Chapter 4

Against the odds

(Johnathan's POV)

As I was falling down toward the lush green forest below, a few thoughts of doubt crossed my mind as I didn't figure out how I was going to land exactly. Those thoughts were quickly crushed and thrown out. All that mattered was finding Rhode, get her to safety, and kill everything that I came across. As the treetops started to get closer I started looking for places to grab on to. Normally I'd activate my lock down fiction to prevent injury, but this situation requires a bit less brute force then that. Off to the left I spot a thick tree branch. Just out of my reach, well normal reach that is. I raised my left arm and shot my grappling hook out. Had to choose between installing a flare gun or grappling hook in my wrist area, the grappling hook seemed more practical at the time. It shot though the air and wrapped itself on the branch. Whether the branch is strong enough to hold me, only one way to find out.

I tightened the grip on my rifle, jerked on the tow cable, and shot toward the tree, with the cable retreating back into my wrist as I go. Branch creaked a bit but still holding strong. Wind still blowing against my visor. I ignored it as the ground started to come into view. With my speed considerably reduced I had the hook release it's grip on the tree and tucked my limbs close together. Rolling into the dirt I shot to my feet quickly and scanned the area with the safety off. So far nothing but knowing my luck, I was already surrounded. I looked at my HUD for Rhode's marker, 200 meters due south. Her COMM was dead quiet which means two things. She either lost her helmet or she's already dead. I'm hoping for the lost helmet.

"System, calibrate motion tracker. Set all wildlife as 'Hostile'." I ordered cautiously walking toward Rhode's last known location. A small beep and whirl of the fan filled the silent air. It was quiet, too quiet. I kept my finger on the trigger and scanned the area again. Small beep later and I looked back down at my motion tracker. Why wasn't I surprised to see that I was surrounded on all sides but one. Six dots strategically waiting around my position. What luck that I landed in a trap. I look in one of the directions to see a pair of red eyes glaring at me, look in another and got another pair, all growing threateningly. Obvious pack hunting behavior, using smaller animals to scare prey toward the alpha. I raised my rifle and kept the reticle aimed at the area with the most. Using my motion tracker to keep an eye on my six. So far none of them are brave or stupid enough to try to attack from behind. My eyes dart between my four and seven. The first jumped out of cover at my three o'clock. Standing a bit around my size, midnight black fur, white bony protrusions coming out of it's arms and back. Blood red eyes and marking on the bone plate, looked a lot like a wolf but I don't care. He's dead all the same later anyway. More charged in from my six, seven, and four.

I ducked under Ugly #1 and let loose a controlled burst into it's chest at point blank, 7.62X51 FMJ rounds tore though this ugly bastard just as I forced the dead body aside and went for a new target. 25 rounds left in the mag. Ugly #2 used my moment of vulnerability to charge in for a slash at my backside. I tucked right and rolled out of the incoming strike and let loose another controlled burst. 19 rounds left. Ugly #3 tried the same as 1. See the results of Ugly #1. 12 rounds left. Ugly #4 came up from my right flank quickly and knocked me off guard, resulting in disarming me from my primary weapon. Ugly #5 and 6 came out of their cover and surrounded me. One was a lot bigger then the others and had white fur and black bony plates. I'm assuming he's the Alpha of this particular pack. I'll call him Big Bubba because he reminds me of one I knew. I kicked Ugly #4 off of my and launched it into the tree, shattering said small tree as it collided with it. Big Bubba howled into the air as I took out my trench knives and held them in a defensive ice-pick grip. Six inch, double edged, grey titanium alloy with a Beskar coating, studded knuckle guard to make punching more effective. It was a major pain getting the metal, bit I managed to collect enough for my knives. I just had to do a few favors for a Mandolarian clan. Man that Imperial base really went up in a big fireball. I'm saving the rockets for bigger foes. I can take on a few over grown flea bags no problem. I could try to run for my rifle, but I'm cut off from it with three mutts in the way. I grit my teeth and looked Big Bubba in the eyes. He looked at me with eyes full of a unsatisfying hunger. A look I seem a thousand times over.

