Fangs of the Exiles
Rated M
Rwby
Summary:
Life is not about what happens to you, but what you make of it... At least that's what everyone says. Two faunus will answer whose way is right, carrying the will of a titanic kingdom while the other, the spirit of one who shouldn't exist. Forgotten, their paths will cross, for better or worse.
A/N:
Well, here is chapter 2!
I kept the POV of the second main character completely just like the first chapter. Speaking of which, the panther faunus, Sango is pronounced Shango for future reference. Also, this story will follow the events of the previous story: Bound by Shadows where Aganju is in the same year as team CFVY.
I had to mention this for future reference as the time frame second half of the first chapter matches with the second half of this one. The next chapter will take place in the present day moving forward. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter and I'll be posting chapter three in the very near future!
Chapter 2: The Crimson Rogue
Barren wasteland; No signs of life or hope could be found in the misty desert region.
The only noise for miles was the cawing of birds as a young faunus wandered the land. The callous earth soon crunched under the bare feet of a little boy, no older than 10. The air was chilling, carrying the scent of death and despair. Confusion washed over the face of the young male as his violet eyes shot in all directions, finding no end in sight to the wilderness.
The sky above was a bloody hue, another symbol that spelled 'beware'. This constant remained until he looked back to the area before him, noticing the rocky terrain and enormous purple crystals sprouting from the ground. While it was a welcomed change of shade, it did little to comfort him. Pointed ears twitched as another sound tore through the sky. Apprehensive eyes then blinked only to find several holes adorning the landscape. Vulpine ears splayed back as the black surface began to bubble and stir right before him, freezing the pup where he stood.
The whimpering boy trembled as white claws emerged from the bubbling ooze, pulling itself out. Those sickly yellow eyes soon began to scour the realm that would be its new home. It was then joined by its brethren, more Beowulf breaking through the tar-like substances as each eyed the boy. His tail was tucked between his legs as the beasts began stalking near him.
Do you fear them, child? a soft maternal tone hovered as brief as the icy wind.
The boy's lip quivered as he tried futilely to utter even a single syllable. The sharpened claws of the monsters screeched like nails on a chalkboard as, step by step, they drew nearer.
Do not cower. the motherly voice spoke again. Show them why they should fear you!
"I-I... can't."
Will you give in to death then?
"I don't want to die!"
The monstrosities soon broke out into a full sprint, and their leader, an Alpha, led the charge. Within seconds, they were all lept at him, their massive bodies eclipsing the heavens, their ravenous jaws opened wide to feast on the small meal. For a moment, everything went dark. His only senses available were the sounds and feeling of agony from the various gnawing fangs piercing his body. The air had grown smothering until he heard the woman's voice break through the painful void.
Then fight!
"I can't!"
Survive!
"Please! Help Me!" the young boy wailed.
Live!
At that moment, the pain ceased, giving way to a slow burn from the boy's inside. A low growl escaped his lips as his fear suddenly morphed into desperation. Desperation then gave way to rage. Rage took a firm hold of his soul. A surging heat continued to flow through his body as, once again, the darkness took over. A series of howls and anguish filled the air as the birds above watched the scene soon give way to thick black ash ascending.
The beowolf's carcass withered completely, leaving only an exhausted vulpine child, slightly injured from the assault. Whatever he'd done, it was enough to keep his life intact. He would remain there on the ground, slowly peeking out from the armadillo position warily. There were gone. The wasteland would then be replaced with a murky-grey void.
"H-Hello?" his timid voice echoed.
Disappointing...
The boy turned around to protect himself from whatever answered his call. The harsh childish tone had taken residence where the tender woman abided previously. What he found was something that petrified his very soul. Glowing amber orbs stared back at him. The owner, a little girl was mostly hidden in the shadows. The little boy felt what little resolve he possessed crumble completely as the visual menace drew closer to its prey.
"Wait! Come back!" he cried out to the woman only to find her turning away. His heart didn't know whether to drop or tighten up in a panic, but it would succumb to the pain of being attacked by another beast. "Please... Don't leave me."
But she refused to indulge his terror, instead muttering something with an almost knowing tone that shook him to his core as he suddenly ceased his struggle.
