This Fic had gone through some rigorous changes (Again) and I want to know what people think about it, so leave a review to tell me if something seems off.
Hello Again! (Or for the first time!) I finally have my life together enough to start writing again! I'm going to be re-vamping this fic to double the length of the chapters as well as rewrite some chapters to hopefully fix continuity, my atrocious spelling, etc.
I watched helplessly as the people who called themselves "The Institute" cut into another one of my pack members, they seemed hell-bent on finding a way to improve us. I thrashed and gnawed against the metal bars that held me in my cell, trying desperately to attack the humans that were cutting open my pack members. I looked around the cell looking for a weak spot or a way out. But it was fruitless, as the sleek metal walls refused to falter to my strength. There were thick steel bars at the front, giving me a view through the window where my pack member was currently being torn open and dissected.
Before we were captured by the Institute we were a pack of Intelligent deathclaws fifteen members strong. After some close encounters with the Enclave, and some assistance from a lone human, we fled the area and traveled to a place the humans called Boston. There we set up a home base in vault 95, just outside what was called "The glowing sea"
The residents inside Vault 95 had long since vanished. The echoes of their lives lingered in the dilapidated hallways, a grim reminder of what had once been. It was clear they had met their end in one of two ways: either through a fatal addiction to the hazardous drugs that lined the shelves or by fleeing the vault in desperation. The evidence of their plight was scattered around us—discarded syringes, empty drug vials, and hastily abandoned personal effects.
A few days after we had established our new home, a false sense of security enveloped us. We had begun to settle into a routine, our presence gradually restoring some semblance of life to the sterile vault. But this fragile peace was shattered when the Institute's forces descended upon us.
They arrived with brutal efficiency, their numbers overwhelming. The battle was fierce and swift. Five of our clan members fought valiantly, their last stand a testament to their bravery. Despite their efforts, the Institute's advanced technology and superior numbers proved insurmountable. One by one, they fell, their sacrifice marking the beginning of our relentless torment. The remaining members, including myself, were captured and taken away.
I was lost in my thoughts when I heard the unmistakable sound of my cell door unlocking. Instinctively, I sprang into a defensive stance, my muscles tensing as I prepared for whatever was to come. A single human, accompanied by several metal humanoids, entered my cell with an unsettling calmness. Their presence was enough to tell me what awaited me. The weeks of witnessing my pack members being torn apart had left me with a grim understanding of the Institute's intentions.
"Onyx, it's time for you to undergo some... tests," the Institute scientist announced, his voice dripping with a false sense of gentleness. His smile, if it could be called that, seemed almost apologetic, a mockery of empathy. If he weren't condemning me to my death, I might have found the expression laughable. Instead, it fueled my anger, a burning rage that made me wish I could tear him apart.
I responded with a guttural grunt, choosing not to give the scientist the satisfaction of hearing me speak. As I followed them out of my cell, my thoughts raced with plans of escape. But the sheer number of metal humanoids surrounding me made any attempt futile. Their cold, unyielding forms were a constant reminder of my helplessness. So, I walked along, my mind a storm of defiance and despair, knowing that resistance was a distant hope against the overwhelming force that guarded my every step.
The scientists guided me into a sterile operating room, the metal walls reflecting the harsh overhead lights. They directed me onto a large metal table, its cold touch a jarring contrast to my frantic heartbeat. Metal humanoids moved with mechanical precision, securing restraints around my limbs. One of the scientists approached with a large medical mask, which he placed over my face. As he activated the device, a sweet-smelling chemical began to flow into my lungs, its aroma oddly soothing yet disturbingly foreign.
Within moments, an overwhelming drowsiness began to wash over me. I fought against it, a primal urge to resist taking hold as I thrashed against the restraints, desperately trying to preserve my consciousness. But the chemical worked its insidious magic, and soon the panic began to fade, replaced by a heavy, sinking dread. Just before the darkness closed in, I was left with a final, fleeting sense of horror, a silent scream in the void.
When I regained consciousness, the sensation of surprise and confusion washed over me. I felt fundamentally altered—taller, lighter, and more agile. My movements, once cumbersome, now flowed with an unnerving smoothness. I glanced around, my eyes meeting the sterile, clinical environment of the room. Above me, a series of protected observation windows revealed multiple scientists, their eyes trained on me, scribbling notes with clinical detachment.
