So bad news, I procrastinated even worse than last time for this chapter. Good news though, I managed to make it on time by spending entire days, and some nights, on it. Woohoo, my brain is bloody fried.
I forgot to mention this last chapter but Gin was going to originally have the cliche white eyes. I scrapped that idea after I did my research on blindness. I find the white eyes cliche pretty cool but I figure that I should do something different to represent other diseases and spread some awareness with my fic, even a little bit. Anyway, fully deciding on Gin's eye colour took me some time. Silver eyes were out of the question and black eyes felt boring so I chose red eyes, like the edgelord that I am. Not only to give Gin some other colour palettes but also to foreshadow something.
Chapter 7: Flight Towards The Beacon
"There's still enough time for me to call this off," said Lizzy with a sigh. "That would be the responsible thing to do…"
Both Gin and Jaune laughed nervously. The three of them were currently outside Lizzy's place with the boys about to leave for the bullhead to beacon.
"It's a good thing you're not a responsible adult, am I right?" Jaune tried joking.
Lizzy didn't laugh.
Jaune grunted after Gin elbowed him. "Lizzy, we're really happy that you're thinking about us, but you've got nothing to worry about," Gin tried.
"Bullshit, I've got loads to worry about," Lizzy pouted. "Even if you two weren't committing a crime, you're still trying to become Huntsmen. One of the most fricking dangerous jobs on Remnant."
"We can handle it. We're strong," Gin proclaimed while planting a fist on his chest.
"Yeah. Against people, maybe," Lizzy pointed out. "Putting aside Jaune, you got scarred by a Grimm, Gin."
"So?" Gin questioned. "Scars are really cool."
"Ugh. That's not my point and you know it."
"Okay, but that's why Jaune and I want to get into Beacon. So we can learn how to kill Grimm and get even stronger."
Lizzy grumbled.
"Please, we'll be fine." Gin put a hand on his chest, "Trust us."
From her expressions, it seems Lizzy was experiencing various emotions before she finally sighed. "Just, please be careful and don't get into too much trouble."
Gin smiled widely. "Of course."
"You too, Jaune," She addressed the blond who was content with letting Gin handle her.
"Yeah. Definitely." Jaune grabbed his friend's shoulder, "I'll even make to keep this asshole out of trouble."
Gin rolled his eyes and slapped away Jaune's hand, which made Lizzy giggle.
"And again, thank you for all your help." Gin grinned, "Big sis."
"Heh, cheeky brat." She spread her arms. "C'mere, ya two."
The boys bashfully hugged her.
"Keep me updated and text me sometimes," said Lizzy while still hugging them. "Visit me when you can and let's go out to watch a movie or something," She suggested. Nowadays, most movie theatres had Audio Descriptions of the movies for the visually impaired.
Both of them gladly agreed to that.
"Also, now that I'm in the city, you can let me know if anyone bothers you and I'll deal with them," said Gin.
"Ginny, the last time I did something like that, you assaulted my ex," Lizzy said dryly.
"He deserved it."
"Wait, that was you?" Jaune asked.
"No. And no one can prove otherwise, not even him."
"You used your Semblance?" Jaune instantly realised.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Gin denied any and all accusations.
. . .
Both Jaune and Lizzy sighed.
"Anyway, can you stop groping us, Liz?" Jaune asked.
"A couple more hours," Lizzy joked and giggled before releasing them.
Then, with a somewhat worried smile, she waved at the two boys as they set off for the next step toward their goals.
/-/
Inside the bullhead travelling to Beacon, Jaune and Gin sat on the benches. Gin was leaning back with his arms tucked inside his sleeves and Steel Seer leaned against his shoulder while Jaune was hunched over again in the same position as before when he was ill.
"You better not vomit again. Or people here might call you Vomit Boy or something," said Gin.
Jaune groaned.
"Do you want me to use my Semblance on you? It might help."
Jaune slightly raised his head, "No man. What if she recognises the light from your Semblance?" His head gestured towards a certain blond girl which made Gin give a low growl.
It was the girl from days ago in the nightclub. The one who cracked Gin's ribs and whose mother, apparently, violated his liver. The blonde was currently talking to someone who Gin sensed was related to her by blood, most likely her sister.
The boys tried to stay as far away from them as possible.
"I did think that she might have been a Beacon student 'cause she was really strong, but I didn't expect her to just be starting Beacon. Fucking hell," Jaune groused, trying to distract himself. "You know, we wouldn't have to be worried about her if you hadn't bragged about your Semblance like an idiot. Or tried to fight her."
"Shut the fuck up," Gin replied. "I'd do it again if I could."
Jaune glared at the stubborn bastard.
Before more could be said, the hologram inside the Bullhead, which was playing the News suddenly grabbed their attention. "The robbery was led by the nefarious criminal, Roman Torchwick," The screen showed a mug shot of said man.
"I still can't believe that Roman is famous," muttered Jaune. "Uh, I mean infamous."
"Same," said Gin. "What's the point of being a criminal if you have that much attention on you? Yet he apparently revels in it."
"In other news," said a new voice, Lisa Lavender on the hologram. Besides the woman was a picture of people with animal features like extra ears, "this Saturday's Faunus Civil Rights protest turn dark when members of the White Fang disrupted the ceremony," They showed a picture of the White Fang's emblem, a red snarling beast in front of three claw marks. "The once peaceful organisation has now disrupted—"
The video was cut off and the hologram of a beautiful blond woman took over.
