"And it looks like that's done it for their opponents! Defeated by Aura Level!!" An announcer declares
"That's it for the Veteran Round! Be sure to stay tuned folks because the Champion Round will be coming shortly after a quick break!" The commenter informs. "I'd say place your bets, but we already know who's going to win this last round, don't we Cecil?"
"I wouldn't count your chickens just yet, Mark! Remember, there's always a chance for anyone's winning streak to break in the Champion Round!" The Announcer warns. "We'll be back later after these messages!"
The screen changes to a commercial break after a young man, Fenrir Calavera, watched the Announcer and Commenter discuss the battle. Fenrir sighs...the Champion Round, it's a surprise even for him. Fenrir scans the ready room to see it's only him inside, perhaps his opponent is at the other side of the tournament? It'd make sense. Fenrir feels his scroll vibrating, so he fishes it out of his pocket to see two messages
"Good luck in the tournament, Fen!" From Pen
"Have fun, kiddo." From Maria Calavera
Fenrir chuckles to himself, they're always so supportive. He puts away his scroll, now equipping his scythe for a look. Fenrir still has a few minutes before the final round starts, it wouldn't hurt to get a little more practice in
*
This is the moment, the time to show everything Fenrir's been trained to do. He opens his eye as the lift takes him to the arena, hearing the crowd cheer all around him.
"The Champions Round has begun! First stepping into the arena, Fenrir Calavera! This scythe-wielding monster has remained undefeated during his time in the tournament! But that may change when he finds out who he'll be fighting against!"
"Right about that, Cecil, because this combatant's won the tournament for three years straight! But who knows? Maybe Fenrir has the ability to break that streak! Everyone, please welcome our true tournament champion, Pyrrha Nikos!!"
The crowd roars even louder the moment this Nikos girl enters the arena. Dressed like a golden gladiator, wielding a sword in one hand and a shield in the other. Pyrrha gives a warm smile
"Hello there! Congrats on making it this far in the tournament!" Pyrrha says
Fenrir's a little surprised by this girl's friendly greeting, despite being opponents. Nonetheless, he decided to return the gesture.
"Thanks, think I'll be able to break your winning streak?" Fenrir smirks
"Maybe, but I won't go down so easily." Pyrrha smiles
"Ha! Wasn't counting it." Fenrir chuckles
Both Fenrir and Pyrrha enter their battle-ready stances.
"Ready?! And...begin!!!"
Fenrir charges at Pyrrha, swinging down his scythe, Pyrrha blocks with her shield and deflects the attack, pushing Fenrir in the air. Fenrir recovers and throws his scythe at Pyrrha. She deflects the scythe with her shield again, Fenrir lands back to ground and reaches his arm toward Pyrrha. The Spartan tilts her head in confusion until she notices a purple glow on his glove. She looks behind to see the scythe coming back, so Pyrrha ducks. Fenrir grabs his scythe and charges for another attack as Pyrrha recovers from the surprise. Pyrrha parries Fenrir's attack with her spear when it nearly hit her.
Pyrrha stands up and goes to the offensive, thrusting her spear repeatedly. Fenrir's able to block most of the attacks, so Pyrrha drops down and swipes at Fenrir's feet. The Huntsman jumps over Pyrrha and throws his scythe. Pyrrha blocks the attack but the scythe's blade grips the edge of her shield, surprising the Spartan. With a smirk, Fenrir summons his scythe back, ripping Pyrrha's shield off her hand and into his.
Losing the shield may be a disadvantage, but Pyrrha couldn't help but smile. Fenrir certainly knows how to disarm his opponent's strengths. Pyrrha switches her spear into a rifle and jumps away to a few pillars for cover. Fenrir spins his scythe, deflecting the bullets and throws Pyrrha's shield far away and hides behind a different pillar.
Pyrrha looks out from cover, her shield is in the other side of the arena and Fenrir can't be seen. She'll need to be carful, so Pyrrha climbs up the pillar and reaches the top for a sniper's advantage. She can't see Fenrir anywhere...so what's he planning?
