RWBYFanon v5

RPG World of Remnant => The Vale Region => Beacon Academy => Topic started by: Flooberoid on October 01, 2016, 09:39:28 PM

Title: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 01, 2016, 09:39:28 PM
((General posting order will depend on the order we all make our initial posts, and won't be broken unless I choose to interject with an environmental action (e.g. a noise heard or a Grimm attack) or NPC action. Be mindful of time in general, but at the start you may feel free to arrive earlier than I did and describe the scene then. I figured Persimmon would naturally arrive late.))

The comfortable atmosphere on the day of Beacon's first-year initiations seemed almost too perfect to be random chance. It was cool but not too cold, with a delightful breeze always blowing. Students had been gathering on Beacon cliff since the moment the sun first started peeking over the deep green trees of the Emerald Forest, and by mid-morning quite the robust crowd had formed. Notably absent from this crowd was Persimmon Burhan, who despite making quite a scene earlier, didn't seem interested in showing up now.

An official-looking huntsman stood calmly at the front of the crowd, observing them. His arrival had preceded even some of the earliest of student arrivals, and most assumed he was to be their instructor. Just as the event was scheduled to begin, a meek, frazzled little woman scrambled through the sea of students. Her face, clothes, and tail all showed the signs one would expect of someone in a major hurry, but what else could be expected of a Home Economics teacher suddenly asked to run a Beacon initiation?

She regained her composure somewhat before trying to address the students. While everyone could see she was clearly trying to get their attention, very few actually gave it to her. Eventually, she gave up on trying to talk over the students and allowed her megaphone to do it for her.

((Professor dialogue provided by Uncouth T-Rex in the HTDG initiation thread. These are neither my original writings nor my original characters.))

"Attention, lads and lasses!" her tiny voice boomed out, bolstered by the megaphone. "I hope you're all doin' well this mornin'! My name is Miss Siobhan Clannad, an' I'm your Personal Finance an' Home Economics Professor here at Beacon! Now, we all know why we're here, so if ye'd be so kind as ta call off your names so Mr. Rosenrot here can count ye, that'd be grand!"

As the crowd began to respond, there was some initial confusion as people didn't bother taking turns and tried yelling louder than everyone else. A quick, curt, "One at a time, if ye don't mind!" from Siobhan fixed that. By the end of roll call, everyone was accounted for, including a hooded Persimmon who had practically materialized out of nowhere into the crowd moments earlier. Can't cut it much closer than that. I'll have to reward myself later! He had successfully minimized his time in the sun and now longingly awaited his chance to drop below the dense canopy of the forest.

"Alright, it looks like that's everyone," Professor Clannad boomed over the megaphone. "Today is your Initiation. Behind me is the Emerald Forest, and it's chock full o' Grimm. If ye aren't careful, Mr. Rosenrot here is goin' ta be carryin' ye out like a sack o' potatoes, an' nobody here wants that, least of all me. Please do be careful! I don't want none o' ye gettin' hurt down there!

"Now, the point o' the thing is this: on the other end o' the valley is an old ruin from days gone by. Ye all are ta get yourselves there, find yourselves an ancient knick-knack, and get yourselves safely back here with it. We'll be watchin' ye the whole time, takin' notes on what ye can do and how ye work with one another. Keep in mind, the first person ye run into is goin' ta be your partner for the next four years o' your life. After all's said and done, the Headmaster and the Staff will be decidin' who forms teams with who based on what ye do today." She paused for a moment, letting that sink in. The whole thing seemed awfully intimidating to her, but she kept any trembling out of her voice. Mr. Rosenrot could take care of it if there was a problem, right?

"Now go on an' everyone of ye set yourselves on the metal plates. Ye will need ta find out how ta land on your own! An' please, do be careful!"

Persimmon took his place on a pad near the leftmost end, knowing the line to begin would probably start there. He had a pretty good idea of what was probably going to happen, and considered his landing strategy briefly. There really weren't many options for him, though; he wasn't very durable and his rifle wouldn't be much help, so that only left natural agility and careful use of dust. The latter was a bit noisy for his tastes, so he easily narrowed it down. The plan was in place, now he just waited to execute it.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 01, 2016, 09:49:28 PM
Noctis felt a wave of adrenalin hit as he stood on one of the launch platforms. He took the one closest to the faunus- he really needs to remeber his name, who snagged his gun. Noctis rubbed the back of his neck nervously. He wasn't being very nice to anyone since he arrived in the locker room. If his sister was here she would smack him for his lack of care and anti social behavior.

