After separating the Grimm from the first years Mikael walked into the clearing to face his enemy, the Grimm surrounded him snarling and snapping their jaws at him "So, who's first?" Mikael said drawing his ebony sword.
The Hydra unleashed a monstrous roar the other Grimm taking this as their ques to attack.
A pack of Beowolves charged forward surging towards him, he darted to the left avoiding the first one that attempted to pounce on him stabbing his blade through the back of its head the tip protruding through it's open maw. Pulling the blade free he ducked under a swipe from a Beowulf swinging the blade up he severed its arm at the shoulder.
Thrusting his hand out he grabbed the monster by its throat holding the beast at bay while he dealt with one of its comrades that attempted to flank from the left, turning back towards the Grimm he glared back into its pulsing red orbs before a burst of electricity flowed through its body rendering it limp dropping the body it began to evaporate like the others.
Another tried to strike at his back quickly finding that move was most unwise as its head sailed through the air watching as it's lower half landed at Mikael's feet.
"VEN GAAR NOS"
The winds bellowed unleashing their furry, a cyclone formed throwing an Ursa aside its body crushing two Beowolves under its weight. The Grimm just raised its head before a shard of ice pierce through its left eye, it's head flopped to the floor, it's body beginning to disintegrate.
Mikael turned to face the Hydra it's pulling red eyes stared down at him in rage... and curiosity, he was most certainly not one of mankind's warriors... no what stood before the creature of darkness was no man not in the slightest, it's wings stood stretched and ready for flight, It's eye's glaring daggers into Its own filled with rage beyond comprehension. It's maw open fangs barred and a raging inferno pulsing from within its jaws begging to be unleashed upon its foe.
This was no man this was a rival predator. One that sought out a challenge, one that sought out domination over all who opposed it.
The Hydra's heads each unleashed a roar of defiance to this creature. "As you wish." Mikael said. darting forward towards his foe, the Hydra reacting to the assault charged forward in a burst of speed despite its large size.
Mikael slid under one of the heads that moved to close its jaws around him, his hand shot out projecting a transparent blue barrier blocking a jet of black fire from the Hydra's center head. Identifying the main threat, he darted towards the Grimm's centre head the second head on the left shot towards him, he leapt onto its head forcing its face into the dirt due to his added weight.
Mikael slid down its slender neck, his hand shot out two elven daggers sailed through the air piercing into the eyes of the third head blinding it. The Grimm lashed out in anger and pain it's jaws flew towards him jumping out of the path of its strike, the blinded head bit down into the other's neck tearing through flesh and bone. The Grimm unleashed a roar of agony as one of its heads were now left useless.
/
Ruby was running full sprint alongside her sister, gunshots rang out around them as those with firearms unloaded into the forest as more Grimm emerged, despite the ongoing battle Ruby's mind drifted back towards Mikael, He had helped her when she had first arrived settling the argument between her and Weiss, then again just minutes prior he had saved her life from her own foolishness.
"Uh, Guy's" Yang said as she skidded to a halt three Ursa majors emerged from the tree line backed up by a pack of Beowolves the monsters stared down the group of hunters in training. The eight drew their weapons ready for a fight, suddenly the roar of an engine filled their ears a Beacon Bullhead flew overhead it's guns spun to life cutting down the pack of Grimm as it descended towards them.
The door on the side opened reviling Glynda, Professor Port, Doctor Oobleck and Amber. The four hopped out of the craft dispatching any of the remaining Grimm around them. "This way!" Glynda's voice sounded the first years didn't argue each began to board the Bullhead all except one, Ruby stopped just before she boarded looking back towards the way they had come
'He's fine he took out a Deathstalker on his own he can handle this' she told herself suddenly a monstrous roar erupted in the distance, she stopped her head darted back towards the noise, she looked back at the Bullhead then back at the forest.
He had saved her she couldn't leave him to fight all this alone "I'm sorry" Ruby disappeared in a cloud of rose petals shooting off towards the source of the roar
"Miss Rose!" Glynda yelled as the girl darted past her.
"RUBY!" Yang called out to the younger girl.
