RWBY - Hunters of Atlas [Inactive]

[Riddle78]

The Grimm. A seemingly infinite horde of soulless monstrosities,resembling nightmarish caricatures of natural wildlife. They indiscriminately kill and destroy anything that Human or Faunuskind touches. They've been in existence for at least as long as Humans and Faunus,quite possibly even longer. In response,the intelligent peoples of Remnant tapped into nature's natural fury,Dust,their souls,and themselves. They drove the Grimm back,more or less. They formed nations,orders,and us. We are the Hunters. Men and women dedicated to the protection of our very existence. Every year,young adults from across the globe flock to prestigious academies to learn the Hunter's Trade in a safe,controlled environment.


Pharos Academy,on the northern continent of Atlas,is one of these academies. While Beacon on Vytal is considered the best,Pharos is known for producing the most tenacious and driven Hunters. The harsh,rocky north has this effect on people,after all. The harsh climate,combined with the treacherous terrain,sparse population,and hostile wildlife,means that everyone on Atlas is a survivor,to some degree.


~~~


Headmaster Cromwell Verigund stood at the gates to the city surrounding Pharos Academy. The entire city was a fortress; A castle wall surrounded much of the city,and went up the mountain range the castle was built on. The city was half exposed to the outside,and half built under the mountain,thanks to the city's expanding population. The castle's keep,which was converted into Pharos Academy proper,stood on the side of the mountain. The city's only entrance was an enormous bridge spanning a valley between a mountain of the far side,and the mesa the city started on.


The bridge was near-featureless. There were safety walls,of course,but they only reached shoulder height,and there were lampposts to provide light at night,but the city was built as a fortress. The bridge was,and still is,a killing field. Any Grimm that approached the city invariably came across the bridge,and are picked off,each and every time,for want of cover. Due to the size of the bridge,it also doubles as the city's sole airship dock,owing to the depth of the valley below.


The Headmaster watched the fleet of airships come in,bearing this year's future Hunters...Hopefully. Last year was a disaster. The first year students all failed the initiation exam,and they lost a good quarter of their third year students to the Grimm. He sighed. The initiation exam didn't change from last year - It COULDN'T change. It was a selection process,where only the finest would pass. If you're not good enough to pass,you're not good enough to be a Hunter. Simple as that.


As the airships docked with the bridge,the students began to disembark,and the crew started to call out student's names to collect their baggage. Some came with what seemed to be enough furniture to fill a house,while others came with little more than a duffel bag filled with the bare minimum. Hunters came from all walks of life,and Cromwell,personally,didn't care if someone was rich,poor,influential,powerless,Human,or Faunus. What mattered was what they could do.


Cromwell stood with his hands folded at the small of his back before the gates to the city,which were shut behind him. The harsh wind gusted,with nothing to stop it,billowing his coat hither and tither,putting his scabbards on display,each containing one half of his Klaivex. And here he stood to meet the future.

 

[Shura]

Rhea was practically bouncing in her spot as the pilot came on over the PA announcing the ships decent. The entire flight she'd spent most of the time silently studying at all the different weapons the other students had brought with them. When she wasn't doing that she was day dreaming about what it would be like in Pharos. She looked out the window as the ship cleared the clouds and the fortress of Pharos Academy came into view. "This is so amazing..." she muttered to her self pressing her forehead against the cool glass wanting to take in ever spectacular detail. Rhea couldn't stop the silly grin which spread across her face as excitement bubbled up inside her.


The girl could barely stay in her spot while the ship landed she wanted to run off the ship and start exploring immediately but told her self there would be plenty of time for that. This was a new school and a new start for her, the last thing she wanted to do was come off as some kind of spaz to her new class mates. Rhea hoped out of her seat once the ship touched down and the doors opened. She strapped Thunder to her back before practically bouncing off of the ship. The cool mountain air greeted her as soon as she stepped off the ship making her thankful for wearing her coat instead of packing it.

 

[amdreams]

I wonder if the urban legends are true. If I make a crack in this window, would the entire thing break, sucking everyone out? How big of a crack would it have to be?


Elisabeth Hivor, or Elise for short, spent most of the flight with her eyes fixed on the glass pane in front of her, resisting the urge to start carving into it with one of Noir's blades and pondering the possible outcomes should she fail to do so. Being as still as she was, with an expression stoic enough to match, made a bit of an impression on the other passengers whispering around her.