Pyrrha feels the pillar suddenly wobble, nearly losing her balance. She looks down and sees Fenrir recalling his scythe. Fenrir clicks a button on his weapon and it trains forms into a battle axe. Pyrrha's eyes widen, is he going to...? Fenrir swings his axe horizontally and severs it from the floor. The pillar's ready to fall so Pyrrha needed to think quickly. The Spartan jumps to the next pillar only to be knocked out of the air by Fenrir's weapon which is back in scythe form
Pyrrha hits the ground, her aura flaring, but quickly recovers. Fenrir goes back to the offensive, swinging his scythe with every attack as Pyrrha quickly dodges each one. She's getting overwhelmed, she's more surprised of Fenrir acting so calm and cool. However, she was focused on his offensive attacks, Pyrrha didn't account he'd use his scythe to trip Pyrrha off her feet and hit the ground again. Fenrir raises his scythe for another attack, Pyrrha reaches out her hand, her shield flies back and slams Fenrir's face, disorienting him. The shield flies back so Fenrir throws his scythe at it, knocking the shield out of the air but turns around and sees Pyrrha attempting an attack. Through reflex, Fenrir takes a quick inhale and activates his Semblance, unleashing an air bending shout, shaking the ground and knocking Pyrrha out of the air, crashing into the next pillar.
As Pyrrha recovers, Fenrir jumps in the air and throws his scythe. Pyrrha summons her shield and knocks it away, Fenrir summons it but the Spartan shoots his outstretched hand then throws her shield at him, knocking Fenrir to the floor and shattering his aura. Fenrir attempts to get back up only to stop as Pyrrha points her weapon at his face
"OOOH!! And that's the match!! Pyrrha Nikos is once again, the victor of the Mistral Tournament!!" The announcer declares.
Fenrir sighs, lying his head down in defeat. Pyrrha sheathes her weapon and offers Fenrir a hand, giving a friendly smile. Reluctantly, Fenrir accepts her hand and lifts him to his feet. Pyrrha continues to smile at him, but Fenrir only looks away in self-guilt
*
At the locker room, Fenrir's packing all his stuff up from his locker. There's no point in sticking around in Mistral, cause he feels like everyone's gonna mock him for his loss. When he finishes up packing, Fenrir notices the photo of his parents taped in the door, the one reminder of why he's been pushing himself so far. With a sigh, he takes the photo, stuffs it in his bag and slams the locker shut
"Is this a bad time?"
Fenrir looks to his right and sees Pyrrha leaning on the door frame, smiling at him
"I thought you left to celebrate your victory?" Fenrir asks
"There's nobody to celebrate with." Pyrrha chuckles
"So, you asking me to celebrate with you?" Fenrir folds his arms, leaning against his locker
"No, I came to congratulate you."
"What for? My good looks?" Fenrir jokes
"No, for your fighting skills, I could've lost in multiple ways. No one else has nearly put me on edge like you." Pyrrha leans away from the door frame and approaches Fenrir, her arms still folded
"Ha, my fighting skills clearly weren't enough if they weren't able to take you down..." Fenrir chuckles
"...how about a rematch then?"
"A rematch? What, are you trying to take pity on me?"
"No. You have what it takes to survive in Remnant, maybe even save lives! But I can't let you do that if you think you're skills aren't good enough. So I'd say one day, you and I have a rematch, just the two of us without anyone watching. I'm sure that'll boost your confidence."
Fenrir turns to his locker, then back to Pyrrha, who extends her arm to him
"Alright, I'll hold you that rematch, and I won't lose." Fenrir smirks, shaking Pyrrha's hand
"I would hope not. Let's start over for now, I'm Pyrrha Nikos"
"Fenrir Calavera, and it will be a privilege to go against you again..." Fenrir says
"The privilege is all mine." Pyrrha chuckles
"Mr. Calavera?" After hearing a new voice, Fenrir and Pyrrha look at the exit and see a blonde woman in a purple cape wearing glasses approaching. "My name is Glynda Goodwitch, I'm a professor of Beacon Academy."
Fenrir and Pyrrha separate from the handshake, the boy folds his arms with an arched eyebrow
"That right? So what brings a Beacon Professor to Mistral?" Fenrir asks
"...You." Glynda simply answers, surprising Fenrir and Pyrrha. "The Headmaster I work for wishes to speak to you personally. He has an offer which is typically rare among those who haven't yet applied to an academy. If you come with me, I'll take you to him."
"...Ok, I still don't understand why he wishes to speak with me of all people, but I'll play along." Fenrir says, now turning to Pyrrha. "Just don't forget about our rematch."
"I'll see you another time, Fenrir." Pyrrha nods.
Fenrir nods goodbye to Pyrrha and follows Glynda to wherever the Headmaster is. On the way, he wonders what brought Beacon Academy's Headmaster all the way to Mistral simply to talk to him. Glynda mentioned he has an offer...but what offer could that be? Only one way to find out.
