Persona: RWBY Optical
Chapter 7
Breaking Chains
Once the sun had just started shining, the future students of Beacon were all woken up from their slumber to prepare for the day. Most immediately went to lockers to put on their gear while others conversed between themselves. At the moment, Oak was the former of the two.
He unlocked his locker and put in his greed jacket, armor pieces, and dust case for his tonfas. Oak grabbed his tonfas and inserted them into his dust case. He looked at himself in the mirror, hyping himself again.
Oak: You are Oak Woods. Son of Birch and Pine Woods. Even if your dad doesn't accept you doing this you're going to prove him wrong and become the best huntsman that ever lived. Even if you weren't in a noncombative school before, you're just as good as everyone else out there. Just go out there and give it your best! Never back down!
???: Love the speech, pretty motivation.
Oak practically jumped twenty feet into the air when he heard that voice. He quickly turned around to find out the voice belonged to none other than Phoenix. The redhead boy leaned on a locker, cladded in golden armor with steam punk-like goggles sitting on his head.
Phoenix: You ok? Hopefully, I didn't scare you out of your skin.
Still recovering from practically almost, but not likely doing that exact thing, Oak held his chest trying to breathe. He thought to himself about how someone really needs to put a bell on that guy.
Oak: I'm fine. Just got a little… jumpy. Do you do that often?
Phoenix: Nah, must be a you thing. So, congrats!
Oak: …Thanks? So… how much did you hear this time?
Phoenix: Half of it. Came in when you said that you're not from a noncombative school like everyone else. Seems like it's gonna be tough for you, but hey, everyone loves a good underdog story.
Oak wanted to palm his face for being talkative in public. This is the second time he was caught monologuing to himself, you'd think he'll learn his lesson at this point. Someday he's just going to tape his mouth shut instead.
Maybe stitching it would do it?
Nah that would be too painful. Why would he even think of that? Would stitches hold his mouth down?
It took a snap of fingers for Oak to notice that he was lost in his head and had left Phoenix in the real world having to look at the green boy staring into deep space.
Phoenix: Almost lost you there buddy. Got lost in your headspace?
Oak: Yeah… I most definitely have a problem.
Phoenix: Ay, problems are just questions we haven't solved yet. We'll figure them out in the long run eventually.
Oak puts a hand on his chin, thinking about the saying.
Oak: Hm. I kinda like that saying. I might keep that in mind, thank dude!
???: My brother is very wise!
Again, another person had snuck up behind him and scared him to high heaven. He looked behind him to find the sister of Phoenix, cladded in her armor.
Oak: Telling by the hair and same colored eyes that you two are related.
Pyrrha: Oh, yes. I'm Pyrrah Nikos, you might have heard of me before.
Oak put a hand on their chin, deep in thought.
Oak: …Nope. Doesn't ring a bell.
Glass could be heard shattering in the distance and when they turned around they all saw Weiss had dropped a canister of dust. She could not believe what she was hearing that someone could not know who Pyrrha was.
Weiss: You must be joking! Have you never heard of Pyrrag Nikos before? Have you lived under a rock all your life?
She was now in his face, having him lean back. He looked over to the Nikos twins who wanted to help, but it was surely too late for help at this point.
Oak: …Should I?
Weiss: Should you?
Oak's eyes stared back at her questioning ones.
Oak: If I say yes will I get to live?
Seeing that enough was enough, Pyrrha pulled Weiss by the shoulder away from the scared boy.
Pyrrha: It's ok. He doesn't have to know about me. I bet many people don't either.
In the background, two other students were walking past when they caught the eye of Pyrrha:
"Isn't that Pyrrah Nikos?"
"Oh my Oum! It is her! Do you think she'll let us get an autograph?"
As the two converse about whether they should talk to Pyrrha or not, Weiss motions over how right she is.
Oak: That seems like a them thing.
Weiss's eye twitched, making Phoenix chuckle a little.
Phoenix: You're a funny guy, you know that.
Before Weiss could go on another tirant a tap on the shoulder motioned her attention to Jaune who leaned on a locker giving her a coy smile.
Jaune: You know what else is great? Me, Jaune Arc. Nice to meet you.
Oak: Hey, Jaune! Still, trying to find that locker?
Jaune coughed in his hand trying to get Oak to avoid the question.
Jaune: Not right now, Oak!
Weiss: You again?
Pyrrha popped in front of Weiss, seeming to want to be seen by Jaune.
Pyrrha: Nice to meet you Jaune.
Jaune wanting to get to waste pushed past Pyrrha having her stand beside Phoenix who stifled a laugh only shut down by a glare from his sister.
Jaune: So, Weiss. Couldn't help but overhear your fondness for me the other day.
Weiss: Oh you got to be kidding me…
Oak leans over to Phoenix to whisper what is going on.
Oak: There is some context that I was definitely not a part of.
Phoenix: Yeah, that's obvious but the situation is pretty hilarious nonetheless.
Jaune: Getting back on topic. So, been hearing rumors about teams! I was thinking you and I would make a good one! What do you say?
Pyrrha: Actually, I think the teams are comprised of four students each, so-
Jaune: You don't say. Well, hot stuff, play your cards right, and maybe you could join up with the winning team.
Weiss quickly gets in between the two pushing them apart. Oak stands at Jaune's side scratching his cheek while Phoenix continues having as much fun as possible having Pyrrha elbow him in the stomach to keep him quiet.
Weiss: Jaune is it? Do you have any idea who this is?
Jaune: Not in the slightest, snow angel.
Weiss rolls her eyes having to have one other person be living under a rock.
Weiss: Then let me educate you. The both of you. This Pyrrha.
Pyrrha: Hello again!
Weiss: She graduated top of her class in Sanctum.
Jaune: Never heard of it.
Oak: Haven't the slightest clue on where that is.
Weiss: (Scoffs) She won the regional Mistral tournaments four years in a row.
Oak got a bit excited about that. Someone who had actually won a tournament and for that long sounded incredible to him.
Oak: Woah, you must be pretty strong then!
Pyrrha: Well… I wouldn't say that. Just talented.