I bind myself to you tonight,
Through blood and bone,
Flesh and heart,
Death may come,
But we shall not part.
A pair of violet eyes opened to the sound of chatter; obnoxious and pretentious outbursts from his peers were enough to rip anyone from their inner thoughts. He wasn't trapped beneath a group of Grimm. He was at Sanctum Academy, on graduation day no less. This realization made the boy shift uncomfortably in his seat.
Another weird dream...
The auditorium of the Sanctum was filled with several dozen students, each standing proud and tall as the headmaster stood before them. His balding hair and scraggly face made it easy for one to mistake him for a frail old man but his excitable demeanor would dissuade such a ridiculous notion. He wore the traditional staff uniform, a yellow blazer, and brown pants.
"Attention students!" his boisterous yet noble tone alerted the younger group. "Today, as you all know, is your final exam day for you here at Sanctum."
The crowd remained silent as he cleared his throat, though there began to be a small stir amongst the students.
"With that being said, I am proud to announce that before we commence, I would like to announce that this year, we will be conducting no written exams," Immediately, the crowd of teenagers erupted in cheers only to be silenced by a gruff cough from the older man. "Instead, we will be conducting physical exams to determine who is eligible for admission to Haven Academy. We are also honored to be joined by Headmaster Lionheart and a special guest..."
The sea of students watched as a silver-haired man walked onto the stage, cane in hand, to the surprise of the many in attendance. His eyes, though a normal shade of brown, held an intimidating nature to them. It was clear to those in the auditorium who this man was, a fact he noticed upon gazing at the young minds.
"Young hunters and huntresses, my name is Professor Ozpin, the headmaster at Beacon Academy. It is an honor to be able to look out for the future of Remnant with both anticipation and pride. As you undergo your trials today, don't worry about the extent of your opponents' abilities. Instead, I'd suggest that you focus on the limits of your skills and work to utilize the situation to your advantage. Thank you..."
The room rang with applause for the stoic man as he took his leave next to Lionheart, giving the Haven Headmaster the floor.
"Thank you, Professor Ozpin for those encouraging words!" the lion Faunus happily greeted before addressing his potential charges. "Now, before we begin, I would like to announce the tournament brackets. Each battle will be one on one and will be contended until one student either surrender, loses most of their aura, or is knocked out. When you hear your name, you'll report to your designated station. If there are no questions, then let's begin. First up..."
As Leonardo Lionheart read off each of the first-round matches, a young man with violet eyes sat in the back of the room. Unlike the other students who were either nervous or excited, the young man appeared uninterested.
Currently, he was busy trying to stay awake as his mind drifted off onto his growling stomach as he was bored out of his mind. In truth, he wasn't at all thrilled with the idea of having to fight his way into a potential spot at Haven Academy. It wasn't because of arrogance either; he never thought himself to be better than everyone nor did he believe that he was untouchable.
So, why wouldn't he be eager for the chance to fight?
"Aganju Umbrae?" His canine ear twitched violently upon hearing his name called. "Step forward."
Great...
A dreadful and heavy hush filled the room as the reynard faunus got up and headed to the front. His toeless boots echoed in the now hallowed room, something that caught the silver-haired man's attention. Wearing a simple black skin-tight shirt with a grey scarf, Aganju pressed onward while ignoring the stirring murmurs of curiosity and fear. His short black spiky hair flowed in sync with his black tail as he walked down the aisle.
"Leo..." Ozpin whispered. "This young man appears to have a rather intimidating nature if my assessment is correct."
"Indeed. Perhaps Professor Cormier could shed some light on the young man?"
The older gentleman nodded in compliance.
"Aganju is one of the few faunus here at Sanctum who is not only one of our top students but also an exceptional warrior. It would be interesting to see him showcase his talents... that is if he's given the chance."
Ozpin raised a singular eyebrow at that last remark.
"What do you mean 'if'?"
Professor Cormier flashed a look at the headmaster that said 'Just watch'.
In only a moment, Aganju had arrived in front of the trio with a bored look on his face. Studying the young man before him, the leader of Beacon Academy could tell there was something peculiar about the vulpine. Still, the statement made by the boy's professor lingered in the front of his mind, sparking his interest even more.
