Ruby stepped to the side avoiding a kick sent at her. She then hit away a punch sent at her face. Sending her own punch. it was avoided easily. Jumping to the side, Ruby ducked under another of Yang's punches and used her semblance to dodge a knee sent to her face. sliding to a halt she defensively raised her arms and waited for her sister to strike.
Instead, she was enveloped in a rib-crushing hug.
"Oh, you've gotten so much better!" Yang exclaimed.
"Yang... Need Air" Ruby pleaded. still not being able to breathe.
"It's reassuring knowing you can handle yourself While I'm gone for Beacon!"
She was let go and was allowed to catch her breath. Indeed she had gotten better, Countering at least one or two hits from her sister in a spar. Over the last few months, she had been training with the two troopers. building strength and using the knife and handgun she was given. Of course, she still mainly used her scythe.
"Heh, A lot of hard work is all it takes!" She was suddenly assaulted by a hand to her head. ruffling her hair.
"Okay Rubes we should head over to the docks, Dad said he'd be there by now." Ruby nodded taking a moment to fix her hair. when she was satisfied they were about to walk away. But there was a growl. Ruby looked toward some bushes and saw two Red eyes glaring at her from the woods.
"Yang!" she yelled and her sister having heard the noise too deployed her gauntlets. Ruby pulls out the Handgun she was gifted, taking it from a holster on her thigh. Unfortunately, she didn't have Crescent Rose on her. Yang told her to leave it with their dad.
The three combatants continued to glare at each other. Then the Ursa charged. Yang used her gauntlets to quickly meet the Ursa, Sending a shotgun-assisted punch into its face and propelling her to send two more blasts into its side.
Ruby herself used her semblance to move to its side. she took aim and fired, the small round wasn't very impressive due to its size and power. but the round struck the creature's eye and fizzled with the sound of burn dust igniting.
It turned its attention to her and began to charge. Ruby stopped and confidently stood her ground.
Before it reached her Yang flew in and sent a solid two hits and sent the monster flying. It hit a tree and began recovering, Ruby took aim once more and fired. the little round found its place in its last operating eye.
roaring it started to wildly flail around. She looked at Yang and saw her hit her gauntlets together, sending a nod towards Ruby.
Ruby ran to the right, Away from Yang and started making noise.
"Yoohoo Over here Look at me, Oh wait you can't ha!" She taunted and it charged in her direction.
while it was running toward her she aimed again and fired. the round knocking a tooth out of its mouth. It roared once more and just like before, Yang came in and sent one last mighty punch to the side of its head. Cracking its bone mask and breaking its spine from the sheer Power.
It soared into another tree, slid down and finally stilled.
The two Girls Cheered and ran to each other.
"That was Awesome!" Ruby cheered
"Sis you handled that so well, come here!" she was once again pulled into a bone-breaking hug.
Alan ducks behind a tree and The massive form of an Ursa Slams into it. He turned. Aiming he fired into its eye. The bear recoiled. Using its Enormous frame it charged and tore through the tree.
"Holy Shit!" he exclaimed taking a few steps back. he made it just barely into its new blind spot. taking aim once more he sent two more rounds into its neck.
'damn it' he cursed, the rounds not hitting anything vital.
Roaring, the beast swiped a paw at him. Alan thinking quickly jumped back and pulled the trigger for his new device on the end of his rifle. A gale of fire was sent forth. The monster stood to avoid the fire and Alan shot at its belly.
When it started to fall Alan rolled out of the way. The Ursa hit the ground and the Corporal used his legs to push himself farther back. The Ursa was still alive, the demon had some fight left.
"Just die already!" He kicked it, and it roared at him. He pointed his rifle at the thing and using his left-hand thumb he flicked a switch. Then pulling the trigger in front foregrip A blue blade appeared from the end of his rifle. It opened its maw and used its arms to jump at him. Seeing an opportunity he stabbed the Hardlight Bayonet into its throat where it sizzled and he moved the blade to the side, slicing a good portion of its head.
It rolled away from him. "Ha Bitch!" he yelled and stood up and walked back and watching it wriggle around. changing directions he walked around it until he could get a good shot. reaching a decent point he aimed where its spine would be he stabbed the blade into it and sliced went limp and he gave a sigh.
He watched it for a moment. The thing started to rapidly decay in front of him. Alan listened, hearing a shot nearby he made his way in that direction. Walking past some trees he reached Amin's position. just in time to witness him fighting A Beowolf. His rifle was slung to the side and Amin used a one-handed sword he acquired a little while back.
sidestepping a hit Amin stabbed the sword into the Wolf's side and took a step back. The wolf rolled away from Amin and prepared to attack once more.
The wolf Jumped, raising its arms to strike Amin, He ducked under it and sent a stab upwards into its chest. He used its momentum and sent it into the ground. Amin let go of his blade reached for his rifle and put a round into its head from the lower jaw.