Weiss: Don't downplay your Pyrrha for these simpletons. You're practically the strongest in the region.
Phoenix, who leaned against one of the lockers once more, agreed with Weiss.
Phoenix: She's right. You're informed on all likes of combat and honestly the best in Remnant.
Pyrrha: Don't say that! I'm not that good. Anyway, I may have won every tournament, but it was challenging to do so because of the runner-up.
Weiss: And who was that?
Phoenix raised his hand.
Phoenix: Me. I usually got second place each time.
Pyrrha: But he's always put in his best! I almost lost at the last one.
Phoenix: Before you made a comeback and sent me out of the ring. It was a hard fight, but in the end, I was outclassed.
Pyrrha: That doesn't mean anything!
Phoenix: You have your own cereal of Pumpkin Pete because they wanted the face of a future huntsman to represent.
Both Jaune and Oak gasped having now learned about Pyrrha's actual identity of being a mascot.
Oak: Wait, you have your own cereal?
Jaune: But they only do those for star athletes and cartoon characters!
A box of Pumpkin Pete's Marshmallow Flakes hovered behind Pyrrha's head in the background. Phoenix nonchalantly waved it away, having crumbled away.
Pyrrha: Yeah, it was pretty cool. Sadly, the cereal isn't very good for you.
Weiss: So, after hearing all of this, do you really think you're in a position to ask her to be on your team?
Jaune: I guess not... Sorry...
Oak puts a hand on his new friend's shoulder trying to comfort him.
Oak: Oi, Jaune, I'd be on your team. We could be one of those buddy cop movies. Fighting side by side and taking care of bad guys.
Jaune slowly starts to brighten up.
Jaune: Really?
Oak: Yeah! We could be like those legendary hunters Claine and Bonny.
Phoenix: Those were actually criminals.
Oak: Oh… well whatever. I'm just saying we can make a great team!
Pyrrha: And I think you, Jaune, I think you'd make a great leader!
Jaune: D'oh, stop it!
Weiss rolls her eyes and scoffs again while Pheonix continues to laugh at her disappointment. Seeing that he isn't taking any of this seriously, Weiss pokes him in his chest plate.
Weiss: Be serious for once! This type of behavior shouldn't be encouraged.
Phoenix: It sure is funny though. Lighten up a little, they only seem to be having fun. Maybe you need to chill out once in a while
Weiss fumes at how laidback Phoenix is about all this. They were going to become huntsmen in a few hours– minutes maybe! And his only thing for her is to chill out! She has no time to "chill out".
While Weiss was trying to come up with words to berate him, a tug on her dress from behind drew her attention to her fellow white-haired sister, Whiverly. She had on her battle clothes consisting of white undergarments, a cyan vest and combat skirt, white leggings, and boots. The look was completed with her twin swords connected to her belt.
Weiss: Oh, Whiverly! Thank goodness you're here. Can you please tell these dolts about—
Whiverly: I would sister, but I regret to inform you that we should be preparing for initiation. Do you have all your gear in order?
Weiss sighs, having forgotten all about that when speaking to the mongrels in front of her. Speaking of said mongrel, Jaune had come back for round two to woo the ice queen.
Jaune: Sounds like Pyrrha's on board for Team Jaune. Spots are filling up quickly! Now, I'm not supposed to do this, but maybe I could pull some strings, and find a place for you. What do you say?
Weiss: All right, that's a bit too close! Wiverly, a little help, please?!
Wiverly with a swift movement pushed Jaune out from in front of Weiss and used one of her swords to pin his hood to the locker. She looked down at him with a cold glare making him slightly uncomfortable.
Wiverly: Please leave Weiss alone.
An announcement plays on the intercom system gaining everyone's attention.
Glynda: Would all first-year students please report to Beacon Cliff for initiation? Again, all first-year students report to Beacon Cliff immediately.
Weiss passes Jaune as he hangs from the wall of a locker on her way out. Wiverly and Pyrrha follow her, the former of the two grabbing her sword and dropping Jaune to the ground.
Pyrrha: It was nice meeting you.
They all pass by a defeated Jaune as he hangs his head down. A hand then was reached out to him that was of Ruby who was accompanied by Yang, Oak, and Phoenix.
Yang: Having trouble, lady killer?
Jaune: I don't understand. My dad said all women look for is confidence! Where did I go wrong?
He accepts Ruby's hand, still grimacing over not winning over Weiss's heart.
Oak: Maybe you were a little too forward. My dad was pretty tough when it came to my mom. Always playing hard to get.
Phoenix: Someone like that girl is of higher class status and has a better-than-you attitude. Her ego is so big for herself that she can't stand for someone she thinks that someone lower to her even speaks to her.
Yang: Also calling her "Snow Angel" doesn't give off good impressions.
Jaune dusts himself off when Oak pats him on the back.
Oak: We should be heading out by now. Don't want to be late again.
Jaune sighs as he follows his friends to the cliff where they will soon be inactive into an adventure that will turn the tides of this world. But that's for you to keep on reading to see where they go.
All participants stood at the edge of a cliff that overlooked the emerald forest. They all stood on metal plates that were ready to launch them into their mission by the command of Ozpin who stood in front of them with Glynda by his side, pad in hand.
Oak stood beside Whiverly, whose stoic expression was very hard for him to read, and a red-haired girl who was talking to another participant. Oak noted how he nodded to every word she said like it wasn't the first time the two had these types of conversations.
Oak: Must be good friends.
His thoughts were soon passed through when Ozpin cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention.
Ozpin: For years, you have trained to become warriors, and today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest.
Glynda: Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of "teams." Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates... today.
Oak could hear a crack a few people away from him.
Ozpin: These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon. So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well. That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years.
???: See? I told you-!
The now-named Ren only rolled his eyes as Ozpin continued to speak.
Ozpin: After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path... or you will die.
Jaune laughs nervously and then gulps loudly.
Ozpin: You will be monitored and graded through the duration of your initiation, but our instructors will not intervene. You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pair must choose one and return to the top of the cliff. We will regard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?
Jaune: Yeah, um, sir?