"Your opponent will be Tua Myojin in the..."
"Pass!" a random voice called out from the crowd.
"Very well, then Jason Hawkins!"
"No way...! I'm not going against that freak!" another boy shouted.
Interesting... Ozpin narrowed his eyes as he listened to the numerous declinations from the formerly energetic bunch.
It was as if the very life was sucked out of whoever was announced as the fox's opponent. At this rate, there wouldn't be many incoming students for Haven's freshman class. When he finally turned his attention back to Aganju, he began to notice something else resonating with the young male.
Was it disappointment from the young man? Or unbridled rage?
No... I'm sure I've seen this before!
Whatever it was, it would surely bring the grim to Argus, if things weren't handled fast, that much Ozpin could tell. Of course, given his reputation for thinking swiftly on his feet, he was able to form an idea to settle things.
"It seems that Mr. Umbrae is at a disadvantage..." He noted with a ghost of a grin. "Perhaps it would be better if we tried a different approach? One that ensures that he and others like him are given a fair chance to show the fruits of their labor?"
Both Lionheart and Cormier exchanged looks at one another before facing Beacon's Headmaster.
"What did you have in mind?" the former of the two asked.
"Perhaps we take young Aganju here, along with any others who may find themselves in the same situation, and have them undergo an alternative method to gauge whether or not they're truly ready for the next step. If you'd permit me, I'd have him run a more abridged version of the initiation trials at Beacon."
It was a lie, of course, as it appeared that all the other students seemed more than eager to face one another. This wasn't a tactic that he used often, but Ozpin was a crafty devil if he did say so himself. Of course, this didn't go unnoticed by the headmaster of Haven, their worried expression.
"Are you sure about this, Ozpin?" Leo gaped at his old friend with a tense chuckle. "Surely, you have far more important matters to deal with than just a random student, right?"
"Well," Ozpin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I am scheduled to meet with another student from this academy. Hmm, perhaps she would be interested in challenging this young, promising upstart?"
As he expected, Leonardo Lionheart paled at the whimsical notion of his ally and colleague. His tail stood on end, matching the hairs on his arm as he tried to stammer why that was inaccessible. If Ozpin was referring to whom he figured, it could shatter the reputation of Sanctum, especially given her standing in the eyes of Remnant. How would this make him look?! No, this was non-negotiable!
But, what could he say to not draw any suspicion?
"That is not feasible, Headmaster. Ever since she mentioned going to your academy, we've exempted her from the tournament and all other physical extremities so as not to create a conflict of interest. She has been notified of your arrival and is patiently waiting nearby. As for Aganju, if you're adamant about possibly bringing him to your academy, then I can have my secretary bring you his paperwork."
Both professors eyed Cormier, one with a capricious grin while the other silently sighed from behind him.
"Excellent! As for his graduation exam, I assure you that he will be in good hands. The newest students back at Vale are going to be engaging in this test as well. However, I will probably modify the rules a little given the last-minute nature, as long as there are no further objections."
Cormier nodded his approval, smiling grimly at the man. As for Lionheart, he too would concede any protests, in hopes of avoiding backing himself into another corner. Losing her was one thing, nothing short of a heavy blow to Mistral as a whole. Yet, she mattered little to him outside of academic status. Aganju was a different story for the exact opposite reasons...
"With that settled, Aganju, please come along with me please?"
Without a word, the uncertain vulpine followed behind the elder male, uncertain of what awaited him. As the two exited the auditorium, he could hear the sounds of names being called again trailed only by the sounds of excitement. This was typical of the course for the young man as he pressed onward behind the silver-haired man. It would be another few minutes however before he'd say something to the instructor.
"Excuse me, Headmaster...?"
"Professor Ozpin will do, young man."
"Okay. Professor Ozpin?"
"Yes?"
"Where are we going?"
A soft grin began to form on the older man's face upon hearing the question. Given that he wasn't at Beacon Academy, he would have to improvise on what the challenge would be specifically. Normally, he'd have a set of artifacts placed in a designated area for students to find and return. Now, he was forced to think on the fly.
"That will be answered after you've acquired your weapon... You're going to need it for the Grimm."