"Come on you damn mutts!" I called out. "I don't got time for this so give me all you got!"

They didn't need to be told twice as Ugly #4 and 5 quickly charged me from two sides. I spun around the impaled a knife deep into the neck of #5, while using my momentum to dodge #4 and kick at it's side and away from me. I slid the knife out of #5's neck and looked left to see Big Bubba charging fast at me. I did a series of back flips to avoid it's slashes and attempts at my life. Ugly #4 regained itself and joined Big Babba.

I heard a pain filled female scream fill the air, time to change tactics. I went of the offense and started rapidly slashing and stabbing repeatedly at Ugly #4 and used it as a shield from Big Bubba. I jumped over Ugly #4 and impaled both knives in it's back. Right beside the shoulder blades. It howled in pain as it tried to throw me off. I reached over, got a grip on it's bottom jaw, grabbed the back of it's head and twisted it a full 180 so it's eyes were looking at me. I kept a grip on both knives as I jumped off it's back. I looked at the Alpha and kept both knives in a reverse grip.

Big Babba saw it's pack members desecrated by me, it howled in pure rage as it started another series of slashed and lunges. I dodged every one and returned with my own, only for him to dodge and repeat, with neither of us willing to give the other an inch. I tried to slice at it's fur but when I did it didn't seem to bother it. I tried stabbing it's back with both blades and nothing. Too much muscle to anything important. He didn't earn the title of 'Alpha' for nothing. I headbutt him and kicked him away. I needed to end this quick.

I abandoned my my knives in the creature's back and activated one of my energy swords. I need to end this quick. If super heated plasma can't cut though then nothing I got can. I only use them when in close-combat against a tough opponent or hordes. Big bubba growled menacingly at me and charged again. This time a little more cautious, Smart wolf. I ducked under it's claw strikes and thrust my sword in a upward arc, slicing one of it's arms off. It howled in pain as it held what was left of it's burnt arm nub. I used this moment of vulnerability to swing my sword in a left side arc and sliced it's head off. No blood came out, the plasma cauterized the wounds. I deactivated my sword, picked up my rifle, cleaned the blood off my knives, and ran toward Rhode's location.

(Velvet's POV)

I was running, no...sprinting though the halls of Beacon. Coco wasn't too far behind me, trying to get my attention. I needed to get to Ozpin's office and tell him what happened. Goodwitch was a bit peeved at the holes in the structure made by the 'drop-pods'. Yastu and Fox were guarding one of the pods John opened, Coco's orders. If the rocket launchers inside of them were as deadly as he says, better safe then sorry. I know they won't try nothing. We learned from day one that Coco's word is law when it comes to either clothes or high tech weaponry. Never mess with her handbag, Fox learned that lesson the hard way. I can understand time was of the essence but he could of waited for backup before jumping off a cliff like a madman. He's not from here so either his Aura isn't unlocked or he has none. Going into a Grimm infested forest without your aura unlocked is suicide, regardless of how much firepower you have at your back. I rounded the corner toward the elevator to Ozpin's office. I know there are cameras in the Emerald forest, I know Ozpin has access to them. If I can use the to find Johnathan and Rhode Island's locations, I might be able to convince Coco into helping him out. Though I think she's already aboard. I pushed the button for the elevator up. Hopefully he'll co-operate.

"Velvet wait up." Coco cried out as she caught up. "You know you can't just knock on his door and demand anything."

"I know. Just need to barrow his cameras to find where he landed." I replied as we stepped into the elevator, Amazing Ozpin trusts us enough to not put a lock or code on his elevator.

"Then what? Jumping in blind, guns ablazin'?" She asked. To be honest I hadn't thought that far ahead. I figured I'd be stopped by someone by now and Goodwitch going after Johnathan to give him a slap on the wrist.