"Glynda get them back to the academy, I've got her." Amber said, begrudgingly Glynda nodded boarding the aircraft while Amber sprinted off after the girl 'Mikael, I hope you're having better luck then I am today'
/
Mikael slid across the dirt stopping at the foot of a tree. shooting up onto his feet he barely dodged a jet of fire that decimated the forest behind him. "Damn it." He said through gritted teeth the beast nearly had him that time. If he hopes to kill this thing he had to deal with that centre headfirst, without its fire it would be left with only the choice of melee.
But this was easier said than done despite the lack of use from one head and the blindness of another it was still not to be taken lightly. Even from this distance, he could feel the Grimm's rage festering within those crimson orbs.
The engine roar of a Bullhead in the distance caught his attention, glancing to his left he saw one of Beacons personal transports leaving the forest bound for beacon academy, perfect. He turned to face the Hydra sheathing his blade he slowly began to walk towards it, the initiates were out of harm's way, there was no need to hold back any longer.
The Hydra seemed confused at the action never the less it growled and began to stalk towards him. This human radiated nothing but calm no hatred no malice, then he stopped Mikael looked up at the creature of Grimm. He took a deep breath.
"STRUN"
The wind began to pick up howling through the trees.
"BAH"
The skies above began to darken storm clouds rolling in as rain began to fall.
"QO!"
The skies above began to rumble mother nature herself unleashed her furry, only now did the Hydra realize by challenging this man it had made a grave mistake.
/
Ruby darted through the forest pushing through the tree line swatting aside any bush or bramble that got in her path. She could hear what sounded like a fight just ahead of her, three Beowolves emerged from the tree line charging at her.
Ruby drew Crescent Rose, she spun her scythe ready to face the Grimm, the Beowolves ran towards her Ruby raised her scythe and charged forwards bisecting the first one down the middle, she spun Crescent Rose ready to strike at the other two. Only for said Grimm to dart past her and vanished into the brush.
"Huh?" Ruby said lowering her Scythe dumbfounded by the action, the Grimm were running they never run let alone from one huntress-in-training. suddenly a thunderous voice echoed from above causing the young reaper to Jump.
"STRUN BAH QO!"
The skies began to darken and rain began pelting against the side of her face. Ruby raised her arm in an attempt to shield herself from the sudden storm
"What the?" Ruby said in alarm at the sudden change in weather, she pulled up her hood to shield herself from the weather. Thunder clapped above Ruby's head she looked up, her Silver eye's widened as a blinding white light shot through the sky right at her.
Amber tackled Ruby aside as the bolt of lightning struck where she was standing obliterating the terrain throwing clods of dirt and burning grass into the air. Amber rose up coughing slightly, she looked over to the small crater before back to the young girl beside her
"Ow~" Ruby muttered rubbing the side of her head
"Are you alright?" Amber asked quickly checking over Ruby.
"Yeah, thanks." Ruby said as she dusted off her combat skirt, Amber looked to the young girl fixing her with a stern look "Why did you run?"
Ruby grew quiet looking down she idly rubbed her forearm, she sighed looking up to Amber "He saved my life, I couldn't just leave him to fight all this alone" she gestured to the dead Beowolf a few feet away.
Amber was about to respond when a savage roar erupted from beyond the tree line, she looked down at Ruby who nodded the two sprinted off toward the tree line
/
Bolts of lightning struck the hydra's lower back electricity coursing through its body it reeled back and screeched in agony, Mikael charged forward sliding under its torso he thrust his ebony sword into the back of its knee the Grimm stumbled toppling to its side, leaping up onto it's back he stabbed his ebony sword into the nape of the neck.
The Grimm writhed in pain hacking up ink-black blood that spurted from its wound as more bolts of lightning rained down on its body scorching its black scales and blackening its bone armor. The Grimm collapsed to the forest floor it's wound's proving too great it lay there it's breathing laboured the one remaining head looked up to the man who stood over him.
It gave one final hiss in defiance to him before it's head collapsed back down to the floor, finally, it lay still it's body starting to disintegrate. Mikael sheathed his sword, he looked up into the dark sky thunder and lightning erupting around him.
"LOK VAH KOOR"
With one last boom of thunder and flash of lightning, the storm began to vanish, dark clouds parting bathing the surrounding area in sunlight.
"Whoa~" Mikael looked over his shoulder, Amber and Ruby stood staring at him one in awe the other in relief. Amber let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding and smiled at him. Mikael walked towards the two he looked down towards Ruby and scowled slightly.