"Is that her? The Hivor girl?" "Wow, she really is from a soldier family, isn't she? So serious. Hasn't moved an inch from that spot." "I bet she's thinking of battle strategies right now or scouting the area."


I want a popsicle. A green one.


Soon, Pharos came into view as the trip was coming to an end. Like the others, Elise disembarked the ship onto a bridge, waiting for her name to be called before she could grab her luggage. Well, not "grab" exactly. There was quite a bit of it, so a couple dollies were needed to transport her things into the city and up to the shining jewel of Atlas, Pharos Academy.


Where Elise would become a huntress.


With Noir at her side, and her back, Elise stepped forward with her things, keeping in mind what her mother had told her before she left.


"Remember. No matter what they say or think, you are a Hivor."

 

[Heartsteal]

Tio sat towards the back of the airship, stuck staring at the floor for the entirety of the flight, lest her horn punch a hole in the ceiling. Coming from the Southern coast was a little bit of a shock to the Faunus girl's system, the cold was much more biting this far North, though it would probably not have much effect on her. What had Tio most worried was the air, coming from the marshy lowlands on the shore this high into the mountains meant much thinner air, and it would definitely have an effect on many of the students.


This far back on the airship, where there weren't any windows, few students sat, and those that did were silent as the grave, not to say that there weren't any like them further forward, but it seemed almost like another place entirely, despite being within earshot, and even view of the much better lit front of the cabin. Occasional whispers and glances were directed toward those few sitting toward the aft, though nothing malicious it seemed, simply curiosity. While she would much rather sit awkwardly silent amidst the other students toward the front, there was a dip in the ceiling ahead, making it extremely difficult for the much taller Tio to fit, especially seeing as even sitting here had her horn scrape against the tiled roof should she be upright.


Unfortunately, with her vision forcibly downcast, the Faunus girl couldn't even keep her corrective glasses over her eyes, lest they fall off. Seeing as it was the only pair she owned, Tio couldn't risk losing or breaking the thick-lensed pair of spectacles, and so was stuck staring at the blurry floor for the entirety of the flight. While the trip could have only been described as depressing from her perspective, that entire perception changed in an instant as the intercomm crackled for a moment, then announced that they would be landing soon. Stuck in a seated position yet still, many of Tio's fellow students stood from their seats and began bustling about, though a handful remained still until the airship touched down with a sharp jerk, which embarrassed many of those on their feet, who mostly stumbled and fell on their rumps. Most of the students laughed at that, though only in passing as everyone seemed incredibly excited to be out on the bridge which they had landed upon.


When the doors opened, a sharp wind snatched the breath away from Tio, and doubtless plenty of other students as well. After a couple moments, waiting for others to make their way out the doors, Tio got up, if one could really call it that, and shuffled her way to, and out the aft-most door, practically folded in half to keep from being jammed into the ceiling. Inside the cabin, there seemed to only be about a seven foot clearance, which while it was plenty for most, made things quite a bit more difficult for someone of her stature. Finally out, and exposed to the wind, Tio carefully withdrew the glasses from her coat pocket, and perched them upon her nose, and shortly after jammed her exposed hands into the same pockets, and tucked her chin under the collar of her jacket.


As names started to be called, Tio found herself glad to have the name Bihter, and was called quite early instead of standing around on the exposed bridge, chattering her teeth waiting with everyone else. When her name was called, Tio made her way toward the cargo hold, as the airship crewmen signalled, and the other students had before her. In the hold were the Faunus girl's things, a metal case that any one, or possibly more realistically, two to three of her classmates could fit into, containing her weapon, a large duffel bag, and a suitcase containing her things. In hindsight, the wheels which she had installed into Yolmak's case were quite the blessing, and to think that she had debated with ignoring that little detail. A beaming smile sprang onto Tio's face, at least for a moment, remembering that day, and how her decision had certainly turned out for the better. Sliding the handle out, Tio dropped her duffel carelessly onto the arms connecting it to the case, and turned from the hold, her possessions in hand in order to let the next student come forward, and make her own way onward, toward Pharos' gate, where a handful of people waited, what she assumed was the welcoming committee.

 

[Happy Red Mage]

Zewl leaned back as the airship docked. He didn't like being cooped up in an enclose space, especially a flying enclosed space. His ears twitched idly as he overheard a few boys conversing.


