The morning sky was bright and clear and a group of eager students were waiting to board the giant aircraft to Beacon. Azure surveyed the group before him, analyzing the crowd of future classmates. He shifted the small pack he carried to ease some soreness in his shoulder and closed his eyes, listening to random bit of chatter from the crowd.
"-can you believe we're actually here?! I'm so excited!"
"-I can't wait to start training! I've worked sooo hard to get into Beacon-"
"-I wonder what the teachers will be like-"
"HEY! PASTY BOY!"
Azure's eyes shot open in surprise, senses kicking into high gear. The sea of bodies parted to reveal a boy with messy red hair and a black motorcycle jacket stomping towards him at a quick pace. As he drew nearer a white t-shirt and blue jeans became discernable, and Azure swore that he looked familiar but couldn't quite put his finger on why.
Pushing his way forward, the other boy pulled a short staff from his back, and with the click of a button the weapon extended into a double edged, long bladed spear. He held the weapon at the ready as he marched through the crowd, blue eyes dead set on Azure. Anticipating a fight, Azure started reaching into the quiver on his back to draw his own weapon. Still, the strangest feeling of deja vu gnawed at him as he struggled to identify the spearman.
Who?… Azure thought, staring hard at the red haired boy.
The pale haired archer continued to dig through his memory as the other boy closed the distance between them, a look of vibrant anger in his eyes. When the boy was almost upon Azure he thrust his weapon into the ground like a flag pole in a smooth motion and continued on his warpath to Azure. The cool expression on the white haired boy's face broke as recognition flooded over him, eyes widening in disbelief.
That hair. Those eyes. He looks just like- Azure's thought was cut off by a bone crushing hug as the redhead finally reached him. The other boy held him close, burying Azure's face in the green bandana around his neck and cutting off his air.
"Azure, where in the HELL have you been?!"
Azure gasped and spluttered, still trapped in the bear hug. Without warning he was released, and sucked in a big breath.
"I've spent the last nine years. NINE YEARS besting the finest my traveling had to offer, but not a single one of them could fend me off as well as you could! Biggest waste of time ever."
Azure sat on the ground stupefied, comically befuddled as he struggled to process what was happening.
Oblivious to Azure's state, the boy ranted on. "Once you disappeared there wasn't anyone worth talking to. Do you have any idea how long it's been since someone got one of my jokes?!"
I…I can't believe it, thought Azure with a small chuckle, it really is him.
Hearing the laugh, the peculiar boy looked around in confusion, finally glancing down. "What are you doing down there?" he asked, hauling Azure to his feet. "And why so quiet? You better not have forgotten me, you pasty little..."
"No, I haven't forgotten. I just…can't believe I would see you again. It's so good to see you, Jad." replied Azure, pulling the much taller Jad into another tight hug.
"Good to know you still remember me. I was beginning to think you were dead," said Jad, punching Azure in the shoulder as they broke apart.
"Not yet."
"Well good! I'm looking forward to sparring with you again. We'll see if you've improved. And just so you know, you don't stand a chance this time around."
"You realize we were eight when we last sparred, right?"
"And whose fault was that, hmmm?"
Azure lifted his hands in defeat. "Alright, you win. Let's get on the ship, everyone's boarding."
The boys gathered their things and merged with the line of passengers eager to enter the huge transport that hovered in the air over the cliff side.
"But seriously, dude, where have you been? I haven't seen you or your family in years." Jad asked, glancing at Azure as they entered the ship.
Azure tensed up, the topic uncomfortable. "I've been on my own."
Jad raised an eyebrow, equal parts suspicious and curious.
"C'mon, let's find a good spot before they're all gone." Azure added as he strode ahead of Jad, green eyes forward.
Jad looked after his friend with a puzzled look. Did I say something wrong?
Upon entering the aircraft, both boys made their way to the viewing gallery. It was a long hallway with four semicircular windows on the constructed lateral so that passengers could enjoy the view. Jad finally managed to catch up with Azure, who gazed out one of the windows at the far end.
"Whoa! Forgot how fast you are. You slipped away so easily."
Azure gave an amused chuckle. "Natural talent of mine. So what have you been up to all these years besides fighting?"
Jad grinned, excitement burning in his blue eyes. "Oh man where to begin?! I finished that basic training that we were both doing," he began, "then I had to hone my skills to become a Huntsman while looking for you. Seriously, where were you? Anyway, then I…"
Jad continued his enthusiastic rambling for the duration of the trip to Beacon. Azure stayed silent the whole time, content to listen to the adventures that had taken place during his absence.
When the transport docked near the academy, Jad finally wrapped up his monologue, "...and that's how I got accepted. How did you get into Beacon?"
"I was invited by the Headmaster."
"Ozpin? THE Ozpin? Whose mom did you have to impress to make that happen?"
Azure shrugged as they made their way down from the dock and onto the main avenue leading up to the school. They were filled with a sense of awe as they took in the facility itself. The main building looked like something from a storybook: a giant castle-like structure with elegant arches and spires, and a steepled tower standing proudly at its heart. A signal light shone from the lookout, the reason for the school's name "Beacon". A stone walkway stretched all the way to the main gate, surrounded on all sides by gardens. There were smaller pavilions and buildings scattered around the main structure, probably used for dorms and the like.