"What are you doing here? I sent you and the others to be extracted" Ruby flinched under his gaze
Amber put a hand on his shoulder "She was worried about you. After you saved her she didn't want to leave you to fight alone" Amber said.
He sighed heavily, glancing over to the young reaper once more she laughed nervously looking g away in slight embarrassment once again he sighed the girl's intentions were only for the best of reasons he looked back at Ruby "I appreciate your concern miss Rose, however, it was not required... never the less thank you" he turned back to Amber "Let's get back to the cliff before more show up"
/
Mikael leaned against one of the pillars off to the side of the stage, watching the initiates assigned to their teams, all those who had completed initiation where called up to the stage one by one. The rest of the student's gathered looking on as professor Ozpin stood in front of the microphone addressing the student body
"Russel Thrush, Cardin Winchester, Dove Bronzewing and Sky Lark. You four retrieved the black bishop pieces. From this day forward you will be known as team CRDL. Lead by Cardin Winchester the crowd applauded as the newly formed team stood proud.
Ozpin turned towards the next team standing ready "Jaun Arc, Lie Ren, Pyrrha Nikos and Nor Valkyrie. The four of you retrieved the white rook pieces. From this day you will work together as team JNPR. Lead by Jaun Arc."
Jaune paled slightly at Ozpins statement "Huh...Led by" He stammered while being congratulated by his new teammates. Ozpin nodded "Congratulations, young man" Pyrrha punched Jaun in the arm causing the blond to topple over not expecting it.
Ruby, Yang, Blake and Weiss stepped up "Blake Belladonna, Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee and Yang Xiao Long. The four of you collected the white knight pieces from this day forward you will be working together as Team RWBY. Led by Ruby Rose."
Ruby stood there stunned into silence before her older sister latched onto her "I'm so proud of you!" she shouted over the roar of applause.
"They did pretty well out there." Amber said walking up next to him
"True, but some of them still have much to learn if they want to be ready for what's coming." Mikael replied, his eye's scanning around the room focusing on a few students in particular.
"Well, that's why we're here, to make sure that there ready for what comes next as Huntsmen and Huntresses." Amber said looking to the Dragonborn before turning her attention back towards the stage
Mikael glanced at her before turning his gaze back towards the stage "you may be right"
Ozpin smiled looking out over the new students "Looks like things are shaping up to be an interesting year." he said the ceremony coming to a close letting students and staff turn in for the night.
/
Dawn came rather quickly marking the beginning of a new day, Mikael rose out of his bed quickly shifting into the morning routine he had grown accustom to over his time here. After re-equipping his armor Mikael made his way through the corridors stopping at the Cafeteria for breakfast engaging in some small talk with Amber and a few of the other professors whose classes hadn't started yet.
"I feel the need to ask "Oobleck said getting his attention "what do you have planned in terms of the curriculum for the students this semester"
"Please tell me it isn't going to scar them" Amber said
Mikael laughed at the statement "Do I really seem that cruel, no I won't scar them in any case I believe more practical route should be taken to determine their individual level of skill."
"An interesting tactic you plan to have your students spar with you, I'm surprised our dear Glynda would allow it." Port replied
"I had a discussion with her a few days before initiation took place she had some issues, but deemed it a sound tactic after I went into more detail." Mikael said taking a drink of some coffee.
After finishing his meal Amber and the other professors left for their classes wishing luck to Amber he made his way along to his own class. Rounding the corner, he approached the double doors that lead to his classroom he had some time before his own started looking around the classroom a set of desks that lead down to the centre of the room curving around an open area most likely designated for sparing beyond that was a wooden desk and chalkboard.
He had some time before the students arrived 'might as well make the first impression memorable' he had a few things prepared for today in advance
/
Ruby followed Yang down the corridor, her day hadn't been what she expected the argument she had with Weiss and the conversation that followed with Professor Ozpin, she glanced over to her partner had them keeping a small distance between the other until working things out between them. The group of teens ahead stopped as the entered the class "Huh?" Ruby said
Murmurs came from the front of the group as they filed into the classroom taking their seats "Whoa" Ruby breathed as she entered alongside her team who had a similar reaction, the whole room was illuminated by the violet flame of candles resting atop a row of bookshelves at the back of the classroom, filled with different books ranging from new to old, a banner hung over the wooden desk at the back a bird its wings stretching skywards and curling around an orb of darkness, the overall look creating an aura of mysticism.