"Hey, I heard that Lapu Bakunawa's son is attending Pharos."


"No way! I thought he'd stick to hunting!"


"Yeah, me too! Especially with what happened to his fa-"





Zewl's growl quickly shut them up. The subject of his father was a bit of a sore spot. And stick to hunting? Oh please, he needed more interesting prey.


As the door opened he leaped out of it and rolled on the ground. "Finally, solid ground." He suddenly stopped and looked at the people looking at him weirdly, he growled and they all scrambled away. He walked onto the bridge, tail swishing all the way.

 

[Raptor20025]

Lance had looked out the window of the airship as it started to dock, seeing the scenery. He gave a short smile, keeping his hands in his pocket.


He overheard people talking, but payed no attention to it, as it didn't concern him. He was just glad to be here, it was a little crowded, but that wasn't a problem.


As Lance looked around, no one stuck out in particular. There was a couple Faunus, but he didn't mind. Everyone was here to become a hunter or huntress, and it would be enjoyable getting there.


Once the doors opened, he casually walked out, waiting for his name to be called. Once he received his precious baggage, he started to walk towards the bridge.

 

[Happy Red Mage]

Zewl suddenly bumped into a girl who seemed sort off...bouncy. She reminded him of a cat playing with a ball of yarn and rolling around. The thought made him shiver. "Sorry, excuse me." He muttered.

 

[Shura]

Rhea stood with the other student anxiously waiting to grab her bag. Her name was finally called and she waved her arm to show where she was. She had packed light managing to fit everything she would need into one suit case and a duffel bag. her suit case had everything like clothing and other personal stuff. While her duffel bag had everything needed to maintain her weapon along with a few books. She set the bagg on the suit case before wheeling it away from the main part of the crowd. She paused to look at the long bridge ahead unable to stop grinning at the grand sight before her. She jarred from her thoughts when someone was bumped into her. Rhea turned to see a boy with dark hair and amber eyes. She noticed strange ears atop her head and tilted her head slightly before realizing he had apologized. "Ah! Oh its ok." She smiled. "It's kind of crowded here so some bumping is to be expected. Isn't this place so cool? Are you new here too? Oh i didn't introduce my self I'm Rhea nice to meet you!" the girl rambled excitedly before holding out her hand.

 

[Happy Red Mage]

"Zewl." He said before hesitatingly taking er hand. "Zewl Jewelvon Bakunawa." He said as he picked up a sack that seemed to be made of tiger skins. That was his bag, made from the pelts of tigers he hunted a few years back. "Is there something wrong with my head?" He asked her as he slung it over his back. "And yes, I'm the son of Lapu Bakunawa." He added. "So...uhh...you look...happy."

 

[Ranmyakki]

Rasia was watching the outside, clouds flowing by at much greater speeds than she would have ever expected possible for them. They seemed to move so slowly from the ground level. The white fluffy mass spanned far beyond her vision, that was, until, she saw a large grey rock poking out in the distance.


Rasia looked around the viewing gallery, seeing the many students and their weapons. Far too many people to concentrate on, she would have to learn more about them later when there wasn't so many people to distract her from those she wanted to learn about at the moment. She was hoping the crowds would have thinned in this part of the ship, but perhaps the students weren't allowed to travel it. She returned her gaze outside, only to see the clouds suddenly rush past the window.


The view that appeared before her was beyond astounding, she had never seen anything before in her life. The walls of the city... no castle... fortress!!; She nodded to herself, assured of the more appropriate term, thinking of her books; The walls were massive, ranging what seemed to be between 90-110feet in height. Beyond them, she noticed the Academy, it was indeed the Castle in the heart of this fortress, was standing tall. The Academy nearly as plain as the walls, though different somehow; “Must be the Distance” Rasia thought to herself. Finally the city itself was protected by the walls, and though more colourful than the barriers surrounding them, they remained quite simple in design. Efficiency and defence quite obviously the focus of Hiyas.


The airships intercom crackled to life, the Captains voice echoing the gallery; “We are approaching Hiyas. Prepare your things for departure, and do remain seated for the landing.” Rasia hadn't sat at all for the trip, the skies were just so... open!! She already had her rucksack on her back, instinctively grabbing it when Pharos had come into view; Her Scythe, Libitina, never leaving her left hand.


Rasia unintentionally ignored the messages, entranced with the city beyond the walls.