Ozpin: Good! Now, take your positions.
Everyone prepared to get launched into the forest, getting into their positions. Whiverly crouched into a stance to prioritize distance when she caught Oak crouching down to the ground.
Oak: Just have to make sure my stance is at a forty-degree angle to prioritize distance. My feet are stable so I don't trip and—
Whiverly: You're doing it wrong.
Whiverly stated bluntly as she used her foot to correct his stance, sliding his feet closer together. Moves his back closer to the cliff and makes his head straight to the forest.
Whiverly: If you're going for distance you have to lengthen your body. Stretch your limbs out and you're barely even going to move from the cliff.
Oak: Oh. Thanks, I appreciate it.
Whiverly didn't say anything else facing away from the boy to focus on herself again. She couldn't care less what he was doing, it just irritated her how he was doing everything wrong from the foot position to his back. Infuriating.
But she didn't let it show. The only thing he saw was a face void of emotion. It wasn't weird just… something.
Oak: Just focus now. You got this.
Whiverly was flung off into the air and the forest next to him followed by the red-haired girl.
Oak: Let's do this.
His pad then launched him into the air far into the distance sky. Ozpin, for his part, simply takes a sip of his drink.
In the Emerald Forest, some birds were chirping along in the branches minding their own business. It was only when yelling could be heard above them that they weren't quick enough to crash into Oak when he was falling to the ground.
Seeing that he is about to fall face-first into the ground, he pushes a button and a fist crystal pops out of his container. Grabbing it, he absorbs the energy from the crystal, energy channeling into his hands. His hands buzzed with power as he got closer to the ground and at the last second exploded the energy in the air to flip in the air.
He landed on his feet, tripping a little to adjust himself and straighten out. Breathing a little, he dusted himself off and rubbed twigs out his hair.
Oak: Landing could've been a bit better.
The two birds that he crashed into flew out of his hand and pecked him in the face before flying away into the distance.
Oak: A lot better…
He looked around the area he was in. Looking at all the greenery of the forest.
Oak: Now I know why they call it the Emerald Forest.
Getting back on task, he got to running through the forest trying to get to the main objective of this challenge. He has to get to the end of the forest and grab some kind of price. Easy.
Oak: I just need a partner. Maybe I can try to find Jaune around here. He could be a good teammate. Even that Phoenix guy could be a good teammate.
In his thoughts, his feet stomped on fallen leaves and branches. He raced past a giant tree that touched the sky leading into the clouds. It was such a beautiful sight.
But there was always evil lurking.
Oak ran past the trees when he heard something else running beside him in the bushes. Predicting the outcome, he slid across the ground to not get himself pierced by a Beowulf lunging for him.
They both slid to a stop before meeting eye-to-eye. Oak stood up to his feet, the beowolf growled at him waiting to make a move.
Oak: Ok, Oak. Remember your training.
The Beowulf finally jumped, swiping at this torso to claw him in half. Dodging out of the way, Oak rolled on the ground to activate the containers on his belt to launch Turn-Up in the air.
Grabbing the two tonfas, he spun them by the hilt and pointed the barrels at the Beowolf. The bullets pierced through the skull of its face and turned it to ash.
Smiling, Oak basked in slight victory when not so far away he could hear the sound of something coming towards him fast. It was a whole lot larger than a simple beowolf.
When he turned around, stomping out of the forest was something he'd never seen around his hometown. It was a bear-like monster with a spine of bones penetrating from its back. Its skull face was marked with red to indicate eyes and a jaw.
It was bigger, stronger, and a lot more deadlier than any simple beowolf.
It was an Ursa.
Oak: Holy crap…
The Ursa extended itself into the air to make itself look bigger. A roar rang through the forest to instigate it into battle, lunging at Oak to cut him down. Thinking quickly, he jumped up to dodge the swipe landing on its paw to flip into a bicycle kick into its chin, disorienting it.
Quickly using his semblance, he flew back to gain some distance away from the Ursa but he didn't anticipate it to be able to recover so fast. It thrust its head forward, biting onto his foot and tossing him into the tree, breaking it in half.
Thanks to his Arua he was able to take the brunt of the force. Getting up, he had to again quickly roll out of the way to get stopped by the Ursa.
Oak grunted in annoyance at having to dodge away from the thing's attacks. It was too aggressive and didn't want to give him a chance to attack.
Oak: Fine! Want to play it like that? Let's play!
Oak out puts his Turn-up into its container and pushes a button for fire dust. Loading it in, the tonfas then fired back out to spin them around to get in a combat stance.
Digging into the ground, he ran at the Ursa and it rushed in too. Throwing the first attack, the ursa swung its claw above Oak. Oak brought his weapon up and blocked the attack to counterattack, jabbing forward into its chest to knock it back.
Keeping up the pressure, he thought of his combat to adjust his stance. Twisting himself, giving him the force to swing down into a hit the Ursa in the skull with an uppercut lifting the air. Putting Turn-Up together to rifle mode and shooting fire dust at the Ursa. Fireballs hit the Ursa out of the air, making it fall, and producing a cloud of dust.
Oak smiled as he took apart Turn-Up.
Oak: That was harder than expected.
He put the weapons back in the containers to keep up the search for the relics. Turning around, he didn't notice when out of nowhere the Ursa came out from the dust. Its claws dug into the ground running towards Oak to claw his body into pieces.
Turning around to defend himself he was just too late when the Ursa had jumped at him.
Oak: Crap!
He could only put his hands up to block the attack and hoped that his Arua could be enough to tank the attack.
When it got close it was suddenly launched back from a sudden ton of force and knocked back turning to dust in an instant. Oak looked up to see that a yo-yo wrapped back around a tree back to its original owner's hand.
Trix: Ursa almost clawed you in two. Should try to be more aware next time.
It was none other than the raccoon ear trickster herself. She put her yo-yo into her pocket and walked up to her new partner who had a sigh of relief.
Oak: Thanks. Could've been bear food.
Trix: It's nothing, but next time aim for the underside of the belly. That is where you can do some real damage.
Oak: Noted.