Around his teammate, Alan observed three other wolves in similar conditions.
"Good work Private!" He suddenly yelled and saw Amin jolt then calmed down. "Fall In!" he ordered. Amin recovered his sword and they met near a footpath.
"Sir I got separated after that bear attacked," He explained
"Getting separated was my own fault, we'll work on it later."
Amin nodded and sheathed his blade. "let's go home, collect our money and eat, 'cause I'm Fuckin' starving bud" and with that, they returned home.
A few days later.
Ruby, Tai, Yang and Zwei were sitting around at a cafe in Vale. Enjoying the moment. They were out in Vale for a week to see Yang off before she headed off to Beacon for four years. As she finished her strawberry-flavoured soft drink she remembered something she wanted to do.
"Hey Dad, there's a dust shop nearby I want to visit, can I go there?" She asked
"Yeah, go knock yourself out, we'll be here if you need us" Tai answered and Ruby got up from the chair and made her way over. Stopping at a crosswalk, she looked both ways and saw no cars. Taking the headphones she had around her neck she put them on and pressed a button. Hearing the music start to play.
Walking across she rounded a corner in the street and saw the shop in question, 'From Dust Till Dawn' over the storefront. Walking over she opened the door and a bell jingled above.
Ruby waved at the old shopkeep and he returned in kind.
"Do you have the new Issue of Weapons Magazine?" She politely asked
"Yes we do, It's in the back over yonder," the old man said pointing off to his left.
"Thank you!" she gave her thanks and made her way toward the back. Around some shelves, she spotted the magazine in question. walking forward she picked it up and opened the magazine. 'perfect' she happily thought, pulling her hood over her head she began to read.
Seeing the newest developments from Atlas. A new mech was being developed. Another variant of the Atlesian knight was to be announced soon. Hardlight-based Rifles were becoming more widespread in Solitas.
She began to think about Alan and Amin's weapons. compared to other weapons produced around Vale and Atlas they were apparently Mass-produced from where they come from. Another thought of where the Troopers came from appeared in her head. then the pistol and knife, they were also both mass-produced and easy to maintain. the knife was apparently a bayonet knife from a rifle Alan had before his AK-103.
'he said it was called a C1 Battle rifle and came with a C1 bayonet.' she giggled at the names. Remembering he told her his old rifle was a licensed copy of another rifle, the L1A1 and that was a licensed copy itself.
She wondered where he was from. She initially thought he was from Solitas, or Nothern Mistral from the way he described how it was cold. but she had never heard of any conflicts on the scale he described. She remembered he once said he was attached to a force of several Brigades, and she remembered a force of that size was hard to maintain even for Atlas.
She began to think once more, he clearly wasn't lying. she looked up higher into the shelves and saw a comic about some superhero from another dimension. She thought of his odd mannerisms, weird sayings and the songs he'd sing while cleaning his guns, said guns having manufacturer markings she had never heard of.
"heh heh, that's just silly," she concluded and went back to reading. but a thought about his family, he said he had a brother when he tried comforting her. suddenly she felt someone grab her shoulder. "huh?" she turned around and a flash of memories saw her return to that day at the cove. The red glasses black suit and hat.
She pulled her headphones off of her head along with her hood.
"I said hands up!" he raised a red sword in front of her and she sprung into action. Throwing the magazine into his face. reaching under her left sleeve she brought out the Knife. She held it close and stabbed it into his chest. Took it back and set the knife into his jugular. She took a moment to step back.
The man staggered back and she heard him struggle to breathe. using her semblance to jump onto the wall behind her and springboard off, she spun and kicked him back into some tables near the front wall.
While still in the air she inspected the store itself, seeing multiple other bad guys Standing around the shop. taking note of the close quarters where she can't use her scythe. She landed and started to think of a plan. it would be simple enough.
She was taken out of her musings when another Crook rounded the shelves and aimed a rifle at her. She didn't let him get a shot. Using her semblance once more leaving a trail of rose petals she flew past him through one of the windows.
Her Aura flashed to protect her from the glass shards and she stopped in the center of the street. Turning around she saw the three remaining Crooks exit the store. Sheathing the knife she unfolded Crescent Rose and leaned it on her shoulder. looking around she took note of the bystanders. Alan had briefly taught her to watch for collateral damage.
A Crook aimed his rifle at her and began to fire. thinking quick she twirled Crescent Rose in front of her and blocked the shots. The hail of bullets ended and using her semblance she closed the distance. Slicing one Crooks rifle in two she switched to another and slammed the rear blades of her scythe into his shoulder. He let out a scream and dropped his pistol as blood spewed from the wound. Pulling him closer she sent a knee into his face, rendering him unconscious.
She dodged an attack from a sword-wielding Crook. Firing a round and aiming where it would stop in the road while sending the sharp spearhead of her scythe's handle into his stomach. The man's Aura flashed an Orange tint and he staggered back.