Rasia leaves the airship, her rucksack over her back, though under her cloak. While most of the students were busy gathering their bags, suitcases, and other containers, Rasia looked towards the bridge, its sides capable of nearly covering her in height. The gate was beyond that, but she returned her gaze to the walls. “How can people even build something so huge.” the astonishment as plain as a fire in a field at night.


Rasia left the airships ramp, having delayed some students who, of course, were not so pleased. She began walking through the increasingly growing crowd. Though no gap remained in the crowd, it was as if she flowed through it, still walking staring at the grandiose walls. Ignorant of the 10 foot gap spanning the deathly fall bellow the bridge.

 

[Sungazer]

Anya was asleep for most of the trip to Pharos, but woke up before they were landing to maintain her sword. She patiently and carefully used a sharpening stone on the blade edge to make sure she would be ready in case anything were to happen on the walk to Pharos after the ship landed. You never know what may happen or what may cross your path.


She decided to wait until at least most of the other students got off the ship when they were landing, because all she had was a suitcase with the most important items she needed such as clothes, sword oil, and a couple books on Grimm, which she kept with her. She finally put her sword and cleaning kit away, and walked off the ship behind everyone else, making her way straight to Pharos.

 

[Happy Red Mage]

Zewl ears twitched as he heard the following words:


"Hey, that girl's going to fall!!"





He immediatly whirled around and looked for someone whou would fall. He saw a girl with a scythe and immediatly ran to her and brought her close to him before she could fall. He then let go of her and made eye contact. "You..." He said. "Should be more careful."

 

[Raptor20025]

As Lance approached the bridge, he took a glimpse of the fall downward, whistling at how far the gap was and how deep it was.


As he looked up, his duffle bag hanging from his shoulder, he noticed someone run off the bridge and stop a girl from falling. He shook his head, wondering what would lead her to nearly plunge to her death.

 

[Shura]

Reah grinned "Of coarse I'm happy why wouldn't I be? I've been dreaming of coming here for years." She explained looking off towards the Pheros. She looked back to Zewl when he mentioned his name and thought a moment trying to remember where she had heard the name before. "Bakunawa.... I know that name" she muttered in thought. "Oh! yes you must be the son-" she trailed off when the boy ran off to save a girl who was not paying attention to where she was going. "Oh dear... that could have ended disastrously. " She sighed shaking her head as amazing as the school was she had heard of its initiation exam. It was rumored to be so difficult that none of last years freshman were able to pass it, not even those of prestigious huntsmen families. "Just have to do my best and be smart." She told her self before following the growing group a cross the bridge.

 

[Heartsteal]

Not two steps out of the hold, and the drama was starting already. To one side of the bridge a girl who probably looked younger than she really was had decided to take a peek over the edge, and, lacking a little bit in common sense, several students made a scene of it, thinking the huntress-to-be was actually going to go jump off the bridge and kill herself now that she was at Pharos. The little celebrity, so intent to throw his name around like a boomerang was the first to jump to the "rescue" and while the thought might have been comforting, Tio was having a hard time believing that he cared overmuch. Before the faunus girl got a chance to observe any more of the little soap opera already beginning to unfold, it suddenly turned on her. Apparently the flight over hadn't given the other students enough time to gawk, and now she'd become another center of attention.


"Hey, did you see that girl? She's flippin' huge!" one voice said, which was echoed across a dozen or so others. A couple of more closed-minded students whispered amongst themselves something or another about faunus and their attendance. In a vain attempt to avoid the spotlight, Tio tucked her chin deeper into the collar of her jacket, and headed off toward the gates, long stride carrying her away before too long as she quickly caught up to the others not idly milling around the airships. Already the air felt thin, and Tio found herself working to keep her lungs full just from a brisk walk. No doubt the more rambunctious students from lower altitudes were starting to feel the same if not downright lightheaded at all their jabbering and bouncing around.


In the hopes of distracting herself briefly, Tio took a look at the weapons her fellow students were armed with, spotting a couple of longswords, one student with an enormous shield slung on his back which she actually recognized as another student from the back of the airship, and their little celebrity, with what looked like a couple of bayoneted pistols. Of course looking at all of the proudly displayed works of art that her future classmates had built, Tio was starting to feel almost guilty that she had Yolmak locked away in a metal crate that she dragged along behind her, bouncing about on the evenly placed bricks. Other students quickly started following along, starting to catch up to those students already almost across the bridge, and as Tio drew closer, she recognized one of the members of their little welcoming committee, Headmaster Verigund himself!