Trix gives a soft chuckle as the boy checks himself for any injuries. It didn't look like thanks to his aura protecting him from most damage.
Trix: So, it looks like we're a team now. You already know me, Trix Nix, don't wear it out.
Oak: Oak Wood. Again thanks for the help.
Trix: It's no biggie! Just was in the area to kick some Grimm's butt.
Oak: We should get going then if we're going to complete this challenge.
Trix puts both her thumbs up in agreement. The two tracked through the forest to hopefully find the relics. Seeing that they didn't have much to do, they engaged in some conversation to pass the time.
Oak: Why'd you join Beacon? I heard you were some kind of wanted criminal.
Trix: "Former" wanted criminal. I turned myself in and decided to change my ways and wipe the slate clean. Thought joining Beacon could help with that to create a better reputation for myself.
Oak smiles.
Oak: That's cool.
Trix raised an eyebrow, seeming a bit perplexed.
Trix: That's it?
Oak: What?
Trix: Usually when former criminals talk about wanting to change they get ridiculed for not wanting to change.
Oak just shrugged.
Oak: Do you want to change?
• • •
Trix: Yes…
Oak: Then there we go! Problem solved!
Oak walked ahead of the stunned raccoon as she was in her own thoughts. Ever since she turned herself in people still saw her as some kind of criminal. That's why she didn't like mentioning it when she got to Beacon.
But this one guy just went and accepted her even though she had done so much wrong. Even if she was a criminal.
A smile soon stretches across her face before skipping beside her new teammate.
Trix: Let's go find those relics then! We got to be close.
Oak nodded and they both now walked together to find the relics trekking through the forest. But all of a sudden their heads started to ache. It wasn't pain, but some mild ache rippling through their minds like a bug. After a moment the ache subsided.
Trix: What in the heck was that?
Oak: Don't know… it felt weird though. Like something was near.
Trix: It did feel like something was out there.
They looked around, but couldn't find anything that could lead to anyone or thing being around. It was just them.
Oak gave a sigh deciding to just ignore the feeling that he still kind of felt.
Oak: We should just focus on the relics. It's probably nothing.
Trix: Yeah. Yeah, you're right. Lead the way then partner.
They walked deeper into the forest still having that small feeling that they were being watched. Inside the background though, something followed them in the shadows.
???: Hn… can't we attack them now? I want to make them feel so much pain!
???: No. Their mine. You can stay here.
The other whined again as they both sank back into the shadows once more.
Oak pulled apart vines out of the pathway for Trix to flip into the clearing. She looked around to see some ruins that had chess pieces standing on pedestals.
Trix: Found em'!
Oak came into the clearing and looked around himself. The relics were made of chess pieces ranging from pawns, kings, rooks, and queens. It seemed like some relics were taken from the stands, an indication of them now being empty.
Oak: Looks like this is going to be a piece of cake then.
The two partners walked to one of the stands and looked between all the relics. Trix decided to grab a random podium that was the black rook.
Trix: Got one! So do we just head back or…
Before her question could be solved her raccoon ears picked up a noise. She turned to the source of something coming from behind the wall.
Trix: Get your weapon out. Something's coming.
Trusting her judgment, Oak releases his tonfas and gets into a defensive stance. Trix upholstered her yoyo and they both walked slowly towards the edge of the wall.
Each step they took was heavy, and the grips on their weapons were tight with anticipation. Getting around the corner Oak pointed the barrel of Turn-Up as Trix spinned her Troublemaker around. The response they got in return was guns being pointed back at them.
???: Huh, looks like they weren't Grimm, Blake.
The now affirmation Blake sighed and put her guns back on her belt. Seeing that there aren't any threats, everyone puts their weapons down.
???: Wait… aren't you the boy Ruby's been talking about?
She pointed a finger to Oak.
Oak: You know Ruby?
Yang: Don't you see the resemblance? I'm her big sister, Yang.
Oak looked at the blonde-headed broad up and down. Then he imagined Ruby right next to her comparing their features together.
Oak: I can see it.
Trix: I don't…
Blake had walked away from the group to observe the relics. Her partner walked with her and looked at a golden knight piece.
Yang: So we just grab one of these and return it back to that cliff?
Oak: I think he said that. Probably.
Yang hummed, grabbing the golden knight and waving it toward Blake.
Yang: How about a cute little pony?
Trix: Aww~ It's so cute and tiny!
Blake rolled her eyes but kept a small smile.
Blake: Sure.
After both pairs claimed their relics, they met each other in the middle of the ruins.
Yang: That wasn't so hard!
Blake: Well, it's not like this place isn't difficult to find.
Trix: True that. Could practically smell it from the cliff.
Oak: You can do that?
Trix: I'm just kidding. I'd have to be a wolf faunus to have that type of nose. Their sniffers are beyond helpful for tracking stuff. Reminds me of someone too…
Oak rubbed his chin.
Oak: They do have good noses. Especially my neighbor back at home! He could find something without even looking.
This caught Blake's ear of Oak having a wolf faunes as a neighbor.
Blake: You lived by a wolf's faunes.
Oak: Hm? Yeah. Mr. Wolvin is pretty cool. Dad and he talk about politics a lot.
Blake didn't respond to that, only turning away to think to herself. Her thoughts were soon interrupted when yelling could be heard from above them. Looking up at the sky, they saw Ruby falling towards them at full speed to soon hit the ground.
Oak/Yang: Ruby?!?
Thinking quickly, they both got under her hoping to cushion her from falling into their arms. Just as she was about to safely catch out from nowhere Jaune crashed into her side causing them both to redirect into the tree.
Oak: Jaune?!? Where are all of you coming from?
Trix: Where did he even come from though?
Blake had turned to the sister who just passed right by their heads.
Blake: Did your sister just fall from the sky?
Yang: I…
Yang couldn't explain what just transpired, her mind still on dial-up. Not waiting for an answer Oak ran on ahead to help his friends.
Oak: Come on! We gotta help them!
Trix: On it partner!