The sudden screech of a microphone cut through the room's silence. I looked up to see a scientist leaning into the speaker, his face lit by a cruel smile that seemed almost smug. His gaze was filled with a cold, calculating interest as he began to speak, his voice echoing through the room.
"Onyx. This will be the first of many tests you will be undertaking in the coming months... Inside of the cage in front of you is a Savage deathclaw. I'm sure you know savage deathclaws are much stronger and faster than even Deathclaw matriarchs. We have had the opportunity to run some experiments on you, and the result of them should be displayed during this first test... Think of it as a placement test, though I doubt you understand what that is." The scientist announced, chuckling to himself, "A reminder, Onyx. We have spent quite a bit of our resources to perfect the process we have put upon you. Try not to fail on the first test, would you?"
After an audible click coming from the cage in front of me, a large timer above the cage counted down from 60 seconds.
As the clock approached ten seconds, a sudden, violent shaking erupted through the area. The force was so intense that it knocked several scientists off their feet, their startled cries filling the air. Scientists scrambled, their panic evident as they shouted orders to seal the doors, their voices strained with urgency.
Before I could fully grasp the situation, another explosion rocked the facility, the deafening blast sending a metal humanoid sprawling backward. It crashed into the window separating me from the observation area, the impact shattering the glass in a cascade of sparkling fragments. The once-imposing barrier now lay in ruins, a gaping hole in its place.
The scientists, their composure fractured by the series of events, scrambled to regain control. Their frantic commands directed the metal humanoids to subdue me, their faces etched with a mix of fear and determination. The metal humanoids, now more animated and aggressive, charged toward me. Their blue lasers erupted from their weapons, streaking through the air in a flurry of energy. However, the beams ricocheted harmlessly off my scales, their intensity unable to pierce my newly enhanced form.
As the chaos unfolded, I stood amidst the panic, my senses heightened and my body primed for action. The room's disarray provided an unexpected opportunity. The scientists' frenzied attempts to restore order, combined with the ineffectiveness of the metal humanoids' attacks, left me with a chance to seize control of my fate. The escalating situation was a brief window of uncertainty that I could exploit.
I roared with primal fury and charged at the advancing metal humanoids, my newly enhanced strength propelling me forward with explosive speed. My claws slashed through the air, and with a single, devastating swipe, I cleaved one of the metal creatures in half. The segmented remains clattered to the ground in a dismembered heap. Without missing a beat, I backhanded another metal humanoid, sending it crashing into the wall with a resounding thud.
The realization dawned on me with a savage satisfaction: the modifications they had made to me had drastically increased my combat abilities. The metal humanoids, once a formidable obstacle, were now mere targets for my wrath. As I continued to dismantle their ranks, the scientists' frantic attempts to escape became apparent. They hastily unsealed the door, their faces twisted with a blend of fear and desperation.
The moment the door swung open, a barrage of bullets erupted from the other side, ripping through the air and peppering the room with a deadly rain. I flinched instinctively, my scales deflecting the worst of the onslaught. The first figure to emerge from the storm of gunfire was a man clad in imposing power armor. At first, I feared he was an Enclave soldier, their emblem a notorious symbol of oppression. But as he stepped fully into view, I saw that his armor bore a different insignia—a sword with wings sprouting from either side, hovering above three interlocking gears.
The emblem was a stark contrast to the Enclave's symbols, its meaning as mysterious as it was intriguing. The armored figure's entrance made, his presence command immediate attention.I was so focused in observing the new arrivals that I completely lost track of the three metal humanoids still attacking me. Their relentless assault snapped me back to reality. The moment I refocused, I was met with a sudden jolt as one of them smacked me across the face with a shock baton. The impact was jarring but had no effect on me. I growled in annoyance and raised myself to my full height on my hind legs, looming over the metal humanoid that had dared to strike me.
"Enemy resistance encountered. Reinforcements necessary," the metal humanoid declared in a mechanical monotone. Without hesitation, I brought my claws down in a vicious swipe, severing its arm with a clean cut. The dismembered limb clattered to the ground as I spun around and drove my tail into the now-dismembered metal humanoid, sending its remains skidding across the floor.