Freeing her scythe from the first Crook she spun and hit another Crook away from her into the sidewalk.
Switching to the Sword wielder she Twirled and slammed her scythe into the ground in front of him. he staggered and she loaded another round fired into his chest. Shattering his Aura.
Turning back to the one she sent away onto the sidewalk she saw him little over than a meter away with some knuckle dusters he got from somewhere.
Seeing Crescent Rose in a position where she either needed to haul it around to him or reload it. She grabbed her new handgun got down on one knee and aimed at the Crook.
She saw the man's face fill with a realization for a moment before Ruby aimed for his thigh and fired once then aimed at his abdomen and let another round off. The rounds entered and embedded themselves inside and expanded, the soft alloy they were made of ensuring he would go down. The man let out a scream and Ruby moved out of the way as he fell.
Turning around she aimed back at the previous Aura user and fired another round into his foot.
"Ow you little Brat!" he exclaimed and fell after a moment of hopping on one foot. Holstering the Handgun She grabbed Crescent Rose and cycled the action to load another round.
"Wow Little Red, you surprised me with that show of violence." she looked to see a man in a white suit and hat with orange hair. smoking a cigar. He glanced back inside where the first crook she took out lay and said: "I didn't know Beacon taught you brats to use killing blows like that... Perhaps I have underestimated them huh?" he dropped his cigar on the ground and used his cane to crush it.
Ruby gave him a glare.
"You gonna say something?" Ruby stayed silent. "Fine." But flinched as he suddenly raised his Cane and fired something at her. the blast exploding into a smokescreen.
Ruby Coughed and waved the smoke away. When the smoke cleared she looked around, seeing only three Criminals on the ground and a bunch of spectators.
She heard a noise from behind, Turning around she spotted the orange-haired man using a grappling hook to climb a building.
"Hey Get back Here!" She Yelled and used her semblance to jump up. Landing, she held her scythe out letting it embed itself onto the roof.
"persistent," the man said in an annoyed tone and Ruby stopped upon hearing the whine of an engine.
A bullhead flew in and slow down in front of the Criminal. Transforming Crescent rose into its sniper mode she waited for a shot. The man climbed into the transport and pulled out a dust crystal.
"End of the line Red!" Then tossed the Crystal. Ruby thinking fast took aim and fired. The 12.7mm projectile found its place and struck the Crystal, causing it to explode.
The orange-haired Criminal fell back as the Bullhead lurched, and the aircraft's left engine started to smoke.
"Ha got you!" Ruby Exclaimed, cycling the action of her gun and preparing to shoot again. Just then another figure appeared out of the bullhead and sent a fireball at Ruby.
Ruby was about to use her semblance to jump away from the fireball but a purple Glyph shielded her from the attack. She heard someone land next to her. Turning she saw a huntress. 'A real huntress'. she shook her head and focused back on the bullhead.
The Huntress beside her summoned a storm that started to send shards of ice into the aircraft. The shady Woman in the bullhead responded with a fireball that exploded on the Huntress's Glyph again. This time however some of the debris caused by the explosion started to fizzle.
Ruby looked to the Huntress and saw she noticed it too and they both jumped to avoid the Explosive spire of flames that appeared. They recovered and Ruby took aim at the woman and fired, Racked the bolt, and fired again, At the last round fired she left the action open. each round got blocked by the woman's hand.
"Bitch!" Ruby cursed and took a round from her belt. She inspected it, it was a solid piece of dense metal in a smaller diameter than the barrel encompassed in a discarding case of a sort. Ruby remembered Alan showing her the design and calling it a Discarding Sabot. She loaded the round took aim at the damaged engine and fired. it sailed straight into the well-protected engine and penetrated its armour.
The bullhead shuddered and it began to fly away. just before it could leave or the huntresses could attempt to stop it. More towers of fire appeared from behind. Ruby realized she wouldn't be able to dodge, But just in the nick of time. she was pulled away from the explosion.
Falling face first onto the ground she immediately recovered. looking up toward the leaving bullhead she sighed. it's the engine was struggling but it wasn't enough. standing up she looked to the huntress.
She excitedly ran up to her.
"You're a Huntress!" She looked up to her unimpressed gaze, but that didn't stop her "Can I have your autograph!?" she was stopped by a flick to the forehead.
"watch your language, young lady!" The Huntress pulled a cloth from somewhere and handed it to Ruby. "Here, clean yourself up, You're covered in blood and I'm pretty sure it isn't yours."
On the street, Tai Zwei and Yang stared at the carnage supposedly caused by Ruby. Tai Spotted Ruby being put into the back of a car by a familiar face. he waved and received a wave back.
"Dad, is Ruby gonna be Okay?" Yang asked
"Yeah, Can you go wait at the police station, She will be sat there for questioning and you can pick her up"
Yang nodded "Alright, I'll get to it," she said and started her walk to the police station.