"Hello and welcome to Beacon." Her hair was tied into a bun with a curl hanging down her face's right side. She wore thin glasses and has bright green eyes. Her clothes consist of a white long-sleeved formal top with a black high pencil skirt and dark brown stockings. She also had black boots with bronze heels and a purple and black cape that ends in stylized flames and arrows. "My name is Glynda Goodwitch. You are among a privileged few who have received the honour of being selected to attend this prestigious academy. Our world is experiencing an incredible time of peace. And as future Huntsmen and Huntresses, it is your duty to uphold it. You have demonstrated the courage needed for such a task and now it is our turn to provide you with the knowledge and the training to protect our world." After she was done with her speech, the hologram disappeared.
"Yo, that lady was gorgeous," Jaune remarked.
"Well, don't leave me hanging," said Gin with a smile.
"Uh, really mature looking woman in glasses, blond hair in a bun, great figure and assets. She has this real strict teacher slash librarian look, and it's really hot." Jaune paused as he realised something, "Kinda like your mom."
Gin's smile dropped. "What?"
Jaune's eyes widened, and he waved a hand, "Okay, that came out wrong. Sorry, my bad."
"Hmm."
. . .
Jaune tried to keep his mouth shut. Gods, he tried.
However, he just couldn't resist messing with Gin. "… No offence, but your mom IS hella hot." Jaune couldn't even stop his snort, and neither could he resist adding, "Just saying but I'd smash."
Three seconds later, the two friends were pushing their partially drawn swords against each other in a clash. A diagonally reverse-gripped Steel Seer screeched against a horizontal Crocea Mors.
"Bro bro bro I'm sorry I'm sorry I was just kidding seriously that wasn't even a diss please stop I'm still feeling sick I'm gonna puke again," said Jaune quickly and desperately.
Gin did not comply.
/-/
The boys' squabble attracted more than a few pairs of eyes. Including the eyes of sisters who had been looking out the windows and admiring the view.
"Heh, boys," said Yang Xiao-Long with a smile.
Ruby Rose giggled a little at the sight. She was a fair-skinned young girl with silver eyes and neck-length black hair with red tips. She wears a black long-sleeved blouse with a high collar and red trim on the sleeves, over which is a black waist cincher with red lacing up the front, and a matching skirt with red linings. She also wears a pair of thick black stockings and black combat boots. Her outfit is topped by a red hooded cloak fastened to her shoulders by cross-shaped pins. A rose emblem appears as a large silver buckle on her wide black belt, which is slung around her hips at an angle. Attached to her belt was a row of bullets.
"Hey look, it's Beacon Academy," said Yang, who had gone back to looking out the window.
Ruby turned back to see a large castle-like structure situated next to an impressive cliff over the ocean.
"Wow," Ruby gaped. "It's even bigger in person." She paused, "Well uh sort of, we're still pretty far away from it. It'll look even bigger when we actually get there."
Yang snorted, "Yeah, probably." Her smile slightly fell when she glanced at some of her hair which came over her shoulder. Golden hair which was once a beautiful mane, now only reached her shoulder. Yang subconsciously ran her fingers through it.
Ruby noticed it. "Yang, are you alright?" She asked softly.
That seemed to snap Yang out of it. "Yeah, of course I am." She tried returning her smile to its previous vigour but it didn't work on Ruby who frowned at her. Yang sighed, "Okay, I guess I'm a little bummed out about my hair. But I've gotten better, honest."
Ruby smiled, "Okay, that's good then. You really loved your hair so it's understandable that you feel sad about it and there's nothing wrong with that." She grabbed her sister's hand to comfort her.
Yang's smile was more genuine this more. "Heh, I'm the older sister here. I should be the one who's supposed to give the pep talks," She used her free hand to ruffle Ruby's hair.
"Hey!" Ruby tried to get the hand away from her head. When Ruby got free, she pouted at her sister, "Well, I think I'm the more responsible one and should give the pep talks since I don't pick dangerous fights in nightclubs."
"Ugh. But you fought with Roman Torchwick and his goons didn't you?"
"That's different. I didn't actually fight him, only his goons and because they were robbing the Dust store."
"I was fighting criminals too. They were just some low-life gangsters and I wouldn't have had any problems if it wasn't for that stupid midget and his damn Semblance," Yang's voice got more heated at the mention of that person.
It even brought back memories of the events of that night, particularly when she got saved by her bastard of a mom.
Yang flew out of the black and red portal and landed on the ground with a pained grunt as she clutched her bleeding side again. She looked around and saw what looks like the inside of a lavish tent,
The Bandit Queen, Raven Branwen walked out of the portal a second later. She moved closer to Yang and drew her sword again which made Yang widen her eyes in shock and fear. But Raven slashed at the air and created a new portal.
Understanding dawned on Yang, "Wait!" She yelled. "Mom, I've been looking everywhere for you. I–"
"Pathetic," The single word from the Queen commanded the little dragon into silence.
"I didn't expect my daughter to be so weak. My brother and Taiyang were too soft in training you," Red eyes beneath a Grimm mask gazed at Yang in derision.
Yang's face twisted, and then her lilac eyes turned red as she snarled. "I'm not weak! Fuck, how was I supposed to fight against a bullshit Semblance that freezes my mind?!"
"Nothing is fair in this world and that includes Semblances. Blaming failures on them, whether you're the one with a weak Semblance or facing a strong one, is what weaklings do." Raven shooked her masked head, "But enough about that." She grabbed Yang by the jacket and pulled her up to stand. "This isn't the first time you almost died because you searched for me. So let me be clear because I won't save you another time."
Yang grabbed the powerful arm that held her and struggled against it as Raven bored down on her.
"I don't need you or want you," Her mother declared, "A daughter as weak as you is nothing to me."
"Raven!?" Taiyang Xiao-Long slightly emerged out of the portal.
Before any more words were even uttered, Yang was shoved into her father and they stumbled back into the portal. The last the little dragon saw of Raven, was the sight of her throwing her away.
