rested and fueled, it's time for an exploration. We'll split into two teams. Team A will follow me to the mountains."

"And Team B Shall follow me into the woods." Profesor Oobleck says.

Professors Oobleck and Port divided up teams amongst them. With the teams divided, they all head out. Team PASM follows Professor Port to the mountains. Much to Patrick's disappointment, Team SHDW is with them. Meanwhile, Team CPER is in Team B with Professor Oobleck.

As they travel, Professor Port goes on about his long rumblings about his youthful days as a manly huntsman. Several students either complained quietly or just ignored him. On the other hand, Patrick groans troublesome as he whispers to his team. "I don't know what's worse: The Shadow Tread being here with us or this old man's nonsense rumbling."

Wallace speedwalks close to Patrick to whisper to him. "You know I heard that, right?"

"Like I care." Patrick says.

"Just be nice, Patrick." Selena says. "I know you have a history with these ninjas, but they haven't done anything wrong. Besides, they did help us out when you went berserk."

"Yeah, at the cost of repaying a debt they owed me." Patrick says.

"The point is, I don't think Sakuya's lying when she says the reason they're here has nothing to do with you." Selena says. "They haven't shown up ever since that incident four months ago, they could have had dozens of opportunities during the summer."

Patrick turns his head and grunts. He knows Selena's right but can't accept it.

Professor's Port team finally reaches the mountains and begins their hiking. For most of the trip, Professor Port finally ceases his storytelling. But does deliver a piece of advice for the students. "All right, fellow huntsman and huntresses in training. Remember, these mountains are perilous with rough terrain and vicious Grimm. So everyone, stay close and stay aware. Let's move out."

Everyone heads up into the mountains. As Port mentioned, the trail of rough. Even Marlene is struggling to keep up only after five minutes. Patrick and Selena caught on about her sudden fatigue and slowed down. Professor Port has taken notice of Team PASM's slowness. "Hey, don't fall too far behind." He shouts at them.

The three of them come to a halt, with Marlene bent down hands on her knees trying to catch her breath. It doesn't take long for them to realize how pointless this is. Patrick then decides to carry Marlene on his back. He and Selena then catch up with the rest of the students. However, Patrick minds his pacing since he's carrying extra weight. Selena just moved on ahead, catching up to the rest of the class.

After over half an hour, the students have reached a rest stop. "All right, we can take a break from here." All the students take a set and rehydrate. By then, Patrick finally catches up and sets Marlene down.

Patrick sits down in exhaustion and spares no second rehydrating. "I'm sorry for this." Marlene says.

Patrick lets out a sigh of relief before answering. "It's fine. Don't worry about it." He says it, but his tone shows a hint of annoyance.

While everyone rests, Professor Port keeps an eye out for any Grimm attacks. After five minutes of rest, and no Grimm attacks came, they continued their travels. Patrick is about to carry Marlene once more until Sakuya and her fourth member appear.

"Don't overexhaust yourself, Shadow Boy. Let us help your friend here." Sakuya says.

Patrick only returns her offer with a glare. "Fat chance, Sakuya."

"Oh, come now. You should unwind and relax once a while, it'll do you some good, especially for your health." Sakuya says. Patrick doesn't say anything, just keeps glaring at Sakuya. Ignoring his 'response', she turns to her team member. "Donnie, if you please."

"Of course, Sister Sakuya." Sakuya elbows Donnie. He realizes his error and clears his throat. "I-I mean...Of course, Sakuya."

Donnie carries Marlene on his back and follows the group. Patrick follows him closely from behind.

The five of them catch up with the rest of the group, once they do Professor Port comes to a halt. The students wonder what could be going on, but several of them catch on to what he's sensing. Donnie sets Marlene down, then he and the rest of the Shadow Tread, as well as Patrick, ready their weapons. That's when the Grimm comes out. Dozens of Beowolves and Wildcougar.

"It appears that we have company." Professor Port draws out his weapon and then turns his attention to his students. "Time to see what you Second-Year are made of."

The Grimm starts charging towards the students. The students start charging back right at them. Patrick cuts through the Wildcougars that come close, and then shifts his weapons into a bow and starts shooting his arrows at the Beowolf coming at him. Selena uses her Siren Song to charm a Beowolf into attacking the other Grimm. Whenever the Grimm she charms is defeated, she charms another one to attack. Some of the Wildcougar catch on and try attacking Selena. Selena sees them coming, she holds out her staff and activates the scythe blades. She cuts the Grimm down with swift blows. Once the Wildcougar's are defeated, Selena resumes her singing. Marlene doesn't offer much combat, all she does is shoot her pistol guns at any nearby Grimm.

The Shadow Tread are showing much of their skills as well. Sakuya goes on stabbing her Sais into them and throwing one to warp to the Grimm the Sai lands. Donnie strikes them down with a pair of Nunchaku guns. When facing against a large Beowolf, he links the weapons together into a large staff. Wallace stands still in place with metal fans. He listens closely for any incoming threats. A Wildcougar leaps onto him from behind, and he throws one of his fans right at it, throwing the Grimm off balance, then dodges and swipes at it with the other weapon. Hikari swipes any nearby Grimm with his swords, each other held in between his fingers like extended claws.

The students fight off against the Grimm while Professor Port stands by and observes. Once the Grimm are defeated, everyone takes the moment to relax. Once it's all clear, they all sheathe their weapons. "Excellent work, young students. If you work hard enough, then maybe you'll one day be a great huntsman like me."

Patrick rolls his eyes. "Says the 'Great Huntsman' who did nothing while the students did all the work." Sakuya silently laughs at Patrick's comment.

"Now, let's get moving." Professor Port says.

The students continue their march on the mountain. Donnie offered once more to carry Marlene, but Patrick refused, still having no truth in the Shadow Tread, and carried her up by himself.

There weren't many Grimm going the travel up the mountain. There are only enough for a team or two to handle them.

Finally, they all reach the top of the mountain. Professor Port stands in the front of the pack, taking in the view and inhaling the fresh mountain air. "Ah, yes. Smell that fresh mountain air." Professor Port turns to his students. "Now, let us all head back to camp. I'm sure Professor Oobleck and his students are waiting for us back at camp."

Several of the students groan in exhaustion. Professor Port takes the lead and he starts walking down the trail. "This is gonna be a long week." Patrick says.

Meanwhile. In Atlas.

The doctors at the hospital are working their hardest for their patients. But there is one who needs the most care and treatment, but there is almost nothing they can do for her.

The heart monitor slowly beeps as Akira lies dead asleep on her bed. Plumette sits on a chair beside the bed watching over her. "Four months..." Is all Plumette could say as she leans in and brushed away some hair on Akira's face.

The doctor walks in. "Excuse me, ma'am." Plumette stands and faces the Doctor. "It's time for another examination."

"Oh, of course." Plumette respectfully bows. "As you wish."

Plumette makes her leave, and the doctors gather around Akira. "Let's be careful this time, we don't want to end up reopening those wounds too much."

Akira lies dead and motionless as the doctors begin their work.

Next.

Akira is lying on the ground in an endless void. Akira moans tiresome as she starts to awaken. Akira pushes herself to a sitting position as she puts a hand on her head. "Oh...My head..." Akira takes a moment to look around. Nothing but thick fog for miles around in darkness. Akira stands up. "Where...am I?" Akira then starts to shout. "Hello?! Anyone there!?" Her voice echoes loudly in the darkness. "Patrick? Selena? ...Instructor Kirei?"

Akira wanders around in the darkness until she feels an uneasy presence. It's like a chill running down her spine. Akira then slowly turns around and finds herself in the presence of a shadow figure.