"Grimm?!"
An hour passed by and Aganju found himself traversing the lone path that led outside of the city. After acquiring his weapon from his locker, he was sent into the woods with a simple task to bring back definitive proof that he'd slain a Grimm. By now, he was well outside the border of the city with the only comfort being that he'd be joined by others who were unable to acquire an opponent for the tournament. Despite the attempt at reassurance, it did little to change the anxiety eating away at him as he trekked deeper.
"Find a Grimm..." he grumbled. "I don't even know my semblance yet and this Ozpin guy has me hunting Grimm?"
A cool breeze kissed Aganju's face, a perfect contrast to the nervous feeling building up inside his stomach.
He took a deep inhale of the crisp morning air before pushing past a few vines that were blocking his path. When that became too much to handle, he finally reached for his weapon, hacking away at the foliage. Interestingly, the effort resulted in him entering an open field. His eyes marveled at the peaceful sight of the scene before him as he walked into the open area. The soft wind, coupled with the tranquil location, made the boy crack a small smile. To know that such a place existed along the border of Mistral was both intriguing and mystifying; He'd even forgotten about his mission for a moment.
"Focus..." he shook his head. "No time to waste on the beautiful scenery."
It was good that he did too. Just as he regained his composure, his ears began to twitch violently; the sound of something cracking being the main reason. Even his tail began to stand at attention as the noise grew louder by the second. Once he turned around, Aganju was greeted by the low rumblings of growls. Soon, a pair of hellish eyes began to appear from the depths of the forest, causing him to clutch his blades even tighter.
Beads of sweat fell slowly down the fox's face while a realization settled into his mind. If this was what he thought it was, then he wouldn't let this opportunity pass. Though a part of him wanted nothing more than to run away and call for back-up, there was a stronger voice calling for him to stay; a voice that he'd choose to listen to.
Will you cower or make them fear you?
An apprehensive grin began to tug at his lips. "Time to bag me my first... huh?"
His vocal triumph was interrupted when the pair of crimson only began to multiply. First, it was just four eyes glaring back at him, then six eyes. Another pair showed up, making a total of eight demonic stares peering at what they considered their next meal. One by one, the beasts began their approach, revealing themselves to be Ursa Majors. Seeing the extent of his situation, Aganju took a deep breath and held out the two swords in front of his body, perplexing the monsters for a second. Amid their confusion, he smiled and combined the two handles of the blades, and began spinning the much longer weapon until the sounds of clicking meshed with the air around him.
The four Ursa looked at each other before rushing at Aganju.
Teeth bared, they roared at the boy who now looked as if he was smiling at them. The first of the group leaped in the air with its right paw primed to take a swipe at the Faunus only miss when he jumped back effortlessly. This left him wide open for an attack on both sides as two more of the bear-like creatures went all-in on snatching him in their razor-sharp teeth.
This did little to hinder Aganju as he tossed the still-spinning weapon in the air, freeing himself to jump back once more, causing them to butt heads as a result. Just as his feet touched the ground, the fox-boy finally allowed himself to smile fully, exposing his canines just before running toward the four Grimm.
Aganju then twisted his body to hit one of the Ursa with a spinning kick to the jaw that landed with bone-crunching success, watching as it flew into a nearby tree. He followed this attack up with a sweeping kick that took the other hungry bear off of its feet before landing a jumping overhead kick that slammed it into the grassy field, though the soft grass provided no cushion from the hard impact.
"Two down, two to...!" The boy was interrupted by the cry of another Ursa behind him followed by the silence that came from it being impaled in the head by his weapon. He turned around to see that it was stabbed in the head by what now appeared to be a double-sided glaive. "...one to go."
Aganju ripped the blade from its victim, twisting his body to face the only remaining creature while it clawed at the ground beneath in a futile attempt at intimidation.
Instead of accomplishing this, it only made the boy's smile grow larger. He lifted a single digit and signaled for the beast to come if it dared. The Ursa obliged and charged forward in a blind rage. Seeing no need for anything fancy, Aganju mirrored the monster's action, dragging his weapon behind him. As the two drew closer, they both leaped into the air, neither backing down in their effort to destroy the other.