Trix followed her partner into the forest to save Ruby and Jaune where they were leaving Blake and Yang to their lonesome. It's only when again they hear several crashing noises in the forest ahead of them, and an Ursa comes out, claws swiping, just as a pink blast of energy hits it in the back and it crashes to the ground, depositing its rider.
Nora: Yee-haw!
Nora rode the Ursa wildly as it tried to buck her off. From behind it, someone held on tightly against its tail trying not to fall off. The red-haired engineer held on for dear life having been riding on this Ursa with the wild girl for an hour does to a man's stomach.
Phoenix: Oum… it feels like about to throw up… I need to stop this ride now before I puke my guts!
Phoenix used the momentum of Ursa and launched himself into the air. Tossing the metal pages through Ursa's back he pinned it to the ground. Coming down on top of it, Phoenix brought Pyre down on the head of Ursa, splitting through the skull.
Phoenix: Ha… always aim at the head…
Nora then landed on his shoulders pouting after the death of the Ursa.
Nora: Aww…. It's broken…
Phoenix could only deadpan, facepalming to the girl's… nativity… let's go with that.
From inside the forest, Ren came from behind the Ursa trying to catch his breath. He had been chasing the monster that had both his best friend and another person he had no idea about for an hour.
Very tiring for him. Fun for Nora. Sickening for Phoenix.
Ren: Nora! Please... Don't ever do that again.
???: Yes.
Behind Ren, Whiverly walked out of the forest dusting her skirt from the leaves and dirt.
Whiverly: That was horribly ineffective. The Ursa should've been dead a long time ago.
Ren: Nora has… special ways to deal with Grimm.
Whiverly: Very unconventional ways.
Nora had made Phoenix move over to the temple and jumped off his shoulders. She looked around seeing all the chess pieces on the pedestal before her eyes locked onto the golden rook relic. The shining golden took made her eyes shine making it the perfect one for her.
Grabbing her treasure, in her joy she dances around the temple singing to herself.
Nora: I'm the queen of the castle! I'm the queen of the castle!
Ren: Nora!
Stopping her song and dance, she turned to the vice of Ren who was tapping his foot annoyed. She gathers herself and puts the relic in her pocket.
Nora: Coming, Ren!
Nora skipped past Phoenix as the red-haired boy looked through the relics.
Phoenix: So these are the relics this year, huh?
Whiverly walks next to her partner.
Whiverly: We should pick the one Weiss would pick. She's probably teamed up with your sister so it might be indicative to go with them.
Phoenix watches as the girl picks up another black rook and puts it into her satchel.
Phoenix: How would you know you'd be paired with them? Teams are pretty random.
Whiverly: The headmaster would put the best of the best on the team. The smarts and brawn of both the Schnees and Nikos would surely be of interest to him.
Phoenix scratched the back of his neck. The explanation wasn't wrong per se, but the thought of teaming Pyrrha didn't seem… worth it to him.
They both had other things to deal with when they heard trees crashing down in the forest near them. Turning around they saw the person they were just talking about run out of the forest.
Phoenix: Pyrrha?
Out from inside of the forest came the clawed Grimm chasing his sister. Pyrrha was weaving attacks while trying to outpace it.
Pyrrha: Jaune!
In a tree next to Ruby, Jaune was hanging from a branch when he heard a call from Pyrrha.
Jaune: Pyrrha!
A tree then starts to shift as Oak climbs up the tree to stand on the branch that Ruby stood on.
Oak: Jaune, Ruby!
Trix popped her head from above Jaune.
Trix: Trix!
Ignoring the newcomers, Ruby turned to Oak.
Ruby: What are you doing up here?
Oak: Well after you two came souring from above and landed in this tree. I decided with my new partner Trix…
Trix: Hi. I'm Trix.
Oak: Decided to help you two.
Jaune: Aww! Oak… I'm so touched…
The moment didn't last but a second when a roar could be heard from above. The four all looked at each other in agreement.
Oak/Ruby/Jaune/Trix: We should get down.
Oak and Ruby both jumped down to the ground landing next to Yang and Phoenix. The ladder of which smiled at Oak.
Phoenix: If it isn't the forest creature.
Oak: Hey, Phoenix. Good seeing you too.
Phoenix: When did you get here?
Oak: A few minutes after you. Had gone to help Ruby and Jaune and I think, Jaune may still be in that tree. Hopefully, Trix is helping him right now.
Trix: I am!
Up above in the sky, Weiss could be seen hanging on the talon. Her grip was slipping and it looked like she was going to fall at any second.
Weiss yelled down at Ruby in anger after the red hood girl left her to be stuck flying.
Weiss: How could you leave me?!
Ruby: I said jump!
Blake: She's going to fall.
Ruby: She'll be fine.
Blake: She's falling.
With the help of Trix, Jaune had finally gotten unstuck from the tree branch. Seeing the falling Weiss he decided to impress her to save her. Leaping from the tree, Jaune caught Weiss in his arms.
Jaune: Just… dropping in?
Weiss looks at Jaune before looking back down at the ground getting closer. Jaune looks the same, figuring that his plan to impress Weiss had some flaws.
Jaune: Oh, god…
They both then started to fall to the ground, their weapons having been the ones left behind.
Our heroes watch as the two continue to fall.
Blake: Should we help them?
Phoenix cracks his fingers.
Phoenix: I got it. They're dropping at about 25 mph. With wind resistance acting on them, they could change trajectory to about… here.
Walking a few feet forward, he puts his arms out to catch both of them before they can hit the ground.
Jaune: Sigh. Thanks.
Weiss: My hero.
Weiss rolls her eyes, noting her sarcastic remark to both Phoenix and Jaune. Trix flipped from the tree and landed in between everyone posing like an Olympic gymnast.
Trix: So, what I miss?
Pyrrha fell to the feet of everyone having been hit by the Death Stalker. Phoenix put the two down on the ground and picked up Pyrrha.
Phoenix: You ok?
Pyrrha: Yes, I'm fine. My a
Yang: Well, the gang's all here! Now we can die together!
The Death Stalker screeched in the distance. Oak pumped up Turn-Up in his arms.
Oak: Not on my watch!