"I'll figure that out when I get there." I replied. We continued the ride up in silence. Coco knows once I set my mind to something, there's no budging. Small ding later we see Ozpin waiting for us at his desk looking at his scroll. He looks up at us and smiles.

"Ms. Scarlatina, Ms. Adel. I assume your here to know about what Mr. Grey is doing?" He asked as cryptic as ever. He taped a few buttons on his scroll and it displayed a live video feed from the Emerald forest. "I assure you he's perfectly fine. Had an interesting style for disposing of an Alpha Beowulf."

We looked at the screen to see Johnathan walking away from what could be described as a bloody slaughter. Two beowulf minors bled to death from bullet wounds, one was twitching with it's throat slit, rest were as good as dead on the ground. The Alpha was missing an arm and head, blood everywhere.

"Damn, he works fast." Coco commented. I couldn't help but nod in agreement. Taking down a Alpha was no small feat, Especially when it has a pack at it's back. Unless your Coco and just mow then down with your Gatling-gun, or was it a Chain-gun. I can never tell the difference. Not as big of a weapon nut as Coco or Ruby.

"I have no doubts that he'll survive the forest. Finding his friend on the other hand...She might require assistance at the moment." He pushed another button the the screen changed.

It was a live feed of a person in similar armor to Johnathan's. Mainly tan with a purple bands across the forearms, small amount of silver cross-webbing around the belly area. She was currently hiding up in a tree. Her helmet was in the middle of a field full of grimm of all sorts around her pod. Rifle her back and some type of pistol on her thigh. Wavy brown hair flowed in the wind, some of the air was pulled back by a purple headband. Hazel brown eyes filled with determination. Looked to be in her early twenties yet smaller then you'd think. She looked like she can stay there for a while, or till the Grimm get her scent. Johnathan didn't look to far from there.

"I got Oobleck and Port on standby just in case. Goodwitch too in case things things get troublesome. I assure you that everything is under control. All part of his initiation..."

"So you knew the pods and her would land here?" Coco cut off. "Sorry. Keep going"

"No I didn't know those things or her would land here. I was going to have Mr. Grey face off against CRDL in a 4v1 match but this will do just as good." He explained. I heard Coco swear under her breath. I know she HATES team CRDL for many reasons. One reason is because Cardin, their leader, keeps flirting with her. Hopefully he learned his lesson after she gave him a swift kick in his soft spot last week. Not sure what he told her, but she was a red as a beet and would of likely ripped his head off, if Fox and Yastu didn't restrain her in time. I was in the dorm at the time getting ready for the day. Only heard about what happened from Fox.

"Please, pull up a seat a watch with me. Always good to have outside opinions on future students. Looks like somethings' about to happen." He offered. On the screen Johnathan suddenly coming to a stop near the Grimm horde. I paled at the sight of him going toward all those Grimm. Ursai, Beowolfs, Deathstalker, Boarbatusks, easily 30 maybe 40 grimm in that area alone. Hopefully he's as good as he says. Well, with two teachers on stand by just in case, whats' the worst that can happen.

(Johnathan's POV)

It's official, I freaking hate my luck. Running toward her signal and what do I find surrounding it? A god damn field full crazy-ass animals. Wolves, bears, boar, giant fucking scorpions, all weird looking yet share similar features. Seriously? Was the divine god who create world drunk or looking for entertainment. I wouldn't be surprised either way. I can't just force my way through this. It would require precise timing, prefect reflexes, cunning plan, and why are they all conjoined near the pod in the first place? Must of gotten curious on what it is and they want food. I climbed up in a oak to get a better view of how much I am up against. Not far to my right I heard a familiar bird call. Sounded a bit like a red cardinal, Ohio's state bird. From my training, I know that some Freelancers use bird calls when in forest environments to communicate with each other. Only ones I know who memorized my call are North (who is dead), York (who is also dead), Kentucky (who was a complete ass and also dead), Tennessee (Who I think is alive but not on speaking terms with), and Rhode Island (Who is nice to be around and I hope is alive).