Glaive vs claws.
Faunus vs Grimm.
Two swipes.
One victor.
It felt like time stood still, if only for a split second, as the opposing forces touched the grassy fields once more. However, while Aganju landed on his feet, the Ursa landed in half. His violet orbs looked back at the wreckage from the battle with both fondness and relief. The broken and dead bodies of the Grimm allowed him the opportunity to finally breathe again, releasing the tension that had been building ever since he left the comfort of Argus' gates.
Aganju walked over to the lifeless forms of the beasts that were all in a group with the intent of finding something to bring back to Professor Ozpin. He disconnected the handles, returning them to the dual blades and put them in the sheaths on his back, and went searching through the bunch. Kneeling, the faunus pondered between one of the creature's fangs or even a paw altogether when a sudden realization.
"Wait... There are only three here. Where's the fourth?"
Aganju realized his mistake, only when it was too late though as he turned to find the, albeit injured, Grimm pouncing on him. It all happened so quickly that he didn't have a chance to draw his weapon. Now, he was pinned underneath the Ursa with only his bare hands to protect him. Panic and dread began to fill his heart as he tried his best to avoid being eaten alive. The rancid breath mixed with ravenous drool made him want to puke but, that would be the least of his problems right now. All he could do was wiggle and squirm as the beast tried to claim its meal, only there was one minor problem with its approach.
The fox managed to notice that its left leg appeared to be broken or at least severely damaged as it refused to put its full weight on it.
This was all Aganju needed as he mustered as much strength as he could and elbowed the wounded limb. As expected, the beast howled in agony, giving him enough space to squeeze out of the monster's grip. Unfortunately, amid its pain-induced rampage, the Grimm just happened to backhand the fox, paying the vulpine back for his earlier attack. His body slid against the grass, leaving him a little battered but otherwise alright.
Before he could enjoy his well-being, the rumblings of the hurt Grimm caught his ear; even with its own body beaten, it seemed it wouldn't let its prey go without a fight. There was no time for Aganju to grab his blades. With his body aching, there was no way he could dodge the attack.
Will you choose death or will you fight?
Fuck dying... he mentally cursed while pulling himself to his feet. I won't die here!
Closing his eyes, the exhausted Aganju began to conjure his aura fully, coating his body in a red hue.
However, the aura began to darken with black spots, that began to surround the faunus. The Ursa didn't care though as it lunged at Aganju, each grunt signaling bloodlust. His eyes darkened into inky pools as this uncontrollable craving took hold of him. Little did the monster know, the boy had matched its energy to the fullest extent.
With them both aiming to destroy the other, Aganju extended his right arm as the bear came down upon him. He let out a ferocious roar that echoed throughout the sky as he ripped through his adversary with his bare hand, leaving only black dust to float in the silent air behind him. Interestingly, he eyed what looked like an organ from the creature while the remaining bodies soon vanished as well.
Heavy growling filled the now hallowed field as even the wind didn't dare make its voice heard. This continued until the rumbles turned into deep breaths. Still, there was a job to be done. Aganju exhaled once more and with whatever amount of effort he could gather, drug the big organ behind him, leaving behind the once tranquil stretch of land behind him.
"I'm not weak...!" he snarled as the ashes.
When he disappeared back into the region of the woodland, a camera feed began to reverse itself as its viewer looked on at the display that had just unfolded. What was previously an uncertain and reserved boy suddenly transformed into a confident hunter-in-training with tons of potential. The fact that Aganju took on four Ursa effortlessly on his own? These things were all well and good, perfect qualities for hunters and huntresses alike. However, all of those things paled in comparison to one moment in particular.
The hellish red aura and the black spots that formed inside of it were certainly intriguing factors. On top of that, witnessing the young male destroy a Grimm while extracting its heart only added to the fascinating aspects of the faunus. Even with that, there was something that, to the average researcher, would go unnoticed; something that Headmaster Ozpin caught rather quickly.
For starters, his mind pondered just how one was able to succeed at such an impossible task. As far as he knew, the Grimm were incapable of leaving remains as once they were destroyed, they would return from the depths in which they spawned. Yet, somehow Aganju was on his way back with not only proof of his exploits but something that'd previously never been seen before, no less. There was no semblance on record of possessing reality-bending abilities so... what could've caused such an anomaly?