Absorbing the dust energy from his tonfas, he fired a wave of energy to propel himself toward the Death Stalker. Oak jumped into the air to land on the Grimm creature to strike it into its skull. The blows didn't seem to be doing anything but only aggravating it more.
The Death Stalker uses its tail to swipe him off its back. Oak grabbed the swinging tail and flung himself from the back to be caught by Ruby in mid-air.
Ruby: Need a boost.
Oak spun them around using the remaining energy from his palm to throw Ruby at the Death Stalker. She twists her body to brandish Crescent Rose into scythe form to smash it into its skull doing minimal damage.
Oak: How strong is that thing's skull?!
Ruby tried shooting at it, but it only made the monster more angry. Ruby, knowing just swinging at the thing wasn't going to work, decided to run away from it as the scorpion gave chase.
Yang: Ruby!
Yang ran towards her sister who was being chased by the Death Stalker. It got closer to her snapping its pincers. Lunging at the girl, it screeched a reckless scream when out from the right Oak pushed both him and Ruby out of the way to only from Death Stalker, but the Nevermore crashed down onto the Death Stalked.
Yang quickly grabs her sister and puts her behind her.
Yang: Are you ok?
Ruby: Yeah, thanks to Oak.
Oak: No problem. I think we have bigger fish than the fry though.
The rest of the gang meets up to three as they watch as the Nevermore wrestles with its own body on the ashes of the Death Stalker. It contorted as its body kept flinging itself around.
Ruby: Is that normal?
Phoenix: A Nevermore has never acted like that before.
Oak looked closely at it, looking into its eyes where it soon peered back.
Oak: …. It's like it's looking directly at me…
The Nevermore soon stopped moving altogether, its wings calmly to the side. What came next shocked everyone to the core.
Some kind of shadow started to form in front of them. Its male build puts his hands into his lab coat pocket as it walks out of the body of the Nevermore. His yellow eyes simmered into the souls of the teens which left them speechless.
Especially that the person looks exactly like…
Oak: Me?
A complete copy of Oak stood in front of them. The only other difference was the eyes and clothes.
Jaune: Did you ever have a twin?
Oak: No. I've been an only child my entire life.
Blake: Then who is that?!
The shadow chuckled, bowing to everyone.
Shadow Oak: I'm Oak Woods. Well, the shadow of Oak Woods.
Phoenix: A shadow? Of what?
Shadow Oak: Mmhm. Mostly of his inner thoughts. The path he knows that he should be following.
Trix: Quit it with the riddles!
The shadow could only chuckle as he walked forward and disappeared. They all stood on guard looking around their surroundings when the shadow pushed Oak from behind. Appearing behind him again, he grabbed Oak by the collar and tossed him towards the Nevermore.
The Nevermore struck for an attack on Oak, but the shadow soon appeared again in front of it. Putting a hand on its skull head to calm it from attacking its target.
Oak stood up and pointed the barrels of Turn-Up at his shadow.
Oak: Quit it with the teleporting act and tell me what you want?!
The shadow could only look at him with the snarky grin plastered on his face. In one step, he teleported towards Oak the two meeting face to face with one another.
Shadow Oak: It's not a matter of what I want, but what truly needs to be said, Oak Woods.
The shadow puts a hand on Oak's shoulder.
Shadow Oak: You don't belong here.
The shadow didn't give Oak the time to process this and tossed him into the air. It barely looked like he used his strength to move him as he proceeded to grab his leg, smashing into the ground and cracking the grass plain below him.
Keeping the grip on his leg he then tossed him to the others where he was quickly caught by Ren.
Ruby: Oak?!
Nora: Is he ok?
Oak coughed a few times feeling like his lungs were bashed out of him. His back ached with pain from being so easily tossed around.
Shadow Oak: See. Can't even defend yourself. Just admit it. You aren't built to be a huntsman. Admit it to your own father that he was right and your dream is completely worthless.
Oak just stood there beaten and bruised as his shadow could only talk. His self-pity beating into him makes him feel as worthless as possible. Then he brought up his dad. The person who wanted him to become someone he wasn't.
Maybe… he was right. Maybe he wasn't cut out to be a huntsman.
The thought roared in his mind. Doubt filled through with waves of passion crashing against his brain.
???: Are thou going to believe that treachery?
A feminine voice went off in his mind. He looked around to see the girls around him. Not one of them had the mature voice he heard.
???: Are thou just going to stand there and let thy put slander on thous name?
Oak: …No.
A chuckle pierced through his head as the voice gave forth a smile.
???: Good. Then let's quench this one's words with a vow.
A strange feeling started to surge through Oak's head. Not of pain, but a certain sensation. Chains appeared on his wrist as a fire set ablaze around him.
Everyone around him backs away, watching the scene unfold in front of him.
Ruby: Oak?
???: I am thou, thou art I. Thou is to break the chains that held thou back from thou true potential and begin anew to the future! Call upon me and break the chains that bind thee!
Oak screamed into the air, pulling on the chains with all his might. The shadow could only frown as he stared at the boy in front of him, ripping apart the chains.
Oak: Merida!
With one mighty tug, the chains ripped into the manifestation of his inner being. A woman whose face was covered by a cloak the only thing that was able to be seen was her green fiery eyes. Her cloak was in the form of a bear, fall leaves stuck to its fur like it was rushing through bundles of them. the head of it being used as the hood to cover her face.
Merida carried an ancient log bow. Oakwood was carved to be more durable and hard-hitting than any bow.
Her voice was ruff but kept an ease of confidence when she spoke.
Merida: Now… let's show this one what a huntsman can do!
The others could only stare as bow bow-wielding manifestation just appeared out of thin air. The shadow could only scowl as it walked backward back into the Nevermore.
Shadow Oak: You want to play against fate, huh? Fine! I'll show you what happens when you go against the script!
The shadow merged with Nevermore. Its body started to morph from its wings turning to spines like bones produced, head shifting into a more grotesque form, tilting in a way that no Grimm could ever.
Its eye bugged around until it locked on to Oak who walked forward, brandishing Turn-Up together. Merida floated behind him, strengthing her bow.