Scanning the treetops, I find a familiar tan armor segment hidden in the trees, has to be her. Still find it funny that I have to cluck for Rhode's call sign. Like putting a neon sign on my back that says 'Come eat me' to an entire jungle full of rabid animals. Stealthily I move from tree to tree. Careful not to alert the horde of monsters not even 10 feet from me. Breaking only one or two branches and almost getting caught. Thank god for all those drills, I'll be sure to kiss Rhode's ass big time later . I finally managed to get to her tree and I was engulfed in a bear hug by the short Freelancer. Oh how I missed her.

"It's so good to see you again John." She whispered as a few tears of joy fell down her cheeks and on my back. I smiled as I hugged her back, I missed Rhode Island.

"Good to see you too Elizabeth." I whispered back as I hugged her. Good to have a old friend by your side though thick and thin. Right now we're in some pretty thick shit.

"What are you doing here? Why were you in a pod?" I asked. She was about to give an answer but the monsters below us were starting to sniff around for us. "Forget it, tell me later. What weapons did you salvage?"

"Just my pistol and rifle. Out of ammo for both. Got one grenade left, no flares, and I lost my helmet down there." She replied. This was not good. Handful of rifle ammo between us, two grenades, and a rocket launcher with eight shots max. I'd need at lest twice that to clear all these out. Even with well placed shots. I started coming up with a plan in my head. Rhode was the jack of all weapons yet master of none. Give her something and she'll figure out how to use it one way or another. I was more of a close quarters fighter, hence one reason why I like my CQB helmet. I could give her the rocket launcher, but if they swarm her she'll be over run quickly. Well what choice did I have, I got like five different types of weapons on me, she has her armor enhancement which I really don't like her using. Causes her too much pain and suffering. I took the rocket off my back and gave it to her with the extra ammo.

"Here's the plan. I'll go down and gain their attention, you pick off who you can at a distance. Worst comes to worse, jump down and engage. We throw our grenades on my mark. Aim for the bigger clusters. Don't bother with the tougher looking ones, a single grenade won't take the down. Save the rockets for when we need them. Aim for the soft areas, the bony plate seems to be bulletproof." I handed her some of the few mags of rifle ammo I collected before jumping. "If I get over run, head north till you see a castle structure. Find a rabbit eared girl named Velvet, I trust her." I replied. Before I could begin my decent down, she held my arm and looked me in the eyes.

"Don't do anything stupid Ohio." She warned. Had to cut the reunion short as I climbed down. I'll be the first to admit this was a stupid plan, but it's better then no plan going in guns a blazing with my head up my ass. I looked down at my ammo counter for my rifle. Ten rounds left in my mag, two mags left. I make my way over to the other end of the clearing, being sure to stay stealthy and quiet. I look up to Rhode's position. She nods and gets ready to throw her grenade as did I. Only one thing to do now.

"And, MARK!"

"SYNC" We yelled as we threw our active grenades into the confused horde. I rushed forward and unloaded the last ten rounds into the nearest wolf thing, killing it instantly. The rest saw me and started charging. I threw my assault rifle on my back and activated my energy swords. Instead of numbering them as ugly, I'll just say what I think they are, mostly because they are all butt ugly. Our grenades exploded and took out a fair chuck of the horde, but severely pissed off the scorpion.

Wolves#2-4 tried running up my flanks. Boars#1-5 rushed toward me in a spiraling deathball. I jumped back out of the way of the deathballs and took a few slices at wolves 3 and 4. Few bursts from Rhode's assault rifle firing filled the air as wolves 2, 5, and 6 fell dead from the FMJ rounds piercing their vital organs. The scorpion ran right for me and was knocking all the others aside to get me. This thing was easily as big as a single story house, This was going to be a challenge all the way. Might have to pull a page from Maine's book on brute force.