Yang punched her palm with a scowl, "I swear to the Gods, if I see that damn midget again I'm going break every single bone in his body…"
Ruby frowned. "Yang… you promise me and dad that you would stay away from that club and that guy," She said in a soft voice.
Yang looked at her sister's face and her anger faded as she wilted in guilt.
"Yeah, I know and I will," Yang said quickly. "I didn't even try to get my bike back remember? And that thing was almost as expensive as my hair," She joked with a grin.
Luckily, Ruby lightened up and giggled.
"Anyway," Yang continued, "can we not talk about that anymore? Dad already keeps reminding me about it and he's not going to let me live it down anytime soon."
"If he heard you say that stuff about wanting to fight that guy again, then dad totally would have lectured you again about not learning your lesson," Ruby teased.
Yang stuck her lip up at her. "Why you little," She got Ruby in a headlock and the sisters got into a little playful fight.
A minute later, the Bullhead finally arrived at Beacon Academy and it landed.
Along with the others, the sisters walked out of the Bullhead and made their way to the Academy.
When they got closer to it, the sisters took a moment to express their awe at the main academy buildings and their large, impressive main doorway, which opens up to a large amphitheatre surrounded by a double ring of colonnades bisected by the main avenue with the outer ring rising high over the main entrance to the academy itself. The avenue is marked with trees and flag-draped light poles, as well as several impressive aqueduct-like features and archways. In front of the entrance is a large statue and fountain of a Huntsman and Huntress standing atop a rock, beneath which a Beowolf cowers. There's also a large circular pond feature surrounded by a pathway and a garden of red trees. The main avenue is also referred to as the courtyard.
"The view from Vale's got nothing on this," Yang commented as she crossed her arms while Ruby had her eyes locked onto the various weapons of the people around them–
The sisters suddenly shivered. Along with some other people near them.
They tensed up and were prepared to draw their weapons as they looked around.
Wait, this feels familiar, Yang thought.
The sisters spotted the two boys who were fighting on the bullhead earlier. They were walking towards the academy and didn't seem to be affected by whatever that feeling was. The tall blond looked nervous and ill with a stiff face and body as he walked with a hand resting on his sword's hilt. He glanced at the sisters and then quickly turned his face away while gripping his mouth, as if to hold back vomit. Whereas the short one next to him walked leisurely in the lead with one hand carrying his weapon, probably, and the other hand in his pants pocket.
Though Ruby turned her attention elsewhere, Yang's stayed on them, her brows furrowing at the short one. Would have thought he was a girl if it wasn't for that tight turtleneck. Then again, could just be flat boobs and this IS a Huntsman school so muscular girls aren't exactly rare. Hell, I'm one.
Just as the two were about to walk past the sisters, the silver-haired one stopped and faced Yang.
"What the hell are you staring at?" He asked with an icy tone and a colder face.
Yang cocked an eyebrow. Boy from the sound of his… kinda familiar voice.
She opened her mouth to–
The boy got smacked HARD in the head by his blond friend.
"Haha! Sorry about that! Bye," said the blond who dragged his friend by the arm as he quickly walked away.
"What was that about?" Asked a confused Ruby.
"Well, I guess I WAS eyeing him kinda weird," Admitted Yang.
"What? So he didn't like you ogling him?" Ruby smirked, "I guess you're not so pretty after all."
"Hey," Yang lightly swiped at Ruby who dodged and giggled. "And I wasn't ogling him, he's not even my type, too feminine looking. He just… felt familiar. But I'm not sure."
"Anyway, sis did you see that kid's collapsible staff?!" Ruby said excitedly while pointing at the weapon.
This reminded Yang that she needed to help her socially awkward sister make some friends and socialise. And Ruby won't get out of her comfort zone if Yang stayed with her. So, Yang would need to leave Ruby and let her brave the labour that was known as talking to strangers and making friends.
It worried Yang but what's the worst that could happen?
/-/
"Gods," Jaune groaned while sitting on a bench, head leaning on his sword again in what was pretty much his Signature Sick Stance. "I knew we should have waited for those girls to go inside first. Why didn't I stop you?"
Gin hummed while also sitting on the same bench with his arms inside his sleeves, Steel Seer leaning against his shoulder again.
"Oh, so now you're keeping your mouth shut," Jaune glared.
"Eat shit," Gin didn't even look at him.
Jaune pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Okay, look, let's just try to avoid those two, okay? You know that if the blonde girl recognizes us, we could get kicked out of Beacon."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Gin waved a hand dismissively.
"That doesn't—" Jaune got interrupted by something that sounded like a mini-explosion.
The two looked towards the direction of the sound and saw two girls who seemed to be arguing, presumably over the explosion. One of them was the sister of the blonde girl they were trying to avoid. The other one was—
"The most beautiful girl I've ever seen…" said Jaune in a mesmerised breath.
"Huh?" Gin turned to him with a confused look.
"White hair, almost like yours but hers is more obviously white. She wears it in a side ponytail tied with a crown-like hairpin. Beautiful blue eyes and pale skin. A small scar runs down one of her eyes and it gives her this kinda fierce look. Pretty average figure and is shorter than you, even with her heels. She's wearing a thigh-length strapless dress with a faint colour gradation from white to pale blue at the ends of the skirt which has snowflake-like embroidery and has layers of white tulle under the skirt. Over that, she wears a ball-sleeved bolero with the same colour gradation as before from the shoulder to the wrist, lined in red and with a ruffled collar. I think there's an emblem on her back that looks like a snowflake. She also wears a silver apple pendant on a thin chain and rectangular silver earrings. Her high heel boots are white and are also lined in red. Finally, a thin white sash is tied around her waist with a pouch on the back," Finished the guy who had seven sisters.