Oak: You nor anyone else is going to tell me what I should do with my life. Now, I make my own choices! I am Oak Woods and I'm going to be a huntsman!
Shadow Oak: What of it! You're only one boy!
Without hesitation, Ruby stood on his side taking out Crescent Rose and slamming it into the ground.
Ruby: He has us!
The others stood by Oak's side, weapons in hand. Oak looked around him with a smile.
Shadow Oak: Great! I'll just kill all of you in one fell swoop!
He let out a loud roar, diving down towards the group who stood their ground.
Oak: Gura!
Sharp wind blades cut through the Nevermore making it lose course crashing into the ground in a weakened state.
Shadow Oak: What?! How?!
Jaune: Go on the attack guys! He's weak!
Charging into battle, Yang propelled herself forward to smash her gauntlets into Nevermore sending a flurry of punches. The Nevermore bucked her off to bite at Phoenix. Quickly dodging and sliding between its legs, he puts two metal pages below it.
Phoenix: Pyrrha!
Pyrrha used her semblance to control the metal pages to pierce through the wings. The Nevermore let out a screech, his wings gouging in pain.
Not wanting to catch a break, Ruby blasts through the Nevermore, breaking through its armor. The Nevermore screeched, sending sharp feathers at her for it to be blocked by a wall of ice.
Ruby: Huh?
Weiss stood in front of the red hood girl with Myrtenaster implemented into the ground.
Weiss: You are so childish and dim-witted, and hyperactive, and don't even get me started on your fighting style. And I suppose I can be a bit... difficult... but if we're going to do this, we're going to have to do this together. So if you quit trying to show off, I'll be... nicer.
Ruby: I'm not trying to show off. I want you to know I can do this.
Weiss: You're fine.
She walks away to help deal with the Nevermore leaving Ruby to sigh, taking a deep breath in to concentrate.
Ruby: Normal knees…
The Nevermore had taken flight once more, souring in the air to keep a distance away from the teens. Everyone hid behind a ruined pillar as the Nevermore tossed feathers.
Oak: It is trying to keep this as an aerial battle. We gotta get it to the ground.
Ren: Nora, distract it!
The two split apart, Nora dodging a barrage of feathers, vaulting over one to pull out her hammer, switching it to a grenade launcher. Firing grenades into the face of the Nevermore, she kept it distracted enough for Trix and Blade to wrap their weapons around its talons.
Trix: Going up, Schnee!
Whiverly jumped onto Trix's string, using her semblance to boost herself up, and leaped onto the Nevermore's back. She stabbed its back and had to hold on tight as the Nevermore flew into the mountain. Blake flung herself from the momentum and sent multiple strikes at the wings, catching Whiverly as they both jumped back to the ground.
Jaune looked to see that the Nevermore's wings were starting to weaken. The bone charred off as it kept taking damage.
Jaune: The wings! We have to aim at the wings to bring it down!
Blake: It's tougher than it looks though!
Yang: Then we'll have to give it everything we've got!
Oak: Persona!
Summoning in Merida, she pointed her bow at the Nevermore preparing to fire.
Oak: Chain Lock!
Pulling back her string, a green glow produced from the tip. A swirl of energy got bigger with each second until she released it towards the Nevermore. With the touch of an arrow, it froze in place, chains having been wrapped around it to keep it in place.
Oak: Fire at will guys! Don't let it get a single second!
Everyone changes their weapons to gun mode, excluding Jaune and Trix. Bullets went flying toward the Nevermore with no way to stop. A barrage of dust bullets came crashing onto it, sending it from the chains into the mountain.
Having gained mobility again, the Nevermore tried getting back into the air, but a sudden weight to it kept it from getting from the ground.
A glacier of ice was practically on its back. From behind a pillar, Whiverly twisted one of her swords from her ice combination. She looked towards Blake and Yang.
Whiverly: Now is your chance.
Blake and Yang nod to each other. They both climb onto two broken opposite pillars. Blake threw the pistol version of Gambol Shroud to Yang to have a rope between both pillars. Weiss stood behind the pillar and created a black sigil.
Ruby looks towards Jaune and Oak.
Ruby: Give me a boost.
She jumped into the air and two boys locked their arms together. Ruby lanes on their arms and they both tossed her up to bend the rope back and land on the sigil. Seeing exactly what they were about to do, the Nevermore tried to escape out of sight, but the ice was practically stuck there.
Weiss: Of course you would be the one to come up with this idea.
Ruby: Think you can make the shot?
Weiss: Hmm! Can I?
A small pause. Ruby shifts her eyes a little bit.
Ruby: Cant?
Weiss: Of course I can!
Ruby looks ahead to the Nevermore giving it a smirk before pumping Crescent Rose. Weiss turns the sigil to red, and releases, slingshotting Ruby into the air cracking the ground below her. Putting Crescent Rose behind she fired a shot to keep the upward momentum toward the Nevermore, getting closer each shot.
Shadow Oak: No!
It tries to fly up to claw at her, but Ruby wraps her scythe around its neck and pins it to the cliffside. Weiss raised her sword to create a path of sigils for Ruby to fire shots behind her while racing up the mountain, dragging the Nevermore through the whole thing.
Once she got to the top, with a cry she tore her scythe through the neck of the Nevermore spreading pedals around in the air as she took a kneel.
Jaune: Wow…
As the body of the Nevermore disintegrates, Shadow Oak free falls from inside of it. He glares down at everyone on the ground, gritting his teeth.
Shadow Oak: You think you won?! Don't make me laugh! I'll just destroy you with my own two hands! You can't run away from your fa—
Before he could say anymore, powerful winds hit him blasting him into the cliffside once more and putting him in a weakened state as he continued to fall again.
Merida stood with her bow drawn before disappearing into the mist. Oak takes out Turn-Up and runs towards the cliffside.
Oak: Come on! Let's get him!
Tried rushes to his side, spinning Troublemaker.
Trix: I'm with ya, partner!
Joining with the of them, Phoenix and Whiverly ran beside them with their weapons.
Phoenix: You wouldn't mind if we join in this?