*
Fenrir and Glynda arrive at Nisshoku, a popular Mistralian restaurant famous for it's deliciously exotic foods and fashionable decor. Fenrir follows Glynda in the restaurant and spot a man with silver hair, wearing a black suit and green scarf, sitting at a table in the far end of the restaurant, showing a wonderful view of Mistral's mountains a majestic river between them and a cherry tree blossoming next to the restaurant outside. The man pulls away his gaze from the view, looking at Fenrir and Glynda, then smiles
"Ah, Fenrir Calavera. I'm pleased you agreed to meet." The man says, gesturing to the empty seat across from him
"It's not everyday you're invited to dinner by the Headmaster of an Academy occupying Sanus..." Fenrir takes his seat while Glynda sits next to Fenrir and the Headmaster
"I understand if this seems unordinary, especially after losing the Mistral Tournament recently." Hearing that loss only wounded Fenrir's pride a bit more. "Ahem, now before we begin discussions, why don't you order whatever's on the menu? It's my treat."
Fenrir notices a disapproving sigh from Glynda but decides not to think about it. Fenrir opens the menu and looks for whatever catches his attention. Fenrir's been to Mistralian restaurants before but nothing as fancy as this, guess that's one of the perks for being at a higher level
The waitress approaches the table, a smile on her face as she pulls up her small notebook asking for their orders. Roughly 15 minutes after they ordered, their appetizers and drinks arrived, Glynda and the Headmaster ordered Oolong tea and a sushi table of nigirizushi, makizushi and the Western Roll and Fenrir ordered a Miso soup for appetizer. The headmaster picks up a piece of the sushi, gazing on it
"I once had a meal here with Haven Academy's Headmaster. Nisshoku is not only famous for it's decor but for sushi's astonishing taste." The Headmaster says
"With respect, Professor, you didn't invite me here to talk about the restaurant's decor and Sushi." Fenrir says.
The Headmaster smiles, setting down the sushi and clasping his hands under his chin.
"First, introductions. I'm Professor Ozpin, the Headmaster of Beacon Academy sanctioned in Eastern Sanus. But you already know that." Fenrir nods at Ozpin in response. "I've seen your fights in the Mistral Tournament, not many Huntsmen your age are able to wield a scythe with skill. I'm curious as to where you've learned it."
"My Grandmother. She taught me the basics, everything else past that is self taught." Fenrir answers
"Self taught, you say?" Ozpin smirks. "It must be impressive to wield such a weapon with coordinated accuracy."
"Shouldn't be that hard, you just swing it like any sword or mace and make sure the blade doesn't hit you." Fenrir shrugs
"In simplified terms, yes, but a scythe is much more complicated than that...at least to those who've never had practice. So far, I've only known two scythe wielders before you, one is a close friend of mine and another is a young girl I met last evening. Meeting scythe-wielding Huntsmen is rare...meeting scythe-wielding Huntsmen with Silver Eyes...is rarer." Ozpin says, taking a bite out of his sushi he picked up.
The way he mentioned Fenrir's Silver Eyes was odd, does he know about it's secret? The rest of the evening continues after Ozpin and Fenrir finish eating their meals. The Headmaster wipes his mouth with the napkin and clears his throat.
"Now then, Mr. Calavera, I'd like to offer you a place in my school. You've shown extraordinary skills as a Huntsman and we would like to help you strengthen skills to be the best of the best."
"I appreciate the offer, Professor Ozpin, but I'm already planning to enter Haven Academy, what makes Beacon any different?"
"Every Academy is unique in its own ways. But Beacon is so much more than just an Academy, it's a certain path to aid students into becoming who they wish to be. I have nothing against Haven or Atlas Academies but I believe Beacon is a place where you're truly offered...a choice. Beacon Academy would love to have your skills, Mr. Calavera, and we'd be thrilled to have you as our student."
This was a surprise. Not only is Fenrir being offered entry to Beacon...the Headmaster himself is extending the invitation to him personally, chances like these happen one in a million. Sure, he's known Mistral in his whole life...but if Fenrir were to study in another Continent...it could help him understand the world better as a future Huntsman. With this in mind, Fenrir gives his answer to Ozpin with confidence and determination
*
Just looking at the Kingdom of Vale within a Bullhead almost makes it hard to believe Fenrir's soon to become a Huntsman. Still, he can't help but feel this heavy feeling in his chest...almost like things are about to feel...different in the future, feelings like those could normally lead to path in time that's either good or bad...for his own sake, Fenrir desperately hopes it's the former. He may not regret accepting Ozpin's invitation...but what if he'll regret it in a few years? Noticing his own way of thinking, Fenrir closes his eye and takes deep breaths, keeping himself calm
"Mom, Dad...I'll do my best to make you proud." Fenrir whispers to himself, opening his eyes
After keeping himself calm Fenrir catches a very familiar scent...one that he hasn't smelled in years
"*sniff* *sniff* ...roses?" Fenrir scans his area with his eye
Using his Faunus sense, Fenrir tracks wherever the scent of roses is coming from and stops to notice a young girl in a red cloak, standing next to a slightly older girl with ridiculously long blonde hair
"But you ARE special..." The older girl says to the one in red
Approaching behind the two girls, Fenrir sniffs again to investigate the source and sure enough...it's coming from the girl in red. They both have taken notice of Fenrir sniffing after looking behind their shoulders
"Uh...may we help you?" The blonde one asks, slightly creeped out.