The remaining two metal humanoids advanced with renewed aggression. One of them managed to leap onto my back, its weight pressing down as it began to slam a shock baton repeatedly against the top of my head. The repeated shocks disoriented me, causing me to stumble and sway as I tried to reach back and dislodge the attacker. My movements were clumsy, and the relentless assault made it difficult to focus.
With each jolt of electricity, my vision blurred slightly, but I refused to give in to the disorientation. I continued to thrash and swing, determined to rid myself of the metal humanoid that clung to my back. My frustration mounted as I struggled to break free.
I reached forward and grabbed onto the Metal human that was in front of me and ripped him in half, before continuing to try and grab the Metal human on my back.
As the metal humanoid continued its relentless assault on my head, the effects became increasingly severe. Black spots danced across my vision, and I found myself struggling to stay conscious. The disorientation was overwhelming, making it nearly impossible to continue my fight against the remaining metal humanoids.
Suddenly, I was engulfed in a relentless barrage of bullets. Each round stung as it struck my scales, but not a single shot was able to pierce through. The metal humanoid on my back, its fake skin shredded by the gunfire, was finally thrown off, collapsing to the ground as the bullets tore through it.
With my face shielded by my arms, I looked up to see the man in power armor standing a few meters away, his minigun unleashed in a furious stream of gunfire. The storm of bullets battered my scales, each impact sending sharp, stinging sensations through my body, but I remained upright and defiant. I rose to my full height, shaking off the discomfort as I lowered my arms.
"This is Paladin Jenkins," the armored man announced over his comms, his voice edged with urgency. "I've got a fifteen-foot-tall Deathclaw here! Heavy weapons are ineffective! I need explosives or anti-material in here!"
The room's atmosphere thickened with tension as two more figures in power armor stormed in, each wielding a Gatling gun. They immediately opened fire, their weapons churning out a relentless stream of bullets. The rounds pelted against my scales, each shot a sharp sting, but I remained resolute, standing firm and glaring at the trio of armored figures.
Amid the chaos, the person to the side of Paladin Jenkins shouted over the roar of gunfire, "Umm… Do we have any idea what kind of Deathclaw this is?!"
"I have no clue… Is it even going to attack us?" the other armored figure replied, his voice laced with uncertainty. I shook my head left to right, a gesture I knew humans associated with denial.
"Hold fire! Hold fire!" Paladin Jenkins bellowed, his shock evident as he processed my response to the question.
The barrage of bullets ceased abruptly. I huffed, my breath a plume of steam as I held my ground, eyes fixed on the Paladin.
"Well… Shit. Can you speak to us?" the figure to the left of Jenkins asked, his tone a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
"Yes," I replied, the single word slicing through the tension. One of the power-armored men took an involuntary step back, his expression a mix of disbelief and alarm.
The figure revved up his minigun again, shaking his head in disgust. "Abomination."
The insult barely registered before we were all jolted by the sudden appearance of an Institute scientist. He was leaning against the wall, his body riddled with wounds and a gaping hole in his stomach. His eyes, though dim and receded, still managed to convey a look of rage. The four of us—Paladin Jenkins, his companions, and I—turned to regard the fallen scientist.
"Bastards… I may die here… But I sure as hell will take you with me," the scientist declared, his voice tinged with a deranged glee. He fumbled with a device pulled from his lab coat and, with a manic laugh, pressed a button. The device emitted a burst of blue energy, and the three soldiers vanished before my eyes, leaving behind nothing but a fading shimmer of light.
The scientist's triumph was short-lived. He turned his attention toward me, the fear in his eyes palpable as I charged. The terror of a human facing imminent death was almost palpable, and for a fleeting moment, I considered feeling sympathy. But the memories of my pack being torn apart by these very people hardened my resolve.
As I closed the distance, the scientist's face twisted into a mask of pure terror. Just as I reached him, he pressed the button again. An intense, blinding wave of blue energy surged forth, slamming into me like an impenetrable wall. The pain was excruciating, an overwhelming force that knocked me off my feet and into darkness. The last thing I felt before losing consciousness was the crushing force of the energy.