I strafed left to avoid the stinger and ducked right to avoid the claw. I jumped backwards to avoid the stinger again, but this time I slashed at it with my sword. Both effectively cutting it off, and pissing this thing off too. I ran to avoid a fury of grabs attempted by the killer claws. If there was a time for those rockets, now would be the best possible time. As if she read my mind. The sound of a high explosive rocket hit the exoskeleton of the beast in front of me. Didn't kill it but cracked the bone near it's head though. It screeched in pain as it went to find the source of the rocket. Another rocket impacted the same spot and cracked it farther, exposing some soft fleshy insides. Bear #1 and 2 tried striking me in this time. I ducked under them and sliced off what limbs I could. Before they could even lick their wound, I stabbed one though the heart and sliced one's gut open. I quickly kicked one on top of the other and sent a vertical strike to slice the live one's head in two.

Boar #1-5 tried the deathroll again, now I got a idea on how to survive this. I rushed toward them and quickly jumped at the last minute. As they skid to a halt I ran toward then and started slicing and dicing away at the pigs. Lucky heated plasma can penetrate their thick bony armor. Turning them into thick bacon slices as i turned to face my next opponent. I looked back at the scorpion. Rhode on the ground and doing her damnedest to avoid the claws. I had to go in and help her. I rushed toward the scorpion but bears #3,4, and 5 were blocking my way and roaring at me. I did not have time for them. I ran quickly toward the bears. I wasn't going to let anything stand between me and my friends.

Bear#3 tried for a swipe at my side, I twisted around and sliced it's arm off. Using the momentum from earlier, I brought my blade in a upward arc and sliced though another bear's head. Bear #5 attempted to bite me but I jumped on it's head and sliced it's vertebra and a few bony spikes. Continuing to rush forward, I sliced and diced my way toward Rhody. All I saw was red as the scorpion smacked Rhode aside like she was a ragdoll and positioned itself for a final attack. I used the nearest bear as a springboard to launch myself toward the scorpion. Grabbing onto it's damaged tail I swung around and dug my heels in the ground. Keeping my grip on it and making sure it can't get closer to Rhode. It looked back at me and screeched.

"Leave. Her. ALONE!" I yelled as I yanked back on it's tail, dragging the rest of the animal with it and jumped on it's back and jammed my energy sword into the crack in it's bony armor. It screamed in pain and tried to throw me off but I just kept stabbing and stabbing at it repeatedly, giving Rhody enough time to reload and engage other opponents. She knows I can handle one bug, just need a giant metal boot for this one. It was like trying to keep still on a bucking horse, only this one is trying to kill you and your trying to kill it. I put as much force as I could into the last strike and slammed the blade deep into the core of the scorpion. It stopped moving and fell over dead. I jumped off the back exhausted and trying to find the energy to continue. Rhode found her helmet and had it on. More of these things just kept coming. At lest a dozen more boars, don't even get me started on he wolves. Energy came back when Rhode shot off a rocket toward a bear. Missed and hit a cluster of wolves instead, just as good. But I got a plan to take out more, without using any rockets. I got under the something odd ton scorpion and started lifted it over my head. I swore as my muscles hurt like hell and I can hear the servos in my robotic arm creek and threaten to burn out. Damn this thing is heavy, at least two tons. But it's likely to crush what I need it to.

"Rhode get down!" I yelled as I threw the giant dead weight bug toward her. She noticed and ducked just in time. The mass of the scorpion was enough to push back, and hopefully kill, a good most of the wolf pack that was about to compromise her position. Damn it always feel good to kick major ass. I look back to see more wolves trying to over run my position. I ignited and held both blades in a horizontal guard.

"Bring it on flea bags." I taunted as I rushed into the new pack of victims.

(Velvet's POV)

We were all stunned. He just lifted and threw an dead adult Deathstalker like it was nothing more then mere child's play. Coco and I practically had our jaws on the floor. Not even Yastu could do that as easily, and hes' the strongest person I know in terms of raw strength, I'm starting to second guess that. Now Johnathan's tearing though a pack of beowolfs moving quicker then I can guess. Who ever trained him must be dang good yet ungodly brutal at killing their enemies. I almost feel sorry for the Grimm. . . key word: almost.