"...You smell like roses..." Fenrir mutters to the girl in red, ignoring blondie's question
The girl in red steps back a bit from Fenrir's comment, a little creeped by what he bluntly said to her
"Uh...what?!" The girl asks uncomfortably
Noticing how rude Fenrir's being, he quickly steps back and scratches the back of his head
"Oh, uh! Sorry...I meant to say that you smelled like roses, its a flower I've always been fond of so when I noticed it's smell on you..." Fenrir chuckles, scratching his head embarrassingly
"Huh...? Oh...you mean my perfume Red Roses? Yeah, I did spray a few on me before I left" The girl sniffs herself to see if Fenrir's right
"Eh? I didn't know you wear perfume!" Blondie says, smiling
"I don't WEAR perfume Yang!! I just...test it to see if it works" Red excuses, waving her arms
"Uh huh...well it works alright! Works on weirdos like him!" Blondie jokes, pointing at Fenrir
"Ha...ok, let me start over! I'm Fenrir Calavera." Fenrir says, extending his hand for a shake
Fenrir extends his hand towards the two girls, which they happily shake
"Nice to meet you Fenrir, I'm Yang Xiao Long! And this here is my adorable little sister Ruby Rose!" Yang shakes Fenrir's hand, then Ruby shakes after being introduced
"Ruby Rose and Yang Xiao Long...didn't know sisters hold different surnames." Fenrir smiles
"It's a long story, remind me to tell you about it sometime." Yang replies
"Where'd you get a name like Fenrir? It sounds so cool!" Ruby says
"It's unique, a name my great grandfather once had." Fenrir says
"Oh, so that makes you Fenrir Jr. then?" Yang laughs
"I mean...yeah, if that's how you wanna put it." Fenrir laughs
The three of them laugh, having a good time with each other's company until they notice a hologram of Glynda appearing
"Hello and welcome to Beacon." Glynda greets
"Who's that?" Yang asks
"My name is Glynda Goodwitch."
"Oh..."
Fenrir nearly snickers at the timing and delivery. After he stops, Fenrir continues to listen to Glynda
"You are among the privileged few who have received the honor of being selected to this prestigious academy. Our world is experiencing an incredible time of peace and as future Huntsman and Huntresses it is your duty to uphold it. You have demonstrated the courage needed for such a task, and now, it is our duty to provide with the knowledge and the training to protect our world"
"Huh...no pressure or anything" Fenrir mutters.
As the hologram of Glynda disappears, Ruby moves closer to the window and inspects the view from inside
"Look! You can see Signal from here!" Ruby says
"Well, maybe you should give them a...SIGNAL?!" Fenrir smirks pointing finger guns
"Eyy I see you!" Yang says, pointing back
"Oh Gods there's two of them..." Ruby cringes
Just then, the trio notice a certain blonde boy looking out the window and was currently trying to keep his breakfast in. When he could no longer hold it, he quickly runs to the nearest trash can to let out his chunks
"Well...I guess the view isn't for everyone!" Yang says
"It WAS a nice moment while it lasted..." Ruby chuckles nervously
"And so begins our student adventures! Who else will we get to meet?" Fenrir asks
"I just hope they're better than vomit boy" Ruby says
"*sniff, sniff sniff* ugh...what's that foul odor?" Fenrir asks, covering his nose
Fenrir and Ruby both look towards Yang, then down to her feet to notice a bit of stomach chunks on her boot
"Oh Yang gross! You got puke on your shoe!" Ruby exclaims
Yang gives off a confused expression until she looks down to notice the puke and tries to brush it off
"Gross, gross, gross, gross!" Yang repeats
"Ew! Get away from me! Get away from me!" Ruby screams, running away
Fenrir watches as both Yang and Ruby run away, he couldn't really help but chuckle to himself, maybe this year won't be so bad after all...
End of Chapter 1