While this recognition gave her a moment's elation, the giant of a girl realized that of course it was routine for the headmaster to come welcome the new students in person, and that this didn't make them particularly special in any way.


In remembering last year's class, Tio supposed that there probably wasn't much point in trying to get to know all of the other students seeing as that most of them probably won't be around come the end of week.

 

[amdreams]

A girl tried to kill herself. A boy didn't let her. People were making new friends or meeting old ones. Some were talking about and judging complete strangers. Everyone walked forward with their luggage.


And while all this was happening, Elise didn't register any of them. Her eyes were focused on something else. A girl, perhaps twice twice Elise's height, walking ahead of her. With her immense height and a large horn protruding from her forehead, she easily stood out from the crowd. Large and powerful-looking, something she had never quite seen before, Elise couldn't remove her eyes . . . from the box being pulled by the faunus.


Rolling along on wheels while connected to the girl, Elise was reminded of a cart or rickshaw. It seemed large enough to seat passengers . . .


Elise really wanted to ride it. It must be fun. Like a horse drawn carriage or something.


Making her way forward, Elise weaved through the crowd, a feat made easier by the fact that she didn't actually carry any of her bags. Though made difficult by the fact that most other students were. And within a maze of bodies, suitcases and weapons, Elise nearly took one to the eye or lost her way, though the ten foot girl was easy to spot even when this happened. Soon enough she was close behind the faunus, speeding up to walk beside her.


"Do you ever give people rides on your box?"

 

[Kagura]

Alto Quill was not in the hull of the airship, in fact after the first few moments on the ship he had run to the back. The lavatory was his best friend for the rest of the trip and the only person he would talk to was Ralph. The boy had never been on any sort of airship before this moment, and the fact that he got sick on them was news to him as much as everyone else. The only thing he could be glad about was that he held himself until he found the lavatory, managing to only look nervous (although maybe green in the face).


People might've been wondering who was taking up the stall for so long, but every once in a while his retches were heard and he guessed everyone was looking forward to see who came out. Alto was looking froward to that moment himself if only because they would be on solid ground by that point. When the intercom sparked to life and announced their landing, he made sure to flush the bile down in case the landing did get bumpy. Then he shakily got up upon their touchdown, still not sure if the nausea had passed.


Although, in some part he was also delaying his exit, as he was sure everyone would mark him as the one who threw up on the plane. Splashing his face with water before picking up the Rotta- Cidre, the weapon that would hopefully help him pass the initiation exam. Alto had heard from one of his friends, who had heard from a cousin, and so on- that the last group to try were all failed within the hour. It was unnerving to say the least, but he couldn't stay focused on the thought for too long.


Exiting the bathroom, he was lucky to only be noticed by some stray left-behinds, who only shot him a frown. He frowned back, unknowing of the glare that he hadn't meant to send their way- and exited the airship at a brisk pace. Alto then stood around in the crowd, waiting for his name to be called. He scratched his brow and then coughed into his fist, idly checking his breath to see if it smelled of vomit.


When he was satisfied, he went up to collect his baggage, lifting it quite easily after moving his weapon to a more comfortable position. The strap helped it hang, from his back, along with the extension already attached there. Alto glanced around after hoping off the platform, noticing that there was some big commotion by the cliff side about a girl. Alto also caught a rather tall figure, a faunus of some kind judging by the horn, wheeling away a big metal case. A girl with white hair trailed behind her and looked to be trying to chat with her.


He was sure the headmaster would be waiting at the end of the bridge for them, but he tried best to not use his aura in the situation. Instead, the boy opted to continue forward towards the bridge, sure the girl was already safe with the many people who had seen her.

 

[Ranmyakki]

Rasia had reached her final few steps, still staring at the wondrous walls. Though plain, they were works of art and great engineering to her. The walls alone being an average of three times the height of the taller structures from her hometown.


Suddenly, before she realized her immediate location, Rasia was pulled back and into another person. She looked everywhere, scanning the area and the people in her immediate vicinity. “Headmaster, Large Crowd; Great Distance, Unknown; One Touching Me. Environment: Bridge; Death Gap Few Feet Away, Large Walls Of Similar Height, Lamp Posts; Durable Design.”