"… That was… oddly more descriptive than usual," Gin noted.
The arguing girls were joined by another black-haired girl who seemed to have taken the side of the sister.
"She's like a fair princess who came straight out of a fairy tale…" said Jaune in the same mesmerised breath as he stared at the girl who huffed and walked away from the two black-haired girls.
Gin sniggered, "Reign in your horse down there, Sir Knight. From what I could pick up from their conversation, your fair princess seems to be on the spoiled bitchy side."
"Yeah, and that makes it even better."
"… No wonder you dated Sarah," said Gin with a flat tone.
Jaune was brought out of his stupor when he noted that the red-caped girl slumped down onto the ground after being left alone by the other black-haired girl who Jaune thought was her friend, but he guessed that was wrong.
. . .
"Hey…" Jaune started, "I think we should go see if that girl's okay. I know I said we should avoid the two sisters but like, everyone else is gone and we're the only ones left so—"
"Alright," Gin stood up. "Let's go lend her a hand."
"Eh?" Jaune also followed and stood up, "You're not going to give me shit for it?"
"Not this time. That girl is younger than us by around two years so it's only natural that we should help her."
"Oh. So she's not just really short?"
"Not if my Aura sensing is correct. Plus, I don't sense the blonde cunt nearby so we'll be fine approaching her, I think."
"Right," Jaune stood up. "Just don't cause any problems, okay?"
Gin rolled his eyes, "Sure, sure."
And so, the two boys approached the despondent girl who shivered and sat back up, she turned towards them.
Jaune held out a hand with a smile, "Hey, I'm Jaune. You okay?"
The girl looked at the offered hand for a few seconds before taking it, "Uh, I'm Ruby. And yeah, I'm okay."
"Gin Suzume," He gave a casual bow where one hand was pocketed when the girl was pulled back up.
"Oh, uh, Ruby Rose." She paused for a second, then gave an awkward curtsy.
Gin chuckled.
"Ah, in that case, It's Jaune Arc. Short, sweet and rolls off the tongue, the ladies love it," Jaune claimed with a confident grin and one thumb up.
"They do?" Doubted Ruby.
"They don't," Confirmed Gin.
"Oi, that's all because of you, ass—" Jaune glanced at Ruby, "douchebag."
Ruby slightly pouted at that.
"Yeah, keep telling yourself that, dumbass," Gin retorted, which made Jaune look at him with annoyance while Ruby did it with pleasant surprise.
"Anyway, everyone else is already gone so I think we should move," Gin advised. "Would you like to walk with us, Ruby?"
"Oh, sure."
Gin nodded and pointed, "I sense that everyone else went in that direction so I assume that's where we're supposed to go."
"Sounds like a plan, at least. Let's head on then," Jaune started walking and the other two followed.
"So, Ruby," Gin began as they walked, "if you don't mind me asking, how did you get into Beacon at a younger age than most of us here?"
"Well," Ruby scratched her head shyly, "basically, there was this dust robbery that I kinda helped in stopping. Headmaster Ozpin happened to see it and he invited me to come to Beacon early, cause like I was already planning on entering Beacon in the future and stuff."
"Incredible," Gin looked surprised. "To be able to impress the Headmaster of a school like Beacon into personally inviting you... You must be insanely talented."
Ruby shyly looked away, "Pfft, nah. It was nothing special, really."
Gin chuckled, "Modest too, it seems."
Ruby wiggled as she became even more embarrassed. "So uh hey, this is my weapon," She pulled out the compact device on her belt and it mecha-shifted into a mechanical red scythe that shocked both boys into stopping.
"Whoa, a scythe," commented Jaune.
"Damn, that's wicked cool," appraised Gin.
"I know, right?" Said Ruby excitedly. "Her name is Crescent Rose and she's also a customizable high-impact sniper rifle."
"A what?" Jaune asked.
"A gun, you stupid fuck," Gin answered.
"Oh," Jaune paused. "Hey! Don't use words like that around Ruby, man."
"Oh, please. Ruby's younger than us but that doesn't mean she's a child."
"Exactly!" Ruby excitedly supported with an index finger raised. "Gods, I hate it when people think I can't handle swearing or something. It's not like I like them but that doesn't mean I'll start crying or something." She crossed with a pout, "I'm fifteen, not five."
"Yeah, Jaune," Gin motioned at Ruby. "Treat her with more respect."
Jaune's eye twitched as he stared at them. Then he took a deep breath, "You're right, Ruby. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to treat you like a kid."
Ruby lit up and smiled, "It's okay now, Jaune. Thanks for understanding."
Jaune nodded and turned to his friend, "Gin, I'm going to strangle you in your sleep."
Gin put his weapon under his armpit so he could clap his hands and made taunting motions with them, "Bring it, bro."
Ruby laughed at their banter. "So hey guys, what are your weapons?"
Jaune tapped the weapon on his hip with a smile, "This is Crocea Mors, the sword itself is just that and the sheath can mecha-shift into a shield." Jaune demonstrated its function and even drew the sword. "Kinda unimpressive compared to yours, Ruby, but Crocea Mors is basically a family heirloom that was even used in the Great War by my great-great-grandfather."
"Oh, that's really cool," said Ruby. "And I don't think Crocea Mors is unimpressive at all. I can see that she's got a lot of nicks and scratches from its long years of use, yet she still looks really durable and strong. That means it's one of a kind and a classic, too."
"Yeah, thanks," Jaune grinned.
"Well, mine is named Steel Seer," said Gin while partially drawing the sword. "Can you guess its history, Ruby?"