I groaned as I slowly began to regain consciousness. My face was pressed into a thick, green carpet—grass, I assumed, though I had only seen it in fragments before. The world around me was a verdant expanse, unlike anything I had experienced. Humanity's relentless wars and the irradiated wastelands had rendered true grass a rare sight, only surviving in small, stubborn patches.
Struggling to my feet, I took in my surroundings with a mix of awe and confusion. I was surrounded by a lush forest, a breathtaking sea of greenery stretching as far as the eye could see. Trees towered above me, their canopies forming a dense, protective layer that filtered the sunlight into a dappled mosaic on the forest floor. Bushes and undergrowth were thick and abundant, creating a sense of wild, untamed beauty.
The air was rich with the scent of earth and growing things, a stark contrast to the dirty irratiatted environments I was used to. The forest was alive with the sounds of nature—rustling leaves, distant bird calls, and the gentle hum of insects. It was a world that felt both foreign and oddly comforting, a sanctuary away from the chaos and destruction I had known.
I looked to my side and saw the three soldiers who had helped free me from the Institute lying nearby. Curiosity and concern drove me to approach each of them, poking them gently to see if any were conscious. The only one who responded was Paladin Jenkins. He batted my paw away in reflex, and when he saw the Deathclaw towering over him, he panicked. With a wild look in his eyes, he pulled out a small pistol and fired multiple rounds at my chest. The bullets pinged off my hardened scales, causing me no harm.
Seeing his panic, I backed up to give him space and to avoid further provoking him. His breathing was heavy and erratic, and I could sense his fear. Gradually, he seemed to regain some composure, dropping his weapon and placing a hand on his breastplate. The other members of his unit, having been roused by the commotion, began to stir. They fired a few small-caliber rounds at me, but the impacts could barley be felt.
"Ceasefire, brothers," Paladin Jenkins commanded, and the others quickly complied. His authority over his unit was clear, and they followed his order without question.
Jenkins slowly rose to his feet, retrieving his pistol from the ground and holstering it with a practiced motion. He faced me, his expression a mix of regret and frustration. "Uh, sorry about that... I didn't mean to shoot at you... I mean, I did, but... I didn't..." He shook his head in exasperation, letting out a sigh. "Sorry."
I simply nodded in acknowledgment of his apology.
""What the hell did that scientist bastard do to us?" one of the power-armored figures grumbled as he pushed himself up from the ground.
"It seems like he had teleported us in some way," the other power-armored person replied, making his way over to a nearby tree and leaning against it, clearly exhausted.
"Seems so," Paladin Jenkins agreed, his tone carrying the weight of command. "Our first course of action is to find some sort of civilization. If we can't find any, we'll need to build a compound. The main priority is to establish a way to contact the Pridwin or any Brotherhood units that might be in the area."
"Brotherhood?" I asked, curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar term.
"Oh, yes," Jenkins responded, turning to face me. "We are part of a faction called the Brotherhood of Steel. My name is Paladin Jenkins. The one leaning on the tree is Knight Ryson, and the one next to him is Aspirant Jade." He gestured to each of his companions in turn.
"I'm guessing the first part of your names is some sort of rank?" I inquired, trying to understand the hierarchy.
"Exactly," Knight Ryson confirmed, nodding in agreement. "Paladin is a higher rank than Knight, and Aspirant is a lower rank, still in training."
The information provided a clearer picture of their organization and their roles. It was evident that they had a structured hierarchy and a clear mission.
Jenkins looked like he was about to ask me a question when a flare shot up into the sky nearby, casting a red glow that illuminated the forest for a few moments before fading back down.
"People," Aspirant Jade said, her voice carrying a note of urgency, "it seems that they need help. Paladin, do we assist?"
"Our first course of action is to find civilization," Paladin Jenkins replied, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the flare had appeared. "We have no choice but to prioritize that. Also, while... against better judgment, it would be statistically advantageous if you come with us."
He turned to me, his expression earnest. "Do you have a name?"
"Onyx," I responded. "While I do not particularly want to fight, you did save my life. So, I will accompany you."
Jenkins nodded, a mix of relief and determination in his eyes. "Thank you, Onyx. Your assistance will be invaluable. Let's move out."