Tai himself inspected the down criminals. three were severely bleeding and one was sporting a nasty wound to his shoulder. Tai then took a peek into the dust shop and saw the last criminal leaning on a fallen table motionless.
Tai raised a hand and ran it through his hair. Just then an ambulance and a few police cruisers arrived. 'damn' was all he could think at the moment.
Ruby sat in an interrogation room. She was currently being scolded.
"I hope you realize that your actions tonight will not be taken lightly Young lady!" She scolded her while walking back and forth behind. "You've put yourself and others in great danger"
"They were bad people!" Ruby Retorted and she saw the Huntress give her a side glance but moved on.
"If it were up to me you'd be sent home, with a pat on the back... And a slap on the wrist" She emphasized her statement by sending her riding crop onto the table Between her hands. Ruby didn't flinch, Almost surprising the Huntress in front of her. "But, there is someone here that would like to meet you" She finished and stood to the side. revealing a figure Ruby instantly Recognized.
The man was carrying a plate of cookies and a mug of something. but she recognized him as the current Headmaster of Beacon Academy.
"Ruby Rose," he said and began inspecting her face closely, specifically her eyes "You have, Silver eyes"
"uh"
"So, Where did you learn to do this?" he motioned toward the Huntress's scroll being held up showing security camera footage of her taking out the Crooks.
"s-Signal Academy"
"They taught you to use one of the most dangerous weapons ever designed?" he asked incredulously "And this too?" he asked, as if on cue the Huntress pulled out one of the .380 rounds. One of Alan's ideas that was given to her. the centre of inside of the bullet was hollow and made of a soft alloy.
"Um, I was taught to use my scythe by one teacher in particular and was given the design of those rounds by a friend," she answered
"I see," He said and placed the plate of cookies in front of her. Ruby upon seeing the cookies began to eat them. Savouring the taste of chocolate chips.
"brutal bullets aside it's just that I've only seen one other scythe wielder of that skill before" he looked off into the distance like he was recalling a memory. "A dusty old Crow"
Ruby said something along the lines of, "That's my uncle" but it was muffled by the cookies. she finished the cookie she was currently eating and wiped her mouth, "That's my Uncle Qrow, He's a teacher at Signal, He taught me everything I know about Crescent Rose, I was Terrible at it before he took me under his wing" she admitted
"so, what is a little girl like yourself doing at a school designed to train warriors?" The headmaster asked.
"Well, I always wanted to be a huntress, to protect people who can't protect themselves" she answered truthfully her mind travelling to that girl she couldn't save a few months back.
"you want to protect people?"
"Yes, You see I have only two more years of training left. at signal then I'll apply at the beacon, just like My sister who is going to beacon this year, And by then I'll Be able to Protect everyone who can't defend themselves"
"Do you know who I am?" he asked curiously
"Your Professor Ozpin, the headmaster at Beacon"
"hm, Hello" he greeted
"Nice to meet you, sir"
"You want to come to my school?"
"more than Anything" She Answered honestly
He looked to the Huntress at his side and she looked away with a sigh
"Well okay" He answered. a smile grew on Ruby's face.
The day before Initiation
Alan and Amin were standing waiting near the Air pad that sat at the docks. They weren't wearing any of their equipment or uniforms. Thinking it would be better if they didn't wear it. Every bit of their equipment and belongings were stuffed into duffel bags they had gotten in preparation for the beacon.
"You looking, extra Indigenous brother" Amin joked next to him. Alan had been standing one foot on a crate staring into the distance. He was currently wearing a Denim jacket and a T-shirt. under his shirt being held by his waistband was his M1911. His legs Being adorned with Cargo pants.
"Shut up, you're just mad you can't look this majestic," to emphasize he used a hand to hit his hair, making it sway in the ocean wind. His hair had grown past his shoulders since he'd arrived. Using a hair tie when ever he needed to wear his helmet.
The young huntsman around them laughed at the interaction. Six students were graduating from Signal and were awaiting transport. Amin was wearing a Button up shirt, cargo pants and a baseball cap.
"So where did you graduate from?" asked a girl nearby.
"We were trained away from Patch, somewhere cold," Amin answered for him.
"were you trained in Atlas?" someone else asked.
"no, I was trained by my tribe and he was trained by our home's militia" he answered.
"so are you from the frontiers?"
"sure, we found our lives were feeling a little empty and decided we wanted to become huntsman" Amin lied. so he moved to sit down on the crate he used as a step stool. A few moments passed only accompanied by idle chatter about how the huntsmen in training would miss home.
They heard the bullhead before they saw it. since it was a small population, most small towns and villages only had a Bullhead pick up new students.
They All stopped their chatter and picked up their luggage, Preparing themselves to board the Aircraft. The Delicate looking Vtol bird landed and they moved forward. Alan entered gave a nod to the pilot and copilot and sat himself down.