"Um, it's a family heirloom too?" Ruby said uncertainly as she looked at the simple-looking weapon. "It sorta looks pretty new but I guess it's just been reforged and customised a lot."
He smiled, "Nope, I bought it online."
"Ohhh."
"Well, the blade at least. My father made everything else while giving it a hidden function, do you want to guess again?"
"Huh? Uh," She squinted her silver eyes at it, "The pommel is a gun?"
Gin sniggered, "I'm afraid not." He sheathed it, "The scabbard can be locked." He demonstrated by trying to pull it out but failing so he stopped. "And a button on the end of the scabbard can unlock it," He pressed it and the sword was slightly ejected. "Said button exists on both sides."
"… I see."
Gin sighed with a smile, "I know, it's even more unimpressive than Jaune's. Maybe we should have gone with mine first so the bar wasn't set so high with yours."
"Oh no, yours isn't bad or anything," Ruby said quickly. "A simple weapon is good too, since that means it's more reliable and not as heavy maintenance as mine, which also has a higher risk of breaking because of its machinery. But like, I'm not saying Crescent Rose is bad or anything, she's really really good and I wouldn't trade her for any other weapon, even if my life was at stake," She finished with sudden conviction in her tone.
The two boys laughed.
"Well, thank you for the encouragement, I think," said Gin. Then he grinned, "At least, we can all agree that my weapon has the coolest name."
"Ehhh?" Ruby voiced with an expression that didn't look like agreement.
Jaune scoffed, "Nah, no way in hell."
Gin started laughing and was joined by the other two a second later.
Jaune started walking again and they followed.
"So, hey Gin," Ruby started, "You said that your dad sorta made your weapon, right? So you didn't want to make it yourself?"
"Well, no. Why would I?"
"Huh? Well, all the students at Signal forge their own weapons, I thought it was the same for every combat school?"
The boys suddenly stiffened but quickly resumed their pace.
"Well, you see…" Gin scratched his chin. "I am blind."
Ruby's eyes widened, "What?"
"Indeed," Gin confirmed. "Which is why, I'd rather not build my own weapon because I'd have a higher chance of messing it up more than others. Yes."
"But…" She squinted her eyes at him and examined him up and down, "you don't look blind?"
Gin grinned. "Looks can be deceiving, not that I would know," He chuckled.
Jaune laughed a little awkwardly, "Not all blind people are visibly blind, Ruby. Blindness is a spectrum too and there are different causes for it. Gin here has Retinitis Pigmentosa, a disease where he has no peripheral vision and central vision."
"Literal tunnel vision," said Gin with a smile.
"Oh. Oh!" Ruby gasped and covered her mouth in realisation, "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to like, accuse you of lying or anything. I just–"
Gin held up with a gentle smile, "It's alright, Ruby. Yours was an honest mistake and I know you didn't mean anything bad by it."
Ruby slightly whimpered in guilt.
Gin decided to change the subject. "So, you made Crescent Rose by yourself? Impressive, considering how complex she looks."
"Y-Yeah," Ruby was more than willing to change the subject too. "I'm kind of a weapons dork, so I guess I went overboard in designing her."
Gin chuckled, "Quite."
The group of three chatted some more as they kept walking, one of the topics of their conversation included an explanation for how Gin was able to move so easily without a cane. Plus, some other things about blindness that Ruby never knew about.
Then they finally arrived at a large amphitheatre room, much different from the one outside the academy, where everyone else had gathered.
Gin's face twisted. "I'm going go to a corner, all these Aura users cluttering together is annoying me."
He turned around to walk off and was about to be followed by the other two when someone called out to Ruby. Gin stiffened and so did Jaune when he saw who it was.
"Come over here, I saved you a spot!" said Yang.
"Oh! hey," Ruby faced the two boys. "I gotta go, I'll see you two after the ceremony," Her words were quick and she ran off just as fast.
Instead of a corner, the two boys found a wall they could lean on.
"Man, I still can't believe Ruby was able to make it into Beacon so young," said Jaune.
"Indeed," agreed Gin with a smile. "A real prodigy, that one. And yet she's humble and nice. A shame her sister is such a cunt."
Jaune rolled his eyes. "I swear to the Brother Gods, if we get recognized because you picked a fight with her, I'm gonna tell every girl here about what you did so you'll never get a date even in Beacon."
Gin chuckled, "Beacon is a big school, I'm sure some girls won't mind and will find me attractive enough to give me a chance."
"Only shit people would have such shit taste."
"Hah, fuck you," Gin retorted.
"Fuck you," Jaune also retorted.
"No, fuck you."
"No you."
"Fuck you."
"Whatever. Just act like a normal person around her at least, okay?"
"Cross my heart," said Gin with a dry tone.
Jaune gave him a dirty look, "That's not how you use that phrase, idiot."
"Damn, so you know that. I guess you're not as dumb as you look."
Jaune sighed exasperatedly, "I give up."
Gin snickered, "Good."
"Anyway, what do you think we're all waiting for?" Jaune asked.
Before Gin could respond, there was a cough from a mic.
Ozpin, the Headmaster of Beacon himself stood on a platform while carrying an odd-looking cane that had a sword's hilt and a knuckle guard. His tousled hair was grey while his eyebrows were black and his eyes brown. He wore shaded spectacles and a small, purple, cross-shaped pin on the cowl around his neck. His outfit mainly consists of an unzipped black suit over a dark green, buttoned vest and green shirt. He also wears black trousers shoes and long, dark-green pants.
"I'll keep this brief," His voice carried across the whole room from the mic. "You have travelled here today in search of knowledge. To hone your craft and acquire new skills. And when you have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people. But I look amongst you and all I see is wasted energy, in need of purpose, direction. You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this school will prove that knowledge will only carry you so far. It is up to you, to take the first step." With that, Headmaster Ozpin was done with his speech and he walked away.