Rasia took quick note of everything, her breathing suddenly calmed, heart rate slowing, her eyes sharpened.


Rasia quickly tossed her scythe from her left hand to her right. Catching it was simple of course, nothing special about a manoeuvre such as it. Libitina spun around, blade pointed non-threateningly toward the gap in front of her.


Quickly Rasia turned leftward to the unknown entity behind her, hiding her eyes only for a second as she lifted her head to meet the boy's face; studying him. “Bladed Climbing Spiked Pistols; Two, White Outfit; Armoured. Male; Taller, 130lbs Give Or Take.” Within the same second she turned, Rasia's eyes were fixed onto his. Her gaze hung there, a plain yet sparkling purple.


At the same time, Rasia had flicked her wrist. Libitna moving accordingly, scythe blade dipping forward slightly, and pommel towards the boys knee. A crippling attack upon connection, a connection not to be made as Rasia stops suddenly realizing the faunus meant no threat to her. “I missed the ears...” tail just poking off to the side for a second “And the tail!!”


Rasia quickly shifted her scythe back to its passive stance. The movement made quickly, hoping that no one noticed. Knowing that probably only the most astute and perceptive of the audience would notice, if anyone. Having only been an inch away from the side of the boys knee.


Rasia was snapped out of her state, eyes widened for but only a single second. “I... I'm sorry.” she took a deep breath. “Hello,” she noticed people point towards her and the boy, as well as further down the bridge. She shifted her gaze back down the bridge, finally registering the fall she would have taken.


Rasia's face reddened as she realized her failure, she hadn't noticed something. Her of all people had not noticed something!! She swung her cloaks hood up, switched hands for her weapon, and began walking towards the deep hidden part of the crowd. Head down, hiding her embarrassment.


“How could I do that. I didn't see something, I missed something that could have killed me!! My... my parents...”


Rasia simply hoped her name would not be brought up, exposing her as a failure of her family. She had to redeem herself first. “Please don't notice who I am...”

 

[Riddle78]

Cromwell stood at the end of the bridge,near the edge of the pit into the valley below,watching his students collect their things. Many of them would either be dead or going home by this time tomorrow. As the last of the students assembled,Cromwell noticed one of the students,a young girl,seemingly transfixed with the sight of the walls of Hiyas,and oblivious to the lethal drop mere feet away. He was about to scoop her up and toss her back into the crowd,but another student,a Faunus boy,saved him the trouble.


The crowd exploded into chatter. Cromwell raised his hand,and the crowd fell silent almost immediately. "Young Hunters." The Headmaster cast his gaze over the crowd. "You have come here today in search of knowledge. But,knowledge is powerless without skill. Here,you will obtain these skills. However. The Hunter's Trade doesn't play favorites. Your wealth,station,and influence will be abandoned when you step through these gates. You will look upon everyone as equals,regardless of their heritage. Human or Faunus,it doesn't matter."





Verigund allowed his gaze to sink into everyone's minds before continuing. "This is your contract. If you don't like it,you can walk home." With his ultimatum made,Cromwell raised is right arm above his head,fist clenched,then brought it down. An indistinct shout rang out from the wall,and the gates began to open with great,ear-rending shrieks of protesting metal. The solid steel portal swung open,revealing the city beyond. From the cliff beneath the passage,a bridge extended to cross the gab between the city and bridge. When the extending bridge connected with the bridge everyone was standing on with a loud thump,Cromwell turned,and gestured into the city of Hiyas.


"You future awaits." The students,as a whole,walked into the city,flowing around Cromwell. As the young girl who nearly fell to her death passed,he spoke, "You might want to pay attention to your surroundings." When the entire crowd passed through the gates,Cromwell followed,shouting an order for the bridge to be retracted,which was followed immediately. The students seemed to know their instructions without being told - Get to Pharos proper. There was signage all over the city,so it would be just about impossible to get lost. Yet there's still those hundreds of missing people...

 

[Coro]

Coming out of the crowd, standing a head taller than most students, his shock blonde hair striking as he strolled through, was Sterling Knight, the Dean of Combat for Pharos Academy, and a longstanding friend of the Headmaster's. The brilliant, slightly mischievous grin he bore as he gently waded through the crowd, sliding through the students, parting them like water as his friend made his grandiose speech. A rather nice speech, it was.