"So what's your name?" Another girl asked
"Alan," Alan then pointed to his Teammate. "This is Amin"
"Sorry to ask but are you Brothers?"
"Brothers in everything but blood I guess" Amin answered. "though I didn't serve in the same platoon as him for too long we try and take care of each other."
"Imagine my surprise at seeing this Idiot when I'm across the continent away from home." He noticed the lightish orange bandana around her neck and was reminded of Auburn. "say what's your name eh?"
"Apricot," she held out her hand and he shook it. "Apricot Archer"
Alan nodded. "Do you have a family member named Auburn by the way?"
She nodded "Yeah that's my Older brother!" She smiled "How do you know him?"
"I work with him at the dock sometimes."
"that's nice, Do you know where he's been?" she asked him.
"he went out on a mission to Mistral a week ago," He was told by the man he was headed off to Mistral for a long mission. Alan found it odd he didn't tell his family.
"that's good he can handle anything" she praised the Huntsman Alan knew as the one he considered a work friend.
They fell into silence, enjoying the ride. it all was interrupted by Amin's suddenly dry heaving.
"You Good Siah?" Alan asked and he received a shake of the head. The co-pilot looked back and reached under his seat.
"Don't Puke on my Gods damned bird!" and he threw a plastic bag toward him. Alan caught it and opened it Handing it to Amin.
This was going to be a long trip.
Later
Alan felt the Aircraft slow considerably. He elbowed a hunched over Amin and he nodded.
"Let's move," he said and the doors slid open. The six occupants stood and made their way out. Amin handed the now-filled bag to the ground crewman who hesitantly took it with disgust.
They were on some sort of Air dock on a cliff, he saw on another outcropping a much larger airship, this one had the Vale emblem plastered on its side. A much larger amount of students were exiting it.
He kept pace with the current crowd. feeling a little uneasy at the massive amount of people currently around him. They made it to a larger courtyard. and Alan looked up toward the Tall Beacon spires. Admiring the architecture.
"Holy shit man there's a ton of people here," Amin said behind him
"Yeah... damn," he said and looked out toward the Crowd.
Of the crowd, he noticed two figures first. One he expected to be here. One he did not. He saw Yang's blonde head from here as she left Ruby for a group of friends. These were some of the students he was sat with on the bullhead.
Her Eyes locked onto him and She started Running her way over. not noticing a line of luggage carriers currently crossing.
"And she knocked them over," Alan said. Amin nodded, they heard a chime and Amin checked his scroll.
"Hey, that old guy Ozpin just sent us a message," Alan took out his scroll and saw the message.
They needed to quickly report to Ozpins Office. He tapped a little tab on the message and he saw a map appear, seeing a waypoint he nodded to Amin. "well catch up with them later let's go."
They made their way over, it was a simple path actually. Just walk straight through a main hall and it is the main tower. as they passed a fountain they heard an explosion nearby.
"Gonna ignore that for now?"
"Yeah, plenty of responsibly armed individuals here" Amin snickered at his own 'joke'
Passing the main hall they entered a door into another courtyard. seeing an elevator they walked across the grass to access it.
"Here we are, that elevator I think at least" Alan pointed out.
"You can think?" Amin joked.
"fuck you" they entered the elevator. Assuming the old man's office was on the top floor. Alan pressed the highest button.
The ride was long but not boring as they started to banter. Alan mentioned Amin's height compared to his and Amin insulted Alan's intelligence. The usual.
They stopped as the door opened. looking over they saw Ozpin gathering some papers and stuffing them into folders. He looked up and motioned his hand to stand in front of them
Alan looked around the Office and admired the fact it was built into the clock tower. They stopped just before his desk and gave quick greetings
"Nice to see you again Alan" He looked to Amin "I seem to have not met you yet, but my greeting extends to you as well"
"Thank you, Sir," They stood and waited. Ozpin grabbed some papers and held them to the Troopers
"Alright here are your IDs and some papers on some Interesting students to keep an eye out for" They took the papers and he saw a familiar Black haired Teenager. She was also apparently a Cat Faunus. raising an eyebrow he figure he'd ask later.
He explained how Initiation works, The students would go out into the emerald forest and retrieve relics of their choosing. Teams are chosen by two students making eye contact and are formed depending on which relic they chose.
After that explanation, Ozpin pulled another paper and handed it to them. then started explaining their role in this.
"Tomorrow during Initiation you will be sent to two different sides of the Emerald Forest, there you will find a duo and stick with them until they find the relics. Those will be the teams you are assigned to for the next four years, are you two okay with that?"
The Troopers looked at each other and nodded.
"Yeah" "Sure" they agreed and held out their hands, Ozpin shook one after the other.