"He has skill, I'll give him that." Coco complemented as she ate another handful of popcorn. Not sure where she got it from. Just kind of appeared when I wasn't looking and I never questioned it.

"His use of tactics is interesting yet effective, obviously has a great deal of strength, effective with his weaponry of choice, reliable in combat to allies. Think he'll make a fine choice for Beacon. If you want my opinion. " I chipped my two-cents in. He nodded in agreement as he took a sip of his coffee.

"I agree Ms. Scarlatina. Though they're not out of the woods yet." He replied keeping a skeptical eye on the screen. Johnathan was slicing and dicing left and right. Stabbing one beowulf in the chest, forcing it to it's knees, and sliced it's head off before moving on to the next.

The one called Rhode Island was holding her own against a Ursa minor. Using the wide end of the rocket launcher to block strikes and dodging whenever she can. Her fighting style consisted of more hit-and-run tactics and picking them off one by one, engaging in hand-to-hand when there is no other option. Good strategy that I can relate to, bit similar to my own. Though I can see that she's holding back and trying not to tense up her muscles too much.

Johnathan seemed to notice her in danger and threw a Beowulf at the Ursa to distract it for Rhode Island to make the kill blow. Both fighting styles seemed to correspond with each other nicely. Perhaps they trained together from where ever she's from. I'll ask him when he gets back.

"Rhode Island seems to be an interesting one. Choosing to go for more tactical approach more so then relying on brute force. Using her small size to her advantage. She'd also be a good candidate for Beacon, maybe even a counterbalance for Johnathan if you let him in." Coco chipped in with her eyes glued to the TV. Ozpin nodded at Coco statement. I'm assuming that means he likes it.

"I think this might call for a tactical retreat." Rhode said over the speakers. "Grounds starting to shake."

"I think your ri.." Was all Johnathan got out before the White end of a King taijitu erupted for the ground and swallowed him whole. It looked around the stared right at Rhode Island. All our jaws hit the floor again.

"I think now is the perfect time to..." I almost finished before two blue blades pierced though the King taijitu's underside just below the jawline. The beast howled in pain as the blades thrust downward and retracted. Ripping the skin out of the way showed a slime covered Johnathan.

"Nobody is going to eat me today you crazy bastard. I still got fight left in me." He said trusting his sword up into the beasts brain, killing it and making it drop dead to the ground. The black end slithered toward the white end. Only to get a rocket to the side of the face, courtesy of Rhode Island. Shredded half of it's face and still didn't kill it. I knew from personal experience that those things are hard to kill alone.

"Don't you dare hurt him." Rhode Island demanded as the barrel to the launcher spin around and chambered a new rocket.

"You were say Velvy." Coco teases as she shoveled in more popcorn. "Your recording all his right?" Ozpin nodded. "I'm assuming this is all going on the school's website?" He nodded again. "This is going to be a interesting semester." He just pushed a button on his scroll this time.

"Bartholomew, would you kindly bring agents Ohio and Rhode Island back. Peter report back to the building. They completed their initiation. " Ozpin said into his scroll.

(Johnathan's POV)

Add getting eaten by a giant snake on the list of 'shit I didn't expect to happen'. Right under 'Being blown up by my own teammate' and 'adopting a Khajiit child that happens to be the dragonborn'. Very long story and a rater funny one too. Oh lord I hope Elaia isn't driving Serena insane. Back to the present danger now, worry about adopted dragon-soul-stealing six year old daughter in a minute.