We began a slow jog toward the location of the flare. The heavy Vulcans and full sets of power armor worn by the soldiers slowed our pace significantly. Despite their impressive technology, it struck me how these beings relied so heavily on their gear just to compete with a young deathclaw.
As we approached, the village came into view. It was a modest settlement, small enough to hold fifty people at most. Chaos reigned. Half the buildings were ablaze, and people were running in panic, their screams mingling with the roar of large, monstrous creatures that resembled wolves, bears, and boars, at least from the pictures I had seen.
Paladin Jenkins wasted no time. "We have multiple hostiles attacking people. Open fire on the ones that are farther away from the civilians to minimize crossfire casualties. Onyx, I need you to handle the creatures that are closer to the people."
Without hesitation, I sprinted toward the nearest cluster of attacking creatures. My claws were ready, and my senses were sharp as I sought to protect the terrified villagers. The clash of metal and the roar of battle filled the air as Jenkins and his team began their assault on the more distant threats.
I charged into the fray, my movements fluid and decisive. The creatures, large and fearsome, turned their attention to me as I engaged them. My claws lashed out with precision, aiming to incapacitate or drive away the beasts threatening the lives around me.
The last thing I wanted was to be a protector of humans, but the debt I owed to the group for saving my life weighed heavily on me. I nodded, acknowledging the task ahead, and scanned the area as the two soldiers opened fire on a cluster of dark, menacing creatures.
As the soldiers' weapons roared, a small, vulnerable figure caught my eye—a child huddling under a nearby house, trembling in terror. A wolf-like creature, its eyes gleaming with malevolent hunger, slashed at the child, oblivious to the chaos unfolding around it.
Driven by urgency, I charged at the beast. It turned its attention to me, but it was too late. With a swift, decisive swipe of my claws, I slashed at its throat, tearing through its flesh with ease. The creature fell, its lifeless body beginning to dissipate almost immediately.
I glanced back to the makeshift defensive perimeter where the children and defenseless humans were grouped together. The Brotherhood soldiers and a few able-bodied villagers formed a protective ring around them, but the strategy was faltering under the relentless assault. The dark creatures were overwhelming them, pushing the line of defense back inch by inch. I looked down to the child.
"Don't move, tiny human," I instructed the child, my voice firm but gentle. With a final glance at the frightened figure, I sprinted toward the soldiers, but my speed was insufficient to prevent the worst.
A wolf-like creature had finally breached the gunfire and pounced on one of the power-armored soldiers. Without hesitation, I grabbed the beast and hurled it into a nearby building, its massive form crashing through the wall. As I looked down at the fallen soldier, my heart sank. Aspirant Jade's armor was torn apart, her insides exposed and bloodied. Though she still drew weak breaths, her survival seemed improbable. She would no longer be able to aid us.
I turned my gaze back to the perimeter and saw that the defensive ring was breaking down. Half of the protective line was either overrun or had already fallen. The situation was dire.
Dark creatures began charging at the center group of terrified civilians. Determined to protect them, I positioned myself between the creatures and the humans. The creatures seemed undeterred by my presence, pressing forward with relentless aggression. In a desperate measure, I roared with all my might.
A shockwave of energy exploded from me, reverberating through the area. The effect was immediate. Every dark creature turned to face me, their advance halted by the sheer force of my roar. The once ferocious beasts quickly retreated, fleeing into the depths of the forest. The sound of my roar had achieved its purpose; it was enough to scare away most foes, even if it was not the most terrifying of deathclaw roars. The energy shockwave was peculiar, but I chose to focus on the immediate success rather than dwell on its origin.
With the dark creatures driven away, I turned my attention back to the humans, making sure they were safe and unharmed. The battle had turned in our favor, but the cost was evident, and the fight was far from over.
The humans looked at me with a mix of fear and curiosity as I moved toward the two power-armored bodies. One of them, identifiable as Knight Ryson by the marking on his helmet, was lying over Paladin Jenkins. The damage to Ryson's suit was extensive, with large sections torn away, exposing a gruesome sight of mangled flesh that seemed to have been caused by the claws of the wolf-like creatures.