Reaching him as the crowd of students began to move around Cromwell and towards the connecting bridge, Sterling reached out and clasped the Headmaster's shoulder.


"Well met, Headmaster of Pharos." Sterling formally addressed his superior, immediately afterwards dropping all semblances of formality. They were old friends after all. "I've got bad and worse news, which would you like hear first?" He casually asked, his right hand absentmindedly falling to the hilt of the decorative and sleek sword strapped to his side, the famous weapon the Spark Lightning, the weapon that echoed around the mountains of Titan when Sterling used it.

 

[Happy Red Mage]

Zewl held his hands up. "Whoa there!" He stepped back. "Sorry if I startled you, I just wanted to make sure you woudln't fall." He blinked as she walked away. "Hm...Must be one of those silent types." He teturned to the crowd followed her to make sure she won't get into any more trouble. He quickly covered his ears as soon as the gates started opening. "Why do giant gates have to be so freaking loud..." He mumbled. He walked to the gates with the crowd, making sure to keep the girl in her sights.

 

[Raptor20025]

Lance lost interest in the duo, turning to hear the speech just made.


Skill huh... I've trained my whole life for this. He thought to himself, giving a cocky smile. As the massive crowd approached, Lance made his way into the center of it, as to not stick out. He was wondering when classes would begin, so to speak.


He also noticed the 2 from earlier, the faunus clutching her as they walked. He shook his head once more, feeling that she could most likely protect herself.


As they passed through the gates, and Lance saw the city, he was in awe. It seemed huge, with signs everywhere.


At least I know I won't get lost here. Lance told himself.

 

[Sungazer]

Anya ignored the ruckus caused by the girl almost falling off the cliff, and that put her ahead of a majority of the crowd of people flooding into Pharos as the headmaster opened the gates. She only half listened to his announcement, for she already knew that initiation was not something to brush off as easy.


She knew it would be more than challenging to some of the others around her, She's try to help as much as she could with those whom needed it, but she wouldn't take chances that were too risky. A decision that may well save her life. Anya held her head up and followed the signs to her hopefully soon to be new home.

 

[Shura]

Rhea watched the head master in quiet awe listening to his speech idle wondering if everyone would abide by the quality rule. She felt slightly light headed possibly from the air or possibly that she didn't eat very well before leaving, nerves getting the better of her, possibly a mix of both. She knee some of the other students were from rich families or ones of a long legacy. Her family name might be well regarded because of their long history in weapon making but outside of that she had no real standing,. Nor did she have much dislike for Fannus as others did. Rhea eagerly watched as the gates opened and shifted the sword on her back making sure it didn't hit anyone. She was awestruck when the gates opened like some of the other students, it was almost surreal entering the city she'd only seen in a picture stuck to her wall. She followed the group along the main road taking note of the signs as she went. There would have to be some exploring done at a later date

 

[Heartsteal]

As if on cue, immediately after she thought about who might or might not be around come the end of the week, a voice called out behind Tio,


"Do you ever give people rides on your box?"


Strange as it was, it certainly wasn't the worst comment the faunus had expected to be sent her way at the school. Turning to see who it was that had asked, and hopefully give some sort of response, there was an awkward silence of perhaps a second or so while Tio stared at the blonde girl behind her, trying to think of a response, and just as she opened her mouth to respond, the headmaster began to deliver his speech. The speech was brief, but Tio was left standing, staring, waiting, until the gate was open, and the bridge was fully extended, at which point she practically whispered,


"Nobody asks," before hurriedly turning away again, face crimson from more than just the cold as she tried, poorly, to pretend that the conversation hadn't happened, her thoughts going a mile a minute as she quickly outpaced the other students with her long stride.


Tio just followed the signs at this point, making her way toward Pharos proper, much too embarrassed to turn back, though for all she knew she could have been hauling another student or two on Yolmak's case, and her heart was pounding too hard in her chest to even think about taking a look.


Great job Tio, you've been in Hiyas for like ten minutes and you've already gone and made a fool of yourself, you should've just said something right away you idiot!


Alright, you can salvage this, at least you said something right?





In her self-reflection, now the faunus girl wasn't sure if she had said anything, or if she'd just run off she was so flustered. Excellent, she'd managed to absolutely nail the first impression, and like she'd already thought about, no doubt everyone else that had seen the exchange agreed with her.