Perhaps the answer to this question would be found in his next observation.
"Those eyes..." he whispered.
He froze the footage onto a slightly blurred but still discernible image. The average violet eyes had now become crimson orbs that burned with rage whilst surrounded by the abyss of pitch-black scleras. It was only for a few seconds but, Ozpin knew that there was something more to this young man than previously thought. If his guess was correct, it would also explain the reason he was alienated by the other students at Sanctum Academy.
"Just what are you hiding?"
Surprisingly, this question wasn't to the boy, but rather someone... or something else. He knew only one person who possessed eyes like that and it gripped his heart with a sensation that he hadn't known for some time. He needed to be urgent before his opportunity passed him by. After concluding his meeting with the star recruit, Ozpin grabbed his cane, in preparation to meet up with the boy once more.
After returning from the forest with the heart of a Grimm, Aganju was grateful that Professor Ozpin was pleased with the result, after finding him waiting for him along the border of the city's gates. The elder male mentioned a private interview with the faunus in hopes of 'picking his brain' without the influence of his mentors. Before he could ask about what to do with the organ, it vanished into a diminutive cloud of ash.
"I apologize for the abrupt choice of venue. I promise that we'll return to the city in due time."
It was clear that he was exhausted after his venture. Grant it, fighting four Grimm would do that to a person, but, he managed to crack a smile after finding a place to relax, if only for a moment. The pair remained that way in silence for a moment before Ozpin finally cleared his throat.
"Now that, hopefully, you've caught your breath, I would like to be the first to congratulate you on your first successful mission."
This instantly triggered a shocked reaction in the form of his left ear twitching.
"Wait. What do you mean by my first mission? I thought this was my exam to get into Haven?" He eyed the chuckling man with incredulity.
"Forgive me. While it's evident that your skills are satisfactory for Mistral's Academy, I wonder if your professors understand the extent of your potential. Your ability to not only bring back proof of your exploits but also possess something that has never been recorded to have existed is more than enough reason to grant you entrance into. Professor Lionheart and Cormier would agree that you're ready for the next step in your journey to being a huntsman. You've more than earned that."
Seeing the impending look of excitement mixed with conflict behind those violet pools, it was apparent that the youth could tell that this meeting was more than just praising him for his abilities. However, given his past, Aganju would keep his suspicions down for the time being.
"Well, thank you, sir."
"However, before you commit to this, perhaps I could provide an alternative?"
"With all due respect, Professor, I'm not interested in charity..."
Expecting the man to be offended, Aganju frowned when he shook his head in amusement.
"Young man, I assure you that my offer is purely based on your skill set, nothing more. Your educator described you as an elite combatant with a drive and ferocity that is matched by few. However, as with most of our transfers, we like to have an understanding of your personal life here; What was it like in the place you call home?"
"Argus isn't my home..." The faunus' snarl deepened, something that Ozpin noticed almost immediately. "I wasn't born in Argus, but I do remember Professor Cormier helping me throughout my time here. When all of the other kids would pick on me growing up, he was the one who told me to see the bright side of things. That's all I care to talk about it."
Such venom behind his words...
The older male smirked softly in appreciation. As the head of a huntsman academy, Ozpin was keen on even the smallest of details. The boy's account was a common one for his kind; a marginalized minority viewed as a blight on the world despite their contributions and efforts. He found the treatment of the faunus abhorrent.
"I understand. It's a very sensitive subject and you shouldn't have to reveal it if it makes you uncomfortable. All I'm proposing is that you consider your options."
"You mean, you want me at your school?"
"Only if you're interested."
Aganju rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a moment. The Kingdom of Vale was a utopia compared to this place, and he could use a change of scenery.
"It is a tempting offer... But why would the head of Beacon Academy want someone like me? My own... classmates wouldn't even give me a chance to prove myself to Professor Lionheart. You make it sound so perfect but, I don't know. How can you be so sure I'm a good fit for your school?"
