Chapter 10
Steel’s P.O.V.As I pulled my cuffs out of my locker and put them on, Yang and Ruby walked up to their lockers, right next to mine.
“Come on, Nora,” said a boy with long black hair. “Let’s go.” The ginger girl next to him with piercing teal eyes stuttered.
“Not ‘together-together’ . . .” She giggled, and I shook my head.
“Wonder what those two are so worked up about,” Ruby muttered. I shrugged.
“Oh, who knows,” Yang said. “So, you seem awfully chipper this morning!”
“Yep!” Ruby replied excitedly. “No more awkward small talk or ‘getting to know you’ stuff. Today, I get to let my sweetheart do the talking.” She hugged Crescent Rose and sighed happily. Yang sighed.
“Well, remember, Ruby. You’re not the only one going through initiation. If you wanna grow up, you’re gonna have to meet new people and learn to work together.” I shuddered.
“I mean, she’s not alone,” I said. “I don’t want to interact with people either, and I’m the same age as everyone else here.” Ruby nodded.
“You sound like Dad,” she said, putting her weapon in her locker. “Okay, first of all: What does meeting new people have to do with fighting? And secondly: I don't need people to help me grow up! I drink milk!” I looked at her.
“What about when we form teams?” I asked. She thought about it.
“Um, I don’t know, I . . ,” she started. “I’ll just be on a team with you two, or something.” Yang pulled her hair around in front of her and stroked it.
“Maybe you should try and be on somebody else’s team?” I almost choked on my juice box.
“My dear sister Yang, are you implying that you do not wish to be on a team with me?” I almost choked on my juice box, laughing, as Yang shook her head nervously.
“What? No! Of course I do! I just thought... I don't know, maybe it would help you... break out of your shell!” I looked back and forth at the girls, finding their interaction amusing, and I silently wondered if this was how people felt around me and Adam.
“What the-?! I don't need to 'break out of my shell'! That's absolutely-”
“Ridiculous!” said some tall blonde kid, walking between the two sisters. “There's no way I put my gear in locker 636 yesterday! I would've remembered having to count that high!” He groaned. “Why does this have to happen today?” I shook my head as he walked away. I looked back at the two sisters.
“Isn’t that vomit-boy?” I asked. Ruby nodded.
“Yup,” she said. “Jaune Arc. Has seven older sisters, and his weapon is only a sword and a shield.” I nodded along.
“And I thought one twin brother and one younger sister was bad.” Yang was about to say something, but she was interrupted by the voice of Glynda Goodwitch.
“Would all first-year students please report to Beacon Cliff for initiation? Again, all first-year students report to Beacon Cliff immediately.” We grabbed our weapons and walked out of the locker room, stopping as we passed Jaune.
“I don’t understand,” he said. Me and Ruby each reached out a hand, and he grabbed each of our hands. “My dad said that all women looked for is confidence. Where did I go wrong?” I shrugged.
“‘Snow Angel’ probably wasn’t the best start,” I said. “She’s . . . particular about . . . everything.” Ruby nodded.
“C’mon, Jaune,” she said. “Let’s go.” We walked out to the cliff, where the other first-years were.
“For years, you have trained to become warriors,” Ozpin said as we settled into a line, “and today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest.” Glynda stepped forward.
“Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of ‘teams,’” she said. “Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates . . . today.” I growled quietly. I didn’t work well with anyone other than Adam, Ilia, and used to, Blake and Jacob.
“What?” Ruby asked quietly. “Ohhh . . .”
“These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon,” Ozpin said. “So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well.” Ruby groaned, and I nodded in agreement. “That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years.” My eyes were wide.
“What?!” Ruby asked. I shushed her as Ozpin continued. I needed to remember everything to tell Adam.
“You will be monitored and graded through the duration of your initiation, but our instructors will not intervene. You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pair must choose one and return to the top of the cliff. We will regard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?” Jaune slowly raised his hand.
“Yeah, um, sir?”
“Good!” Ozpin exclaimed. “Now, take your positions.” We prepared to take off, but Jaune’s hand was still raised.
“Uh, sir?” he asked. “I-I’ve got a question.” He didn’t see Weiss as she was thrown off the tile. “So, this landing . . . strategy thing . . . uh, wha-what is it? You're, like, dropping us off or something?” Ozpin shook his head.
“No,” he said. “You will be falling.”
“Oh, uh, I see . . ,” Jaune started. “So, like, did you hand out parachutes for us?”
“No. You will be using your own ‘landing strategy.’” The ginger girl and black haired boy from earlier got launched, but Jaune still didn’t notice.
“Uh huh . . . yeah.” I smiled at Yang, we put on our aviators at the same time, and I was launched off the cliff.
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