"Ok then…" Jad began, grinning, "I'm going to go get us a spot for the opening ceremonies. Try to keep up!"
Azure just stood by as Jad raced towards the entrance, shaking his head in amusement.
Well...Glad to see one of us hasn't changed, he thought. He looked back to the academy, taking in the amazing view.
"Look out! Coming through!"
"Hm?" Azure started to turn, but before he could move much he was struck by a swift figure. They tumbled to the ground in a tangle of limbs.
"Oof!" was all Azure managed to say as the air rushed out of his lungs and rejoined the atmosphere.
Ow... He rubbed the back of his head as he got to his feet and waited for his vision to re-adjust. He looked down to see the person that ran into him still sitting on the ground.
Wincing in pain from the encounter, was a girl. She had ridiculously long ginger hair tied back in an equally preposterous braid. Her amber eyes blinked rapidly as she regained her bearings and looked around. An array of books had been unceremoniously scattered around her, having fallen to the ground during the collision.
"You alright?" asked Azure, eyeing the new person more closely.
She wore a long green jacket, a red plaid scarf looped around her neck, crisp white pants, and brown boots. Bracers adorned her forearms, with some sort of little contraptions attached to them.
"Yeah...yeah, I'm alright." she mumbled, still dazed from the crash.
Something bright and slender caught Azure's attention, and he was surprised to find a long reptilian tail trailing out from under the hem of the girl's jacket. He did a double take and noticed a series of slender green spines emerging from her spine as well.
She's a faunus… Azure realized as he waited for her to gather herself.
Shaking off the last of her daze, the girl leapt to her feet in embarrassment, almost tripping over herself. "I am SO sorry! Are you okay? Oh my stars, I didn't mean to run into you. You aren't hurt, right? I am so sorry!"
Azure waved his hand, dismissing her concern. "I'm fine. What's the hurry?" he said.
"Well," she explained, brushing herself off, "if you aim to be early, you'll never be late!"
She beamed at him, her enormous tail swishing back and forth.
"Uh huh... Well, try to be more careful. Especially since you're a faunus." Azure looked down at the books scattered around her feet. "Here, let me help."
The girl bent to gather her things, accepting the books that Azure picked up for her. When they straightened up again, she cocked her head to the side and frowned ever so slightly.
"People bump into each other all the time. Why should it matter if one of them happens to have a tail?"
"Because I know how the world is." Azure replied, his eyes darkening momentarily before giving his head a quick shake and refocusing on the present. The girl had been looking at him, brow furrowed in concern.
"Forget I said anything. I'm Azure." He stated as they started walking up to Beacon's entrance,books piled in both their arms.
"I, uh, I'm Gayle. And…" she sighed, glancing at the ground, "trust me, I know how 'the real world' works. I was just hoping it wouldn't be much of an issue for an institution as respectable as Beacon." Gayle looked back up, smiling crookedly, "but you can't please everyone."
Azure cracked a faint smile, though it quickly faded. "Well, I'm hoping things are better here too," he admitted. "So, are you excited?"
"Of course! How could I not be?!" She beamed, "I worked hard to get here a year earlier than most, and so far this is every bit as wonderful and awe-inspiring as I thought it would be!"
They entered through the gate and into a large assembly area. Gayle was instantly captivated by it, gazing around in awe. Azure helped maneuver her around the crowd since she was so distracted she almost bumped into more people. He finally spotted Jad, who waved him over enthusiastically.
"I've gotta go. I'll see you around," Azure said, handing his load back to Gayle. He left without giving her a chance to respond.
Gayle waved awkwardly as she watched him go, balancing her books in one arm. He's certainly...interesting, she thought.
"About time you showed up!" Jad exclaimed, "I thought you got lost or something."
Moving in to stand beside him, Azure looked up at a platform located at the head of the room. A standalone microphone was placed in the middle, waiting to be used. It wasn't long before Professor Ozpin appeared and made his way towards the mic, the chatter dying down. The headmaster tapped it a few times before opening his mouth to speak.
"I'll keep this brief. You have traveled here today in search of knowledge. To hone your craft and acquire new skills. And when you're finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people." he paused for a moment. "But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy. In need of purpose...direction."
There were looks of confusion and surprise from the crowd; this was not what they were expecting from the professor for their initiation speech. "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."
Ozpin departed from the stage, the crowd deathly silent. He was soon replaced by a terse looking blonde woman, whose sharp green eyes scanned the assembled students critically.
Glynda Goodwitch, if I recall, Azure thought, remembering her from the hologram announcements onboard the ship.
"You will gather in the ballroom tonight; tomorrow your initiation test begins." she announced. "Be ready. You're dismissed."
She then turned and walked in the same direction Ozpin had, leaving the students with their thoughts.
"Huh. not what I was expecting," Jad mused, puzzled. "That speech doesn't exactly match what I've heard about him."