Paladin Jenkins, trapped beneath Ryson's heavy form, struggled to push the body off with little success. Seeing his predicament, I stepped forward and carefully moved Knight Ryson's body aside, freeing Jenkins.
"Paladin Jenkins?" I called out, hoping to get his attention. The ability to speak clearly startled some of the nearby humans, who gasped at my words.
Jenkins looked up at me, his face a mixture of pain and disbelief, before his gaze wandered to the retreating dark creatures disappearing into the forest.
"I-I need a moment," Jenkins said, his voice strained as he pressed a hand to his chest, trying to steady his breathing. His exhaustion and the severity of the situation were apparent.
The gravity of the moment settled over us, a silent acknowledgment of the sacrifices made and the ongoing struggle for survival. The humans began to regroup, tending to their wounded and assessing the damage
After some time*
harsh realities. The constant fighting has left me questioning which world is worse—my homeland or this one. Despite the ceaseless conflict, the humans have started to view me as something of a hero. They celebrate my returns with cheers and offer gifts like food and water, which is a stark contrast to the harsh treatment I received from the Institute.
One human, who introduced himself as Qrow, even gave me some alcohol. I found the taste unpleasant compared to Nuka-Cola, which remains my preferred drink. Qrow mentioned he would inform someone named "Oz" about my presence, though I have yet to learn who that is.
Today, my focus shifts to a new task. Paladin Jenkins and I are set to help build a protective wall around the town. The work is a welcome change from the constant battles, and it feels good to contribute in a way that offers a more lasting form of protection
As I stretched and yawned, savoring the sunrise, a human greeted me with a simple "Mornin', Onyx." I responded with a nod and made my way to the village center. There, I headed toward a small building marked with a "Butcher" sign, where I usually obtained food. It was one of the few places with enough provisions to satisfy my hunger, though they didn't have my favorite brahmin.
Just as I neared the building, a horrible droning noise filled the air, accompanied by a strong wind. I looked up to see a strange vertibird-like vessel descending to land. I hoped it wasn't more huntsmen, as their immediate response was usually to shoot at me, and the bullets from this world hurt much more than those from my homeland.
As I observed the newcomers, the old man with the cane and green and black clothes, introduced as Ozpin, along with Glynda Goodwitch in a black and white dress with a purple cape and Ironwood in a white military officer uniform, stepped out of the bullhead. Their presence added a new layer of intrigue to the day.
I focused my attention on Paladin Jenkins, who was also eyeing the trio. When the old man addressed us, referring to Jenkins by name and asking if we were who they had been told about, Jenkins clarified his rank.
Ironwood's curiosity about the Brotherhood of Steel led to a long-winded explanation from Jenkins, which I tuned out. My patience for formalities was thin, so I cut straight to the point.
"Yes, I'm Onyx," I confirmed, nodding at Ozpin.
Ozpin introduced himself and his companions, but I was more interested in why they were here.
"Why do you come here?" I asked, my impatience showing. Ironwood and Glynda were clearly taken aback by my ability to speak, while Ozpin's reaction was more controlled.
"How old are you?" Ozpin asked, not answering my question. "If my knowledge of human years is correct... I'm about seventeen years old." I answered, wondering what this human wanted from me.
"I came here to make an offer," Ozpin announced, pulling out a piece of paper. "I want you to join my schools staff," Ozpin stated, much to the surprise of his colleagues.
"You can't be serious!" Glynda shouted, her voice filled with disbelief.
Jenkins, sensing the shift in mood, abandoned his discussion with Ironwood and addressed the situation. "It wouldn't be wise to put a Deathclaw in a school with children."
Glynda's response was even more intense. "It's called a Deathclaw for god's sake. Do we really want this abomination in our school?!" Her arms flailed as she gestured toward me.
I felt a surge of anger at her words. Rising to my full height, I loomed over the group. Jenkins, noticing my agitation, grabbed his Vulcan and prepared for any potential conflict. "Ma'am, I don't think he likes being called an abomination," Jenkins announced, revving his weapon as a precaution.
Glynda's argument faltered as she looked up at me. I leaned closer, moving my head down to make eye contact with her, a position that was awkward but necessary for intimidation.
"I may be a Deathclaw, but I am no abomination," I growled, my voice a low rumble filled with anger.