Glynda Goodwitch took over and spoke into the mic, "You will gather at the ballroom tonight. Tomorrow your initiation begins. Be ready. You're dismissed."
Jaune clenched a fist and grinned, "Damn, that kinda got me excited."
"So, that was Headmaster Ozpin huh," said Gin who had his eyes closed during the speech. "He felt… strong."
"Well, no shit he's strong. And he really gives off this wise old sage vibe, despite not looking that old."
"He feels… somewhat ancient though."
"Huh?" Jaune looked at Gin in confusion. "You never diss teachers since you're too much of a nerd so what do you mean by that?"
"Fuck you," Gin replied on reflex. "And I don't know, I'm not sure how to describe it." He waved a dismissive hand. "Just forget I said anything. Since we may not have time tonight, I'm going to go find a spot to do my usual workout. Want to join me?"
"Damn. You really never skip a day, even now when we're at a whole new place," Jaune said with a wry smile. "Well, okay. Let's go."
/-/
Later that night.
The Beacon aspirants were all made to stay in the ballroom, both the boys and the girls. They each took an empty spot and made their beds.
"This is like a giant sleepover," Jaune sat in his bed with one arm supporting him, he wore blue shorts and a tight grey shirt that didn't hide his muscles. "And check out the girls here in their pyjamas, they're all so pretty." His eyes were scanning the room, in search of something.
"Hmm," Gin was lying flat on his bed, hands webbed together on his shirtless chest with the blanket pulled over his bottom half, exposing his muscles and the large scar on his bicep. His eyes were closed as he was listening to an Audiobook through the earphones from his scroll which was beside his pillow, along with an aroma candle.
"Yooo," Jaune's face lit up and he sat straight with his legs crossed. "I finally found her."
"Who?"
"Snow Angel."
"… Who?"
"The beautiful girl with white hair."
"The bitchy one?"
"Yeah. Hey, do you think I should approach her?" Jaune asked excitedly.
Gin snorted, "What, are you going to ask her for a date?"
"No, not straight off the bat like that. I'll… start off slow, first. I'll try asking for her name."
"Not a bad idea. After all, I doubt she'd appreciate being called Snow Angel by a stranger."
Jaune sweat dropped and looked away. "Yeah, haha that would be a stupid move…"
"Well, good luck," Gin gave a single wave before his hand returned to the same position.
"You're coming with me."
"What? Why?" Gin opened his eyes and looked at him in confusion.
"My dad says that when it comes to women, all a man needs is confidence. And I'd feel more confident if you were with me."
"Cute. But I decline," Gin closed his eyes again.
Jaune stood up, "Funny. But I decline your declination." Jaune bend down and grabbed Gin's bicep. Gin made a surprised noise when he was pulled up into a standing position by Jaune with a single arm.
Gin shoved Jaune's hand away and threw a punch that Jaune blocked with the same arm.
"Asshole," Gin gave a pointed look.
"Come on, man. It will only be a few minutes," Jaune begged.
Gin let out a suffering sigh, "Alright, you annoying prick." He moved to turn off the audiobook on his scroll.
"Yes," Jaune grinned and made a fist. "Hey, put some pants on first."
"No." Gin didn't seem to care that he was only in his boxers.
Jaune looked annoyed, "Fine, but keep your Realm small."
"Sure, sure." He kneeled in front of the aroma candle. Straightened his right hand and gripped it with his other in a pose that was reminiscent of an Iai stance. Then he released his hand and slashed at the candle which blew out its flame. Jaune rolled his eyes while Gin stood up with a satisfied smirk.
And so, the boys made their way towards the white-haired girl, who narrowed her eyes when she noticed them heading towards her. She frowned at the one who was practically naked, though she did note how the soft features of his face didn't match the hard muscles of his body.
"Can I help you?" She asked coldly with a raised eyebrow when they stopped in front of her.
"Hi," Jaune waved a hand with a smile. "I hope we're not bothering you."
"Unfortunately, you are," She replied.
Jaune winced while Gin snickered.
"S-Sorry about that," Jaune said quickly. "We just wanted to uhh, introduce ourselves."
The girl gave a sigh, "Very well. Go on, then."
"I'm Jaune Arc," He introduced a thump of the chest.
"Gin Suzume," He gave a casual bow with his hands in his pocket.
She gave a surprised look at Gin, clearly not expecting any manners from him. "Well, now that you've finished your introductions, are we done?"
"But you still haven't told us your name," Jaune said, genuinely confused.
She looked surprised, "You don't know who I am?"
"Uh, no?"
Huh, the white-haired girl thought they wanted to befriend her because of who she is. "… Very well, then," She finally said while standing up. "I am Weiss Schnee," She introduced herself while gracefully placing her right fingers on her left chest and planting the other hand on her hip. She managed to look proud despite being in her pajamas.
Jaune's face lit up and he smiled, "That's really a beautiful name." The cheesy line made Gin's blank expression twitch.
Weiss stared at them. "Neither of you recognise the Schnee name…?"
Jaune spluttered, "What? Of course we do." He elbowed Gin for help.
"Does it have something to do with trees or the number three?" Gin asked.
"What? No!" Weiss yelled. "The Schnee Dust Company. One of the largest suppliers of Dust on Remnant—" She was interrupted by a sudden noise. "What is it now?!" Weiss looked in the direction of Yang and Ruby who were loudly wrestling. "That little girl again?!" It seems, that she had beef with them because Weiss immediately forgot about the boys and she stormed off towards the sisters.
"Hey, Jaune," Gin began as they stared at her back. "I was wrong. She's not a bitch, she's the entire species."