Azure nodded in agreement; something was off. He didn't dwell on it long though, and turned back towards the entrance. "Come on, let's go find our stuff and get to the ballroom."
"Sounds like a plan!" agreed Jad, following his friend.
The rest of the day went by slowly, and the night came rolling in at a snail's pace, annoying Jad to no end. He had exchanged his jeans for a pair of black and green sleeping pants adorned with tiny motorbikes, but abandoned his shirt. He looked over at Azure, who was off by himself, laying on his sleeping bag wearing a black t-shirt and grey sweatpants. Jad made his way over to Azure's corner and claimed his own space nearby.
Once he was satisfied with his setup, Jad plopped on top of his sleeping bag. "So."
Azure looked at his friend quizzically. "What?"
"I'm kinda bored. I'm gonna go through your stuff."
Azure pondered it a bit, then shrugged indifferently. "Just put everything back where you found it."
Jad grinned excitedly and began exploring Azure's bag. Azure closed his eyes, settling back into a comfortable position. He could hear Jad going through his belongings and wondered what he could possibly be looking for.
"Saaay...What have we here?" asked Jad, pulling a necklace from the bag. "I didn't know you wore fancy-shmancy jewelry."
Azure's eyes flew open and he sat up in a flash. "Don't touch that! You'll lose it!" he demanded, reaching over to snatch it out of Jad's hands. Jad instinctively held it out of his reach like an annoying older sibling.
"What?" Jad questioned innocently, "I just wanna look at it." A playful smile was plastered across his face.
Pouncing on his friend, Azure fought to recover his possession. The boys wrestled across the ballroom floor, but Jad kept his grip on the necklace. During their scrap, however, Azure managed to knock it out of Jad's hand. It flew through the air and landed on the wooden floor with a soft clink.
It took a moment for either party to realize that the object of importance was missing. Azure was the first to notice the necklace's absence, and he scanned the immediate area frantically, praying that he hadn't just lost his most prized possession.
"Where is it?" Azure muttered, "No, no, no, no, no! I can't lose it!"
He searched madly, unable to find any trace of his keepsake.
"Hey! Is this yours?"
Azure looked up to find a stranger holding the sapphire carefully. He nodded wordlessly and reached out for the necklace, the young woman placed the stone gently in his hand with a smile.
"How did you find it?" asked Azure, looking over the piece of jewelry to make sure there was no damage.
The girl's smile widened a little, revealing a pair of narrow fangs in place of ordinarily dull canine teeth. "I heard it fall," she replied, pointing to a large set of triangular, black tipped ears that sat on her head.
His prize returned to him, Azure got to his feet and got a good look at the woman. The ears screamed that she was a faunus, but unlike most she didn't seem self-conscious or cautious about it. If anything the girl was proud of her heritage, from what he could tell; she wore a bright orange fox onesie (leading him to conclude that she was a fox faunus), complete with a tail and a hood with holes for her ears. The getup was somewhat...amusing, if not unusual.
One of her ears twitched, drawing Azure's gaze back to her head and face. Cascades of rusty orange hair tumbled to the girl's lower back. A pair of astonishingly green eyes peered out from underneath her bangs, shockingly bright against her pale skin.
"It's a very nice necklace. I can see why you'd be afraid to lose it."
The girl's musical voice broke into Azure's thoughts, and he shook his head to clear it. Seeming to remember her manners, she offered her hand.
"I'm Rember, Rember Autumn."
Tucking the necklace away, Azure glanced at Rember's slender hand for a moment before shaking it. "Azure Knyte." he introduced curtly, quickly breaking the handshake.
"So what's your first day at Beacon been like? I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. This place is amazing!"
Azure glanced at the faunus girl. He thought about speaking to her more, but elected to give a short response. He really wasn't in the mood to talk. "It's been fine."
Rember's smile faded, replaced with an expression of concerned curiosity that made Azure angrier than it should have.
"Thank you for returning my necklace," Azure said abruptly, "I appreciate it."
"No problem!" Rember replied, her smile returning. "I'm glad I could help out. Have a good night, Azure!"
With a small wave, she turned and made her way back to where her own belongings were piled nearby.
Azure watched with keen interest as Rember settled into her own sleeping bag. He took a deep breath and let it back out slowly, calming himself as quickly as possible. He mentally kicked himself for letting his emotions run away with him, especially when Rember gave him that look...That look he knew all too well.
"Dude...she was totally into you," Jad teased, nudging Azure's ribs and wagging his eyebrows.
Azure rolled his eyes irritably in response. "Yeah, sure she was," he replied, sarcasm dripping from every word. "Look I'm going to sleep alright? Goodnight."
He lay down with his back to Jad, silently conveying he had no desire to chat. Jad simply shrugged and got himself settled too. His breathing soon evened out, and he began to snore.
As soon as Jad was asleep, Azure pulled out his necklace, a sad smile appearing on his face. That girl… he thought, pondering the interaction with Rember,
...She reminds me of her…
Azure closed his hand around the gem and let his eyelids flutter shut, his sad smile still etched on his face.