PoV (3rd)
Onyx stepped back from Glynda, his anger palpable as he stomped away, seeking refuge under one of the buildings in the village. He crawled into his usual hiding spot, the cool shade providing a semblance of solace from the heated argument he had left behind.
From her vantage point, Glynda watched Onyx disappear beneath the building, her frustration evident in her clenched fists and furrowed brow. She turned to Ozpin, her voice a mixture of exasperation and concern. "See? I told you it was dangerous to even consider bringing him into the school."
Ozpin, unruffled by Glynda's outburst, met her gaze calmly. "Possibly, but we must acknowledge the restraint he has shown. His presence could be beneficial if managed correctly. We need someone who can handle such power, should things take a turn for the worse."
Glynda's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're seriously considering this?"
Ozpin nodded, turning his attention to Paladin Jenkins, who had been silently observing the conversation. "Jenkins, your thoughts?"
Jenkins, still gripping the heavy Vulcan, shook his head slowly. "If you think I can control him, then you're dead wrong. I can barely put a scratch on him with this thing," he said, his voice tinged with resignation as he set the weapon down. The weight of the situation was clear in his posture; he was aware of Onyx's immense power and the challenges it presented.
Ironwood, who had been listening intently, stepped forward. "We need to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. If Onyx can be an asset, it's crucial we approach this with the right strategy."
Glynda sighed, her resolve softening slightly despite her reservations. "Alright, but we need to be extremely cautious. This isn't just about integrating him into the school; it's about ensuring the safety of everyone involved."
Ozpin nodded in agreement. "We'll take it one step at a time. For now, let's focus on addressing the immediate concerns and establishing a plan to manage Onyx's integration effectively."
With the conversation winding down, Ironwood's attention was drawn to the imposing weapon Jenkins had set aside. He pointed at the Vulcan and inquired, "What is that weapon exactly?"
Jenkins, still standing by the heavy firearm, straightened up and nodded towards it with a mix of pride and practicality. "This is a modified M61 Vulcan. It fires 5mm rounds at a rate of six thousand rounds per minute. The firepower comes from a dual fusion core battery that powers the whole system. But be warned, it weighs about four hundred pounds when fully loaded with ammo and the battery."
Ironwood's eyes widened slightly at the description, clearly impressed by the weapon's specifications. "Impressive. It sounds like quite a piece of technology."
Jenkins shrugged, a trace of exhaustion in his demeanor. "It is, but it comes with its own set of challenges. While it's powerful, it's cumbersome and not exactly easy to maneuver in tight spots. Still, it does its job."
Ironwood nodded thoughtfully, processing the information. "It's good to know the capabilities and limitations of your equipment."
As Jenkins and Ironwood continued discussing the details of the Vulcan, Ozpin and Glynda exchanged glances, their minds clearly racing with the implications of the recent events and the future interactions with Onyx. The conversation about the weapon was a brief respite, but the undercurrent of tension about integrating a powerful deathclaw into their world lingered in the air.
"I accept going to whatever school you said, but I can't promise that Onyx will be as accepting," Jenkins announced, turning his attention back to the house where Onyx had taken refuge.
"Can you convince him?" Ozpin asked, taking another sip from his drink, his eyes never leaving the makeshift barricade where Onyx had retreated.
"Probably not... Ah hell, fuck it, why not," Jenkins muttered, shrugging as he walked towards the house. He crouched down beside the hole that led under the building and peered in, calling out, "Onyx, you in there?"
"What?" Onyx growled in response, his voice tinged with the residual anger from earlier.
"They sent me over here to try and convince you to join their school," Jenkins explained, his tone a mix of resignation and earnestness. He glanced back at the three figures waiting beside their bullhead, who observed the interaction with keen interest.
"And what makes you think that I would want to join their school?" Onyx spat, the frustration evident in his voice. The notion of joining a school seemed absurd to him, especially after the way Glynda had treated him.
"We could make an offer. Give you something in exchange for enrolling," Ozpin's voice chimed in, as he approached from behind Jenkins. His tone was calm and persuasive, aimed at bridging the gap between Onyx's distrust and the proposal at hand.