But what stood out the most was the cloaked figure sat in the centre of the combat ring the hood and cowl making it almost impossible to determine his emotions although he seemed to be at utter peace.
"It's him" Ruby breathed as she looked down at the man who saved her life only a day prior.
Mikael's eyes snapped open returning to his feet his eye's glided over those present finding a familiar eight students among the others, the chatter had eventually died down among the students "Now then" Mikael spoke resting the palms of his hands together as he paced back his calm demeanour only furthered to allow more authority into his voice.
"I am Professor Salmon, I will be your instructor alongside miss Goodwitch for the foreseeable future there are three rules I expect each of you to follow while you are here rule one I expect co-operation from each and every one of you, Rule two I do not care how good you're proclaimed to be where you come from, as far as I'm concerned your all a bunch of snivelling brats that still have much to learn. Now that brings me to the final rule I will not tolerate any bigotry or racism of any kind in this room all present here are equal, do I make myself clear"
"Oh, come on don't tell me you actually care about those anim-" A large black serrated dagger embedded in the back of the wooden chair next to the leader CRDL's head the action caused many of the students around him to jump
"Any further questions? No good" Mikael said lowering his arm making his way up to Cardin who sat there wide-eyed, Mikael reached forward pulling the Daedric dagger free sending a small glare the boys direction. "Let's continue shall we." Mikael returned back to the front of the class silence ran over the whole room.
"My job at the moment is to ensure you are capable of surviving the dangers you will face on your journey as Huntsmen and Huntresses. What you will learn here you may find harsh, but it is what you will be expected to face once you graduate, the truth is each of you has a vision of what you want as a hunter a romanticized fantasy, in reality, it is a job you will be expected to perform to the letter. Any questions"
A strong silence fell over the room as the student's shocked eyes never left him slowly a single hand rose from the back of the class "Umm, professor what exactly is this class about" A familiar red hooded girl asked
Mikael sighed "As Huntsmen and Huntresses you will not only be combating the creatures off Grimm their will come a time where you will have to face a human or Faunus opponent and unlike the Grimm, they are more emotional, they feel the same as you or me and unlike the Grimm, they will each react in different ways you must all be prepared for when that time comes."
"Know your enemy as you would know yourself" Blake surmised
"Exactly." Mikael said glad someone picked up on his train of thought "would anyone care to elaborate on that, Miss Nikos"
Pyrrha sat up straight as she was addressed " In order to win any battle you must be aware of what you are up against, the strength and possible weaknesses it may possess and the best possible way to eliminate It.
"Both good answers and each link into what I'm about to ask you all next, tell me who here knows the greatest weapon any Huntsmen or Huntress has at their overall disposal?" Mikael asked
"Firepower" Yang spoke up
"No"
"Aura and Semblance" Weiss said
"No"
"Their brain... right" Mikael's head snapped to the side all eye's turning to the young reaper who shrunk down a bit due to the attention trying to hide herself in her cloak
"Exactly Miss Rose, the mind has been our greatest asset for centuries. One must be aware of how to approach the situations if brute force cannot win out against a foe you must out-think them plan around their actions take into account your own movements before you make them it's one of the advantages mankind possess that allowed them to survive against the Grimm this long. Well done."
"Now then today we will be moving onto sparring, your aura will be monitored and the match shall be called when your opponent's Aura is in the red or is unable to continue the infirmary is already on standby in case of... emergency" the final statement left some of the students hesitant.
Mikael's eyes shifted to the other side of the room where a series of laughter emanated from and found a familiar boy along with three others pestering a wolf Faunus that sat in front of him said boys team attempting to put a stop to it but ultimately ended up getting similar treatment.
"Team CRDL" he barked causing the class to jump the team snapped their heads up and stopped what they were doing "Is there a problem"
"No not at all" Cardin responded
"Really now, from where I stand it seems you were not only disrupting the class but harassing one of your fellow students for their heritage neither will be tolerated here, so I thank you, Mr. Winchester, for volunteering for a visual demonstration to help with your classmate's studies, so please front and centre."