Jaune released a breath with an enthralled smile, "I know. Isn't she amazing?"
Gin massaged his eyes in sheer disbelief.
/-/
The next morning.
The two boys were in the locker room where the student weaponry were stored.
"Ahhh, Steel Seer," Gin was caressing his weapon with his cheek. "I fucking despise being separated from you." He started inspecting every nook and cranny of it.
"It's only been one night, dude," Jaune pointed out as he took out Crocea Mors from the locker.
"I think I'm going to ask for special permission to keep her by my side, like in Ansel."
"You're gonna use that 'I need to use it as cane sometimes' bullshit again?" Jaune asked while taking out his armour plates and putting them on.
"Yeah. There's a good chance they'll allow it since Steel Seer isn't very big or anything."
"Well, good luck with that. Anyway, you know about the team thing, right?"
"Yeah," Gin sheathed his sword as he was finally satisfied with it. "The Huntsman tradition of teams of four, right? How will they decide the members?"
"I don't know. But let's try to get on the same team."
"Of course."
Jaune's face lit up when he saw something, "And let's invite Snow Angel too!"
Gin's face scrunched up, "What?" He turned towards where Jaune was facing and felt the Aura of Weiss.
"Yeah. If we're on the same team, I'll get more chances to talk to her," Jaune said with a wide smile.
"I don't know, man. Being on the same team with her sounds like a headache."
"Nah, man. It'll be great. Come on, let's go ask her."
"No, not this time. You can go invite her if you want," Gin felt that there was a high chance she'll reject him anyway if last night was any indication. "I didn't get a chance to do my routine this morning without my sword. So I'm going to find a spot before the initiation starts."
Jaune looked pursed his lips at him. "Alright fine. See you later."
Gin walked off while waving a hand behind him.
/-/
Some time later.
The applicants were on their way towards the cliff after an announcement was made, instructing them to go there for initiation.
"Oi, Jaune!" Gin called out.
Jaune, who was walking with Ruby and Yang, turned around and saw Gin standing there as he carried Steel Seer in one hand with the edge skyward and the other hand pocketed.
After saying some words to the sisters, they continued walking while Jaune jogged back towards Gin, "Yo dude. Done with your sword katas?"
"Yeah. Also, why the hell were you with her?"
"Oh, Yang." Jaune scratched his head, "So, Ruby and her came talking to me a few minutes ago. Turns out, she's pretty nice. That reminds me, she wants to talk to you. She thinks you two got off on the wrong foot yesterday and wants to fix that."
"Not interested," Gin started walking.
"Yeah," Jaune followed and shrugged. "I guess she might recognize you so it's probably best to stay away."
"So, how did it go with Schnee?" Gin asked.
Jaune deflated, "She basically said no."
"Shame," Gin sounded like he didn't care at all.
Jaune gave him a dirty look. "Oh, and I met this really beautiful redhead, Pyrrha. Apparently, she's a famous tournament winner, I think. She's even had her face on the Pumpkin Pete's Marshmallow Flakes Box."
"That shitty cereal food?" Gin asked with a raised brow.
"Yeah. And they only do that for star athletes and cartoon characters."
"Hmm, so she's strong?"
"She definitely looked strong. She was decked out in some pretty sweet-looking armour.
"Interesting," Gin sounded like he really did care this time.
When all the applicants finally reached the cliffs, they were all instructed to stand on metal plates where they were told that they will be using landing strategies by Headmaster Ozpin and Glynda.
"For years, you have trained to become warriors," Ozpin began his speech. "Today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest."
"Now," Glynda started, "I'm sure many of you have heard rumours about the assignment of teams. Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates… today."
"These teams will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon," Ozpin took over. "So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone whom you can work well," He advised. "That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years."
"… What!" Ruby whimpered.
Almost everyone else shared her disbelief but before they could say anything, Ozpin continued, "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."
"Grimm," Jaune muttered and looked nervously at Gin who stood on the next plate, unfazed with his eyes closed.
Ozpin continued further, "You will be monitored and graded for the duration of the 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. Any questions?"
"Hey, Gin," Jaune whispered towards Gin. "Will you be okay?"
"Probably." Gin opened his eyes and looked towards Jaune, "I'll come find you as soon as possible. Don't make contact with anyone else."
Jaune looked worried, "Yeah, be careful okay." Jaune saw everyone else getting into positions with some drawing their weapons from Ozpin's instructions. Gin followed and put his weapon in his sash, edge skywards, while Jaune did the same and deployed Crocea Mors.
"Also, what the hell's a landing strategy?" Jaune asked. His attention got drawn to Weiss who was launched into the air by the metal plate.
"I assume it's a strategy to land safely after we're catapulted into the air," said Gin.
"Oh fuck…"
Another one was launched.
"Oh man, I don't know any landing strategies," Jaune grumbled.
Another was launched.
"Neither do I…" Gin looked a bit worried as well. "Aura can probably help us survive terminal velocity. You especially, with your large amount."
Another one.
"It'll still hurt like a bitch," said Jaune.
Another.
"Yeah. Devastating as well if you land normally, so yeah. Don't," Gin advised.
And another.
Jaune didn't find that very helpful. "Right…"
It was getting close to Gin's turn. "Well, good luck," said Gin.
"Yeah, you too. Try to stay away from the Grimm. And maybe try to keep your Aura small."
Before Gin could respond, he was finally launched into the air with a grunt.
Feeling the wind whipping against his face, Gin was slightly panicking in his head. Shit, shit, shit.
Gin struggled to get upright so he can spread himself and let the wind slow him down. Then he expanded his Aura Realm and directed it towards the ground so he was no longer in the centre of the sphere. When he felt that he was getting closer to the ground, he straightened and tried to dive towards a large tree branch that he planned to grab so he could use it to spin and lose momentum.