Onyx's eyes narrowed as he considered the proposition. The idea of negotiating for something in return piqued his curiosity, though the thought of joining a school still grated against his sense of pride and autonomy.
"What kind of offer are we talking about?" Onyx's voice softened slightly, his curiosity overcoming some of his anger.
Ozpin smiled slightly, sensing the shift in Onyx's demeanor. "We can discuss the specifics, but I assure you, we have resources and support that could benefit you in ways you might not expect. We want to ensure a mutual arrangement where everyone gains something of value."
Onyx mulled over Ozpin's words, the tension in his muscles slowly easing as he contemplated the offer. The promise of resources and support was tempting, especially in a world where he was so out of place and fighting for survival.
"What kind of resources are we talking about?" Onyx asked, his tone still wary but showing a glimmer of interest.
Ozpin's eyes sparkled with a mix of enthusiasm and patience. "We have access to advanced technology, knowledge, and expertise that could be invaluable. Whether it's understanding this world better, learning new skills, or having a place to call your own, there are many things we can provide. The school's mission is to prepare individuals for challenges and support them in ways that align with their goals."
Jenkins nodded in agreement, his expression softening. "I can't speak for everything the school offers, but I from what I've heard, they're serious about helping those who need it. And, from what I've seen, you could benefit from some of the resources and knowledge they have. It might not be a perfect fit, but it could be worth considering."
Onyx's gaze shifted between Jenkins and Ozpin, the weight of their words sinking in. He had fought alongside these humans and seen their dedication firsthand. Despite his initial reluctance, he was beginning to see the potential benefits of this arrangement.
"Alright, you've made your point," Onyx finally said, his voice more measured. "I'll go with you to the school. But know this— I won't hesitate to leave."
Ozpin's smile broadened, a mixture of relief and satisfaction crossing his features. "Understood. We'll make sure to address any concerns you have and ensure your time at the school is as productive and respectful as possible."
"So what happens now?" Onyx asked, crawling out from under the building.
"Follow me, I'll explain everything on the way," Ozpin answered, walking towards the bullhead. Onyx and Jenkins both followed the man, sitting on the bullhead and waiting for it to take off again.
Everyone settled into their seats on the bullhead, the rhythmic hum of the engine mixing with the occasional creaks and groans of the aircraft. As the bullhead began its ascent, the view of the village receded, leaving the trio with their thoughts and the conversation at hand.
Ozpin took a sip of his tea, clearly enjoying the calm before the next phase of their journey. "As I was saying," he continued, "the primary role we envision for the both of you, is as survival instructors. Your unique skills and experiences are invaluable in preparing our students for the harsh realities they might face when separated from their teams or resources."
Onyx tilted his head slightly, considering the implication. "And what exactly will this involve? I'm not familiar with how your training works."
Ozpin smiled, setting his tea aside. "Our students undergo rigorous training in various disciplines, including combat, teamwork, and survival. Given your background and abilities, we believe you can offer them insights and practical knowledge on surviving in hostile environments, particularly against the Grimm. It's not just about fighting; it's about adapting, enduring, and thriving in dangerous situations."
Ironwood, looking slightly more at ease now that Onyx had agreed, nodded in agreement. "They've got a solid curriculum, but your perspective will add a new dimension to their education. We've heard how effective you are in the field. It's not just about what you can teach them, but also how you can show them the resilience and strategies needed to survive."
The bullhead rumbled as it started its descent, the cityscape of Vale slowly coming into view. Ozpin continued, "Once we land, we'll take you to Beacon Academy. There, you'll have a chance to meet the staff, see the facilities, and get a feel for the environment. We'll also discuss further details about your role and how we can best integrate you into the school's framework."
Onyx looked out of the window, the sprawling cityscape reflecting the new horizon before him. "Alright. I'll give it a chance. But if things don't work out, I'm not bound to stay."
Ozpin nodded, his eyes conveying a mixture of relief and understanding. "That's fair. We'll do our best to ensure you find your place here and see the value in what we're trying to achieve. Your contribution could be a great asset to our efforts."
As the bullhead touched down, the trio prepared to disembark.
[All Criticisms are welcome! Anything to improve my writing, which is very much needed.]
(Or if you want to please my ego that is very much welcome too!)