Looking to his teammates Cardin smirked picked up his mace a trotted down to the stage, Mikael looked the lad up and down he practically reeked of arrogance " So who's the first victim?" he asked staring out over his peers with a small sneered
"Me"
"What?" Cardin said looking to the professor
"Myself" Mikael reaffirmed as he made his way to the opposite side of the arena "You have five minutes to either beat me or make me yield, take your position and we can begin. " The Dragonborn instructed
'This guy thinks he's so high and mighty I'll show him.' Cardin smirked taking up his position.
Mikael stood there his stance indifferent, a bell chimed as the fight began Cardin roared charging Mikael his mace held high everyone watch as he just stood there waiting for Cardin to get close when he was only a few feet away he struck, sidestepping Cardin he grasped the boy's wrist twisting it to the side the mace slipped from Cardin's hand, the pommel a Glass dagger struck Cardin in the face, showing another example of great skill manoeuvring himself behind Cardin his arm latched around the boy's neck holding him in a reverse sleeper hold.
"Your movements were sloppy I could see your attack coming before it even began, you charge in without giving a second thought leaving other points on your body open to attack. True that if you hit had connected it would have been strong but your arm would have recoiled leaving an opening for a counter-attack. Your stance was terrible, your footwork needs work, and your body was shifted too far to the side. Overall this allowed you to be easily beaten, you wouldn't last long in real combat"
A buzzer went off indicating the end of the match the whole class stared in alarm and somewhat awe "h-He took him down in less than a minute" Weiss said
"What the hell is this guy?" Yang wondered aloud, although her sister seemed to be the complete opposite she stared in awe at the professor's actions Ruby was a little disappointed she didn't get to see his semblance like what she saw in the forest. Blake stared at the man she had feared during her time here "How is he...how is he this skilled" From what she could tell from his demeanour and short glances at his appearance he couldn't be much older than they were and yet those eyes, they reflected years of experience beyond any of them combined.
The class followed suit with Mikael explaining what they would expect to cover during their time here during the following week when everything was said and done the bell rang indicating the end of class, the students gathered their things and headed out
"That went better than I expected" Mikael turned back to his desk and began to gather a few things a few books he had brought from the library discussing the history of Remnant. "Uhh... professor" Mikael looked back over his shoulder to find ruby standing a few feet away from him
"Yes, Miss Rose is there a problem?" Mikael asked
"No, nothing like that it's just "Ruby bit her lip before clearing her throat building up the courage to say what was on her mind " ... I wanted to thank you for what you did during initiation If you hadn't shown up I don't think we would have made it back to the cliff... and for saving my life."
"Think nothing of it anyone in my position would have done the same" Mikael said
"I guess..." The young reaper said looking off to the side, Mikael looked to the girl something seemed to be bothering her
He set down the books he picked up leaning back against the desk "There's something else isn't there?" He inquired
Ruby was quiet for a moment, her small hand pulling at the edge of her skirt before finally working up the courage to look him in the eye "Well it's just... me becoming the leader of team RWBY and being jumped ahead two years I just don't know if I was the right choice for being a leader"
Mikael sighed "A leader is a taxing role one that leads to high expectation it is someone people look to for strength, wisdom and guidance someone who can inspire them to do great things and give their all." Ruby looked away dejectedly Mikael placed his hands on her shoulders causing her to look at him "Ruby you hold those quality's, you just haven't been allowed to show them yet I have faith in Ozpins decision and have faith in you"
Ruby was rooted in place in awe of his words a smile formed on her face "Thank you professor."
"I am glad to have been of help, I suggest you run along your team will be waiting for you" Mikael said
"Oh, uh right...thanks again bye!" Ruby sprinted up the stairs and through the double doors stopping for a moment she looked back towards the classroom a small smile coming to form on her face.
"Ruby! where are you were going to miss lunch" Yang's voice called out from further down the hall
"Coming Yang!" Ruby called out racing down the hall in a flurry of Rose petals.
Hello, readers as of now we are moving on towards some of the cannon storylines I would like to apologies for the wait that you have had to all endure I have been in a bit of a funk lately. In any case, I hope you enjoy this chapter and all that I put out there, also one more piece of info for you all as of Monday updates for this story will be on hiatus because I will be out of the country so please bear with me I've already started working on the next chapter and will hopefully have it up when I get back.