Trix: The more the merrier!
Oak grabbed his tonfas to absorb the last of the energy from them. He directed the energy to his feet and grabbed everyone.
Oak: Hold on tight!
A blast of energy from his feet sent them all straight into the air to be face-to-face with Shadow Oak. The shadow could only look at them with shock as they brought their weapons out.
Oak: Time for an all-out attack!
The four let loose onto the faker, slicing and punching him while still falling towards the ground. They struck at him till he was right below them for Oak to give out the final blow, cocking his arm back with Turn-Up in hand, smashing him right into the ground forming a small crater
Oak jumped off the shadow, waving his hair out of his face before putting his hands on his hips.
"Chains Broken!"
The shadow body felt weak, its form disintegrating from its yellow eyes. It chuckled slightly, having been beaten by a bunch of teenagers who hadn't even become huntsmen in training yet.
Oak raised an eyebrow, looking back to his shadow who was at his knees chuckling to himself.
Oak: What's so funny?
Shadow Oak: Oak Woods. You really are one of the different ones. Never thought someone who barely knows how to fight could be so hard-driven like you. And I am you!
It slaps its knee to joke which, to be honest, almost made Oak chuckle a little. The shadow could only smile at its counterpart as its body started to dissipate even further up its neck.
Shadow Oak: Just let you know, there's going to be wild stuff out there. People who are stronger than me are out there.
Oak could only imagine whoever was out there who sent this guy after him. He still didn't fully understand why his shadow was after him besides stopping him from completing the examination. It was so weird…
The shadow sighed as his time was up. The only thing being left was his golden eyes that stared back at Oak's green ones.
Shadow: Take care… Oak Woods.
He was gone.
Nothing left except that crater that the shadow kneeled upon. Only leaving a question on Oak's mind that still has not been answered.
The others were behind him, having witnessed a dump of lore and still questions that probably won't be answered any time soon.
Yang: Well… that happened.
Phoenix crossed his arms, narrowing his gaze.
Phoenix: Something like this could only come in once in a blue moon… Wonder what it has in store for all of us.
After gathering together, everyone went back towards the school to claim their rightful places as Huntsman. One by one, the team were chosen by the chest pieces that they chose. Since Jaune, Nora, Pyrrha, and Ren had gotten the white rook piece they became team JNPR led by Jaune.
It surprised Jaune the most since he thought of himself as almost useless during the whole battle with the shadow, but overall he still, recently, accepted.
Then came Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang who had chosen the golden knight piece that had become team RWBY led by, you guessed it, Ruby. The astonishment on Wiess's face could tell that she didn't expect Ruby of all people to be chosen as the leader and it didn't help that everyone was cheering on the redhead girl.
Weiss could only cross her arms as her new team moved off the stage, feeling bitterness on her tongue.
Oak, Phoenix, Trix, and Whiverly all stepped up to the stage, hands behind their back. The time has come for all of them to take their rightful spots as 3Huntsmans in training. A great accomplishment for all of them.
They stood in front of the headmaster, side by side.
Ozpin: Oak Woods, Phoenix Nikos, Trix Nix, and Whiverly Schnee. You all gathered the black rook pieces, so from this day forward, you all will be known as Team OPTW.
Oak and Phoenix high-fived one another, finally becoming partners. Trix jumped in between them and hugged them both, pressing their cheeks against hers. The boys just laughed with her, leaving only one member of the team alone.
Whiverly could only sigh. Staring over her shoulder, she looked at her sister. To the person, she wanted to be able to team up with. She turned back making sure her composure wasn't compromised from unneeded emotions.
Ozpin seemed to be finished, holding up a hand to gain their attention.
Ozpin: This group will be led by… Oak Woods. Congratulations, young man.
Oak gave a distant stare. Him? A leader? In what timeline was he in to have this much responsibility? He barely even knew what he was doing most of the time!
His thought process was shortly after interrupted when Phoenix picked him up and put him on his shoulder, cheering loudly. Trix joined in, jumping onto Oak's shoulder to cheer with her team. Thanks to Phoenix's strong upper core, he could easily keep them all balanced.
Grid: Wahoo! That's my new leader!
Whiverly stood to the side only giving a small nod of acknowledgment.
Ozpin was to the side, sipping on his cup of coffee watching as the three teams celebrated on becoming huntsmen. He was quite glad for all of them, especially for two people he personally accepted into Beacon.
Ozpin: This year is going to be interesting.
The pieces have been set. Fate isn't easy to change by oneself, but when you truly believe…
Anything is possible.
The End
This might have been the longest chapter of all time between all of my stories. This entire chapter is 9500 words! That's insane! It took me a whole month because I kept on rewriting it until I was satisfied.
I still think there should be more moments with Oak's persona, but I also didn't want to overuse it because I wanted everyone to get a moment like how they did it in the show. Everyone was gonna get a moment to shine, no question asked!
Now to Oak's person, Merida. Yes, he is based on Pixar's Princess from Brave. I went with her since they both lived in the forest in some way, one more technological advance, they both have parents that have expectations for the both of them that they went against, and finally Oak is half Scottish thanks to his mother so—
But seriously, Oak's problems are still not over, but it's a start for him. We haven't even got to his team and everyone else. Especially Whiverly. I'm excited for Whiverly. But for now, to the previews and it's something a bit different…
In the velvet room, Delilah sat at her desk typing on her computer. On the computer, it contains Oak's Beacon information with him being assigned as leader.
Delilah: Mr. Woods seems to have completed the first part of his lesson. His other teammates, Phoenix Nikos, Trix Nix, and Whiverly Schnee seem to be a good asset to him already.
She pulls up the folder from her drawer containing the folder information for Trix, Phoenix, and Whiverly. Most of the information is blacked out, but it does contain some info.
Worthless Criminal
2nd Rate Shadow
Puppet
Delilah: Very interesting team composition. Different people from different social norms. As their leader, you should be able to bring them all together and be able to figure them all out.
She puts the folders on her desk, her yellow eyes glowing.
Delilah: So your next assignment is simple then…
First Shot.
Assignment Ended.