"Good," He put out some more papers and asked them to sign them. When the papers were signed the headmaster waved his arm toward the elevator
"Okay, let's move downstairs to the amphitheatre, the students are waiting for me to give them a speech after all," they finished and the three made their way to the elevator.
The doors closed and Alan looked back to the booklet of interesting students.
"Hey sir, I have a question about this student" He showed him and Ozpin hummed.
"I do see why you would, Didn't you first see her back at that trainyard?"
"how do you know that?"
"I have my ways, but That's beside the point. I beg of you to give her a chance, she may have been under the White Fangs banner but, I'm sure she joined Beacon for a good reason," The old man explained
"Fair enough I guess, She was having a fight with her own when I first encountered her... then she rocked my shit" he heard a snicker next to him and Alan sent an elbow into his teammate.
He noticed Ozpin also seemed a little stressed about something "Sir is something the matter?" Ozpin sighed, and pinched the bridge of his nose. he seemed to understand what Alan was asking.
"Something happened a little while ago and I sent two of my people to investigate it and one hasn't reported back yet"
"Stay optimistic Sir," He tried to reassure.
"Please you can just call me Ozpin" Both Troopers nodded.
The doors opened with a ding. The three walked out and Ozpin pointed to the right.
"Everyone should be gathering over in the amphitheatre" They walked over in silence Alan enjoying the quiet hallway. After a good few minutes of walking, they made it to a door. Ozpin opened it and entered from the right side of the stage itself.
Around were many students, Most ignored them but some looked at Ozpin and then the troopers curiously.
Ozpin motioned off toward the Crowd and the two understood and walked through. Alan saw Yang, Ruby, and someone he vaguely recognized. but he couldn't place where he'd seen her. He walked around Yang and stood behind them. The White themed girl was spouting off about something and holding up a pamphlet with the words, 'Dust for Dummies'.
Amin stood next to him and Yang finally noticed them. She looked surprised to see them. and he gave her a light wave, she returned it. The White haired girl seemed to finish her speech
"you really want to start making things up to me?"
"uh, Absolutely"
She shoved the pamphlet into Ruby's hands "Read this and don't ever speak to me again"
Yang looked to Alan and Alan shrugged. She sent a short glare at him, then turned her attention back to the two "Look uh... sounds like you two just got off on the wrong foot" She awkwardly held her hand to the back of her head. "why don't you start over and try to be friends Okay?" she suggested.
Ruby Put the pamphlet away while turning around and somehow didn't notice Alan standing there.
"Yeah, Great idea Sis, Ahem" she held her hand out, "Hello Weiss, I'm Ruby Wanna be Hang out? We can go shopping for school supplies"
Weiss held her hands up and scoffed at the concept of being friends with Ruby "We can paint our nails and try on clothes and talk about cute boys like tall blonde and scraggly over there" she mocked and pointed off to some blonde kid off in the corner.
"Really?"
"No" she rejected and Ruby's demeanour changed.
"bitch" She cursed and he saw Yang smile at the outburst. 'whoops probably my fault' Alan thought
"Excuse-"
There was feedback from a microphone and all conversation halted. All the students looked onto the stage where Ozpin stood.
"I'll... keep this brief," He began his speech adjusting his glasses. "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." He looked at some students in particular
"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 can only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step." He finished and he walked off stage.
A blond woman, wearing a cape walked up and began talking in the Microphone "You will gather in the ballroom tonight, tomorrow your initiation begins, Be ready. You are dismissed"
"Ruby, You shouldn't swear It doesn't suit you" Alan added and he saw Ruby jump, and turn around.
"Alan!?" she calmed herself, "Alan I saw you at the courtyard earlier, where did you go?"
"Had to Visit The headmaster for a quick meeting,"
"You met the Headmaster?" Weiss asked
"Yeah, and our reason is classified, Alan" he heard Amin add and hold one of many papers up to him. indeed, it said to keep the meeting Quiet.
"Right, I may be stupid." Amin tucked the paper back into a pocket, "Let's go put our gear away and eat." Alan finished. They had around 3 hours to waste before they had to report to the ballroom.
Walking out along with most other students they made their way to the lockers. After finding the locker room he went looking for his. Alan was assigned locker number 723 he dumped his bag inside locked it with his scroll and began making his way to the cafeteria where dinner was being served.
Entering the hall he went up to a counter at the end of the Room. Alan being one of the first to enter got his food first. It was a meal consisting of baked potatoes... a steak, and some vegetables. he walked with his tray and walked to a corner. sitting down along with Amin, he was about to begin eating when Ruby sat down next to him Along with Yang.
"So, When were you gonna tell us you applied to Beacon?" Yang asked
"I didn't think it was important I guess," Alan admitted and began digging his food.
"Well I'm glad you two are here anyways," Ruby said and began eating her own meal.
"so how was your day at Beacon so far?" Alan asked
"Well, I exploded, Made someone angry at me and now I think she genuinely hates me," she said, confidence slowly draining.