Seeing the uncertainty in the eyes of the fox boy, the ever-stoic male set the mug down and stood to his feet. With his cane in hand, Professor Ozpin thought about all he'd witnessed from the boy. Setting aside the obvious fact that he was a faunus living in a discriminatory world, Aganju was a tough young man, to say the least. What he could do with that strength remained to be seen and that was what intrigued Ozpin the most.
"When you've been headmaster as long as I have, you develop an eye for greatness."
Aganju nodded at the man as he turned to head back to the city. He followed closely before turning to reclaim the heart only to find that it was nowhere to be found. It must've disappeared during their talk. But, even without it, he was being offered a chance to study at Beacon Academy. Of all the places he could've attended, Beacon wasn't a place that he figured would ever be feasible.
"What's the catch?"
"No catch. I was here to observe other students who applied to Beacon. I was promised a chance to catch some of the other matches for other possible students when I spotted you. Interestingly, she's opted to stay at Sanctum for another semester but I believe that you both would be excellent additions to BeaconSome call it perfect timing; Fate even. I prefer to call it something else entirely."
"Really? You make it sound so perfect but, I don't know. How can you be so sure I'm a good fit?"
Rather than replying, Ozpin peered over his shoulder while flashing a knowing grin that sent a chill of hope throughout the boy. Whether he understood it or not, Aganju felt something in his gut that told him he would make the best choice.
"What do you say, Aganju?"
It'd been roughly a year since the faunus accepted Ozpin's offer to join his school and Aganju had zero regrets.
He currently sat on his bed, recalling this and many other memories from his first year at Beacon. He admitted to himself that he felt bad for the headmaster of Haven, who was none too pleased that Ozpin had usurped his chance to recruit the fox, but he eventually got over that; you win some, you lose some. It was rather uneventful, classes and training mostly.
But, if there was anything to solidify his decision, it was two things specifically.
The first was that he met a faunus girl by the name of Velvet Scarlentina who helped him get used to life in Vale. After initiations, he would come to befriend Team CVFY, consisting of Velvet herself along with the gentle giant, Yatsuhashi, fashionista, Coco Adel, and the mysterious warrior from Vacuo, Fox Alistair. Their friendship quickly turned to a rivalry as the four would typically clash with Aganju's team over who was the best of their year.
This led to the second confirmation: Team ASRE or Team Azure.
Consisting of himself, Roxanne Octane, Esu Diguran, and Scylla Neros. While they were a formidable team, Aganju felt that they were more like a family given that they were all faunus. He cared about them and they showed they cared for him back. They had a rough start, but, like any family, they grew to love each other. Even now, this day was special, made even more evident as his team entered the room.
"Hey, Aganju!" Roxanne cheerfully called, grabbing the fox in a headlock. "Come on, leader! We don't want to be late."
While he struggled to breathe from her firm hold, Scylla giggled at the image while Esu smirked underneath his scarf. The two eventually started to wrestle with one another, prompting the two reptilian faunus to break them up.
"Alright, that's enough guys," the dragon faunus chuckled himself. "We don't want to be late, do we?"
"Yeah. If we don't hurry, we'll miss the best part..." Scylla groaned, trying to keep a firm hold on the ram faunus. Despite her agile nature as a viper faunus, Roxanne's strength was a good foil sometimes. It was probably due to her having traits of ram but, there would be time to ponder that later. "I want to hear someone scream in terror, and we know someone will."
Aganju and Roxanne ceased their fun for now and dusted themselves off before establishing a truce. That however lasted mere seconds before the latter shoved the vulpine playfully and then sprinted down the hallway with Aganju in hot pursuit. Esu and Scylla facepalmed but soon rushed to join their teammates. Team ASRE soon ran into Team CVFY who were thinking the same thing.
"This is going to be fun," Coco mused as she expertly ran in her stylish heeled boots.
"I can't wait to see how the new blood handles Ozpin's challenge this year!" Aganju added with a smirk. "I hear they have some interesting students this year. Hope they can keep up."
"If it's anything like what we had to deal with, I'd be surprised" Roxanne chime in with a chuckle.
The others agreed and soon they were crossing the quad and heading to the amphitheater where the trial would be featured. This would be a new year for Aganju and he couldn't wait to see what it would bring him.