Unfortunately, the angle wasn't right and Gin knew it, "Ah fuck!"
A second or two later, Gin crashed into the branch with his chest, "GAH!" It even made his Aura Realm scatter from the break of focus.
The branch slightly bent and cracked but it straightened and practically threw Gin off. He fell towards the ground spinning and he barely managed to land on his hands and knees. He coughed harshly while holding his chest, "… Fucking shit…"
He stayed like that for a few seconds to catch his breath before he stood back up and focused on his Aura Sensing. He had to find Jaune and he did after several seconds. However, he also sensed the presence of other Auras near him, "Tch."
Gin let his haori fall from his shoulders, then he tied it to his waist.
Aura Realm
He cracked his body while expanding his Realm, then he ran towards Jaune's direction.
The blind boy ran unchallenged for only a few minutes before he skidded to a stop from the presence of two Ursa Minors in front of him.
Gin took a step back with a tense look and gripped the hilt of Steel Seer.
These Grimm were larger than beowolves. And though the Ursai were not as agile, they made up for it in power.
The Ursai finally had enough of the stand-off and roared.
With a frustrated snarl, Gin turned tail and ran.
The monsters followed and chased him.
Fucking Grimm! His mind yelled. Making me run like a coward. I swear, I'll slaughter every single Ursa I meet when I get stronger!
Though that's assuming he manages to escape his current predicament. These bear-like Grimm were just as fast as their counterparts. Even with Aura, Gin was not able to outrun them as they were slowly gaining on him.
Gin managed to buy some time by swerving around the trees, yet he would inevitably be caught, especially if more Grimm came. He needed to do something, and fast.
Then, he sensed something.
The Aura of someone close by, towards his coming right. That's when an idea popped into his head.
Gin ran towards the Aura he sensed.
Blackout
Steel Seer was drawn and trees were cut down along Gin's path.
The Ursai crashed into the fallen trees and were slowed down only a little, but it was enough.
Gin ran past the victim of his semblance. A large orange-haired male, at around 6"6' in grey armour and armoured boots with gold trims. The emblem of a simple gold bird with its wings outstretched was on the chest piece. Underneath he wore a black dress-shirt, pants and a dark-red sash around his hip.
Gin then hid behind a big tree, released his Semblance and began charging up Aura onto his sword.
The large male was sentient again and heard the charging Ursai. With wide eyes, he took out his weapon, a black mace with ten flat flanges extended outwards and a red Dust crystal in the centre.
He attacked the lead Ursai's head with a two-handed overhead swing that exploded on impact thanks to the mace's Dust function.
The Grimm died but its body still remained so it flipped and crashed its back onto the large male who stumbled back from it. He managed to stay standing but the second Ursa crashed into the dead body and made the guy fall on his back.
The dead Grimm's corpse evaporated a couple of seconds later, allowing the remaining Ursa to properly claw at the fallen Huntsman-in-training who tried to defend but his options were limited from the ground.
The Ursa bit onto the weapon's shaft and engaged the guy in a kind of vicious tug-of-war.
The male struggled with a scowl against the monster. But his expression took on a frightened tone when the Ursa raised a claw.
Aura Arc
An upward swing of Steel Seer sliced the Grimm's exposed side and its body split apart from the point-blank Aura attack. The force of it even pushed the Grimm's bisected body away from the fallen teen.
Guiding the spine of the sword with his off-hand that gripped the scabbard, Gin sheathed his sword in a graceful manner that contradicted the vicious and vindicated grin on his face.
He turned towards the fallen guy, "Are you alright?"
"Y-Yeah," He was breathing a little shakily as he sat back up. "Thanks for the help."
"The pleasure was all mine," Gin chuckled and extended a hand.
The guy took the offered hand and let himself get pulled up. "Cardin Winchester."
"... Gin Suzume," He introduced himself back after a moment of hesitation. "So hey, I know it's against the rules but I have someone I need to partner up with already so let's pretend we never met. That will pay the debt of me saving you. Thanks," He prepared to start running again.
"Hey wait!" Cardin reached out a hand. "The teachers probably have cameras watching us."
Gin stilled.
"I mean, think about it," Cardin continued. "They said we were being monitored and graded so it would make sense that they have cameras somewhere. Not that I've spotted any."
"… Fuck, you're right," Gin looked annoyed and he idly wondered if his earlier bait and switch was recorded. If so, then double fuck.
"Besides, you got me for a partner now," Cardin pointed at himself with a thumb and grinned confidently. "And I'm the best partner anyone could ever ask for!"
Gin stared at him, "Right…"
He focused on his Aura Sensing again and sensed Jaune near another person. They were close enough to assume that they were conversing, meaning that they've pretty much partnered up.
And it was a girl too. That lucky blond bastard.
End of Chapter
I originally wasn't going to tag Team CRDL because I wanted this to be a foreshadowed surprise. But I realised that wouldn't be fair to the people who hate Team CRDL. It's understandable since I don't really care about them myself but I wanted to try something different with this team instead of just delegating them into punching bags. Partially inspired by Couer's Self-Made Man interpretation of CRDL being charismatic bullies who are fairly likeable to anybody but their victims. Not to mention that they fit with this fic's "Me and the boys" schtick.
Also, I figure I should throw this out now, but Dove's the one who's going to be absent. And yes, it's because he uses a sword.
By the way, there was this brief idea of making Gin's attack on Yang more debilitating so that Yang would have to wait for next year and leave a spot vacant on Team RWBY for Gin. I figured that would make for some good drama between Ruby and him. But I scrapped that, mainly cause of the aforementioned reasons and plus I think I've already done Yang dirty enough.