"so that's what that explosion was." he saw her begin to pout, "Is that all?" She seemed to think
She thought for a moment, then perked up "Oh I made another friend, His name is Jaune." she finished saying that and Alan saw a blonde boy nearby peek his head up and began making his way over, only to see Alan and turn around. Confused he looked to Amin and Amin shrugged.
After that conversation, They began talking about how their new life at Beacon was going to go. Alan of course sitting around, keeping to himself.
later
Alan and Amin stood in the doorway to the ballroom. There were so many different huntsman in training around the room, preparing for sleep. Alan didn't mind, he'd slept in worse conditions. On the floor in a bedroll was bliss compared to 20 unwashed dudes sleeping in a Truck or bombed-out building.
"Over here!" Ruby yelled from a corner. disturbing a few around them. Alan noticed A black-haired Faunus reading near the wall closest to where Ruby and Yang were standing.
Alan sighed, Hoping she wouldn't recognize him. They made their way over.
"We saved you a spot!" she pointed to the floor.
Alan nodded.
"Lotta people apply to Beacon every year?" Amin asked.
"Yeah, plenty of People want to be huntsmen for various reasons," Ruby explained.
They set up their bedrolls and Alan sat down facing the window so he could stare out while he slept.
"Hey Alan, What was your family like?" Ruby asked. Alan began to think
"What brought this up?" He asked.
"I'm just curious,"
"Well, I had Two Brothers, Kalin and Nolan, and Two sisters Layne and Kayla my Father was also named Nolan and my Mother, Terra. All of us went by the Lynx name."
She nodded and was about to ask something but she was interrupted by An eavesdropping Alley cat. "you refer to them in the past tense... why?"
"well, they died a while ago, My tribe had been actively fighting Bandits and the local Government."
"My father died in the woods fighting the Government" Alan grabbed a pillow and laying it down he began to prepare for bed.
"One day the bandits brought something more than a horde of untrained conscripts, My eldest brother died in the woods first and my second brother died holding off the bandits so civilians could make their escape, Leaving a fourteen year old me and several others as protection" he droned on, not realizing people were listening in.
"Getting picked off along the way we had to escape to the nearby garrison where we thought we'd find safety." Alan began again.
"but they fired on us, and it was only Me and my Great-Grandfather. They threw me into a cell for a month, and my only remaining family, Ran off to get revenge," He shook his head, realizing he just Dumped all that on a bunch of teenagers.
Looking around he saw stares of pity and concern. anyone nearby having listened to his tragic backstory "It was A long time ago, I've moved on." He looked to Amin. the Private having heard the story before. "Amin bro tell them where you were from"
"uh," he looked around as stares were on him now. "Well mine isn't as tragic as Alan's, but My mom took care of me as a child and My dad and brother died fighting Alan's tribe like ten-fifteen years ago?"
He heard Ruby sniffle "That's terrible," she enveloped Alan in a hug and he sat awkwardly once more.
"Ruby I'm Alright," He never actually sat down to think about it. even now that he thought about it. he only ever followed his brother's 'Advice' he was given that one time; Keep moving on. Alan realized it probably wasn't healthy to do that, But he didn't know how to cope otherwise.
He was strong, He could Take it. He needed to be a Leader once again. He needed to be strong.
"I said I'm alright," he said firmly and she finally let go and sat down.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, And all of you mind your own damn business!" he yelled to the crowd of onlookers. They seemed to go off doing their own thing. making a lot of noise in the process. Amin decided to try and sleep. Laying down and fluffing his pillow he covered himself in the bedroll.
"What in the World is Going On over here!" Weiss appeared, He was still trying to remember where he had seen her before. "Can't you see some of us are trying to sleep!" She seemed angry. Then she looked down at Ruby, "Hey, You're the one who called me a Bitch-"
"Shut the Fuck up!" Amin yelled.
"And Who are you!?" She yelled, Alan noticed a scar running down the left side of her face. Feeling a little calmer he realized most of these people trained to at least be competent at fighting.
Alan tried to tune out the one-sided argument that ensued and looked over to Alley Cat. giving her an eyebrow raise. she was the only one holding a light source.
She seemed to understand the new Objective and blew out the candle. Alan could still see everything, and so could she apparently. staring into his eyes.
Alan heard an indignant huff and he looked to see Weiss storming off.
"finally" he heard off in the distance. Looking over to Amin, he saw the Trooper had fallen asleep at some point during her yelling. Ruby and Yang finally settled into their own sleeping bags. Alan still fully clothed, set himself back and laid his head on the pillow. Staring outside, the stars outside glimmering.
He noticed Alley Cat still staring at him. he decided to stare back. His gaze eventually won out and she looked away and prepared her own bedroll so she could lean in the corner.
"Yeah that's right I win" he silently exclaimed, Alan noticed the bow on her head twitch.