I jumped out of the dead snakes neck covered in slime and toward the second one. Only thing on my mind was keeping Rhode safe, well safer. Can never be safe around me. I'm a freaking danger magnet. If only I was a money or luck one instead. Rhode let loose another rocket and hit the inside of it's mouth just as it lunged forward to eat her. The rocket exploded, sending chunks of flesh everywhere as the snake screamed in pain, the last bits of life faded as the neck nub fell to the ground in a violent crash. Little thing about Rhode island, Never mess with her friends. She'll kick their ass a hundred different ways for hurting them. One of the many reasons why I like her. I stood exhausted looking back at Rhode. The remaining monsters in the area all either ran or are running away. Take out the big daddy, the little ones become lost and scared.

"Now we can retreat." I joked as I fell over from exhaustion, bringing my hand to my knees. My swords were deactivated an in my hips. She chuckled a bit and helped me up. We were about to head to the cliff face and scale it but we both heard a twig snap and aimed our rifles in that area.

"Don't shoot, I'm friendly." A very familiar voice called out. I know that voice anywhere, I kept my rifle leveled as a man walked out of the trees. Green hair, polarized glasses so I can't see his eyes, dark brown safari hat and trench coat, thermos on his back. This can't be who I think he is. "Greetings Ohio and Rhode Island. I am professor Bartholomew Oobleck. Professor Ozpin sent me to bring you two back to the school, and to tell you that your initiation is over." He spoke. Yeah this isn't Caboose. He doesn't speak this intelligently or as fast. I lowered my rifle and looked at Rhode who was without a doubt confused. "I'll explain on the wa

(Johnathan's POV)

Two hours later, Beacon amphitheater

"Johnathan Grey and Elizabeth Locke." Ozpin introduced as we came on the stage with our helmets under our arms. Backs straightened and with the safety on our weapons. "Both are transfer students from Atlas. I'm sure you all got questions for them and I assure you, They'll answer them when the time is right."

Rhody and I stood at the center of a MASSIVE amphitheater. Ozpin kept talking about something but I tuned him out. Looking out at the crowd of students. Most of them looked cheerful, most confused. We didn't train to speak in front of crowds. I sure as hell wasn't. If anything I avoid crowds when ever possible. I don't like being the center of attention.

I explained all I could to Rhode Island on the way here, after a hot shower and very thorough armor cleaning. Stomach acid really corrodes the inner systems if I don't clean them out in time and completely, other wise it becomes a hunk of junk and really hard to fix. She took the news a lot better then most people would. Mostly because she has known me the entire time I was at Project Freelancer. Few of the freelancers knew where I really was from. North and York because they are good people, Carolina because she is freaking scary when she's pissed, Rhody because she can keep a secret and because I got a few on her too as counter blackmail material. Rest I didn't bother with because they didn't want to know or I didn't like them. Ozpin gave Rhode Island the same deal and she happily agreed. Now here we are, standing in front of some odd number of students. Wonder how Elizabeth will react to Velvet, I can imagine her hugging the life out of the poor faunus and playing with her ears.

"They will be known as Team Freelancer, Lead by Johnathan Grey. They will provide support to teams when a team member is unavailable to go on a mission. Their team will be expanded as the school's faculty sees fit." He stated, making me return back to reality. Rhode Island seemed happy to find me again. Though I don't know why. I honestly don't think I redeemed myself for what happened at Sidewinder. I can never forgive myself for leaving Carolina at Maine's mercy. But I had to pick between helping her and going back home. I was a HUGE idiot then. I can only hope Rhode forgives me. Because I know Carolina wouldn't and those two were kind of like sisters in a sense.

Ozpin said something or another that caused a round of applause. I put on a fake smile and waved to everyone. This was going to be a interesting adventure. At lest I got a few allies and potential friends. Though why did the rupture happen prematurely? I was expecting them to start next month. Must be a natural one, but they never got as big as the one Rhode described. Well as the old saying goes, 'Good things come to those who wait'. I am a patient man, I can wait to find a explanation.

12/20/21: Finally got around to editing this. Made a few changes like Johnathan's knife alloy, Spelling errors and a few grammar errors I found. Off to editing more. As the old saying goes. no rest for the weary.

~Dgreen20