"Shut up" She retorted
Alan continued to look out the window, Contemplating the day. How his new life will go. He genuinely Believed fighting monsters with Superpowers would be so easy.
He closed his eyes and began drifting off into sleep.
"I only knew him for like an hour!" Alan Yelled honestly. Referring to the Private lying face down in the snow. Micheal Allen was his name he was 20 years old and had a family somewhere down south in British Columbia.
They were standing behind a burnt-out Grizzly APC. Over the top of the vehicle around 70 meters away was a Blaze of the Ammo dump cooking off. some idiot set it off early and it wasn't safe to move at all.
Most soldiers were taking cover in the trenches and the Blaze of cooking ammo ensured the soldiers in the mostly cleared trenches kept their heads down.
There was Ammo for infantry, Armour, Anti-air, Artillery and aircraft of all things sat inside. several thousand tonnes of ammunition, slowly cooking off. Thankfully it was a slow burn instead of a massive explosion.
Woodrow and Dom turned the Dead Private over and he saw where the several bullets had struck. A weak point in their Issued armour. The side plate didn't protect all too well and sometimes when hit from the front would ricochet rounds into your side.
"Show some respect Lance Corporal, He killed one of those vermin before getting folded!" Woodrow yelled over the sound of pops and booms of the ammo cook-off.
There was a zip and a pang. They look over to see a Guardsman that accompanied them recovering from a glancing blow to his helmet.
Speaking of helmets, Woodrow Handed Alan the Private's helmet. "He won't need this!" Alan nodded a thanks and clipped it to his belt. Feeling the Kevlar lining of his current helmet is what is keeping him alive. Deciding to replace his broken plate later.
Every Soldier in the area heard an explosion. looking back he saw something large had exploded. Suddenly jolting as something thudded next to them.
"Oh Fuck!" The Guardsman nearby exclaimed. looking over he saw a large mortar round embedded into the ground next to a trench. That got a reaction out of the Shock troopers. The heavily armoured Troopers ran to a dugout nearby to avoid the blast if that thing exploded.
Alan jumped down and leaned against the trench wall, Feeling Woodrow Dom And Trevor land next to him.
There was an Explosion, the shell had finally gone off and shook the area. they sat there until the sounds had stopped.
"This was a major fuck up" Woodrow commented. Alan stood back up.
The Troopers heard some footsteps and their squad leader set himself down Next to them
"One-three got Effin wiped again, And one-one's vic's got stuck in a ditch before they even got here... Shits boned" The Sergeant complained to them.
"Don't worry Ben, like 60 percent of One-two Bravo is still here." He tried to comfort their leader, but it evidently made him worry more.
"Where's Alpha?"
"The next trench over I think" Alan pointed over to where he saw another heavily armoured individual.
"You can think?" Trevor joked.
"No" Alan responded.
"Were Cannon fodder, But this shit was useless" Ben Thomas said. The 52-year-old looked off toward a group of particular high-ranking Soldiers behind them. "Hey Alan get over here."
Alan complied and The sergeant began to make Alan stand in a pose where he set the rifle pointing toward the group.
"That one in the Red Beret," He said.
"you're a Bandit sniper and you see the enemy commander" Alan took Aim and Followed Orders. Flicking his rifle off Safe. "He's a juicy target, but you know he will be replaced immediately." he tapped his shoulder and Alan fired. The round knocked the beret off his head and shattered his skull. "Unfortunately you know the Unhinged mother fuckers under his command would perform better without that Retard."
Alan saw the three lieutenants standing around the corpse. They nod and begin running toward the trench line
"Sniper!" "Majors Down!" "Oh no!"
"Good work Alan, I'll buy you a steak at the canteen"
"Sir, can I have some bacon instead?"
"Sure thing bud," He pats his shoulder again "We're being sent to the back line for the day... get some rest, son"
Alan sat down and enjoyed the ambient sound of battle. suddenly it became quiet, Alan looked around seeing he was alone. He felt a cold presence above him and he sighed. Pulling his M1911 out of its holster Cocking the hammer only. He held it to the roof of his mouth.
*Click*
Alan realized once more he was holding his firearm to the roof of his mouth in the beacon ballroom. The chamber was empty and he gave a sigh of relief.
"God fuckin damn it" he whispered to himself. He noticed a wide-eyed Alley cat staring at him from the dark "I swear I wasn't trying to shoot myself" She looked back to her book hands shaking and eyes wide. After a moment she stopped and tried to calm herself.
'whoops' Alan ignored her and put his handgun into a pocket in his jacket. Alan looked around to see if anyone else saw but everyone was sound asleep. 'Fucking wuss, Stupid fucking Idiot' he began mentally berating himself. until he finally fell asleep.
For Blake, Sleep didn't come easily.
AN
This is part one of this, the next chapter will come out later in the week.