"Hey um, sorry about earlier," Noct said to Persimmon. "I'm just home sick is all. I didn't mean to take it out on you."



Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 01, 2016, 10:39:09 PM
Sherwood had stood at attention while the professors spoke to the crowd. He had arrived early enough to be up front, and while he couldn't help making a face at the woman doing the instruction, he knew anyone Beacon hired must have quite the reputation. Even if it's a bit hard to tell. The other Huntsman looked impressive. Sherwood could tell he had quite a bit of growing to do to fit into those shoes.

Breaking off right as the instructors finished their speech, Sherwood grabbed one of the first plates. He wasn't exactly sure what the point of the plate was. But ceremony is important in Huntsman tradition, so he'd been told. He was sure he'd see the point as it came around. Next to him came, funnily enough as coincidences go, the fox faunus from the locker rooms. When Persimmon turned in his direction, Sherwood gave a small nod of acknowledgement. He didn't think that conversation would mean much. The fox seemed to enjoy talking in circles before, and Sherwood had to pay attention. He had to pay attention if he was going to figure out the symbolism in the panels.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 02, 2016, 06:12:20 AM
When the professors were down with their speech, Argent made his way to the pad closest to him, which was near the left. Near him were the three he had been talking to earlier; Sherwood,Noctis and Persimmon. He tapped his foot continually on the launch pad whilst he took Silber Brecher into his hands, ready for it to transform.

Argent looked into the wave of green trees bellow him, wondering where and how he would land. Argent smirked when he thought of a plan and lightly brushed the hair that was slightly covering his eye. He had remembered the day when he was in Signal, and heard of the emerald forest for the first time. Back then , Argent thought it crazy, but now that he was there he was feeling better than ever. 
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 02, 2016, 09:33:30 AM
Persimmon looked at Noctis, bewildered. "Uh, yeah, okay... Now's not really the time for-" He was launched into the air. Thanks to the distraction, he ended up being unprepared for the launch and looked like a fool as he flew. Was this your plan to get me back for making a scene earlier? Well played, kid...

Regardless, he righted himself quickly enough. He did nothing as his descent took him closer and closer to the canopy of trees. When finally he was at the level of the treetops, he took action. Pushing off of a sturdy branch with his foot, Persimmon simply hopped and leaped his way around until he was able to slow down and stop. Since he was by now quite a long way ahead of the other students, Persimmon casually sat down in a tree and waited for someone to walk by.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 02, 2016, 10:20:52 AM
Noctis began to sniker like a child upon seeing Persimmon be lanuched into the air. As quickly it came it disappeared when he realized he was next. The launch pad tossed him into the air like a rag doll. He pulled out Divine so he wouldn't look like he was completely un prepared- which he was because who the hell throws students like this? It didn't matter now, Noctis need to focus on not eatting dirt or hitting a tree.

Noctis used his beloved blade to cut away branches before he hit the ground. Ugh, super hero landing always do a tole on your knees. It was too early to use his semblance to heal himself, so for now he would just deal with it. Divine was back in its place on his hip to be replaced with his same copper pink gun from the locker room. Being left handed bites sometimes.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 02, 2016, 11:54:40 AM
Sherwood had his eyes on the professors, waiting for them to start explaining the history, or symbolism, or anything about this plates. As a generally passive man, it bothered him how much it bothered him he didn't know a thing about this plates. Still staring at them, Sherwood begins to tap his foot. As soon as he does, the plate springs up, launching him into the woods.

"Oh." he says, already thankful he had his bow readied. Always be ready for a shot, his father would say. He nocks an arrow, and his expression hardens with focus. He pulls the string back, trying to keep his form steady while falling, at a decent speed. He felt very little resistance as he pulls the string back. He didn't have the weight of the bow on maximum, not even half that. For good reason, as his idea wouldn't work if he put a crater into the forest floor. The plan relied on...

"That tree." Sherwood found a fairly large tree with the base of it's trunk exposed through the canopy. He angles for it, and looses his iron arrow at the base on the tree. It flies with incredible force, far faster than the force of a mere bullet. The arrow nails into the tree, flying straight through the large trunk. The shock wave that reverberates through the tree destroys most the trunk around the arrow as well, only a inch of bark remained on the far side of the tree. The shock wave continues on as sound, the cracking sound echoing throughout the whole forest.

Needless to say, the tree started to fall. Sherwood braces himself, hitting the tree feet first. He rides with it's momentum as it fell, softening the momentum of his fall. He 'surfs' the tree down, rolling off it as it crashed to the floor.

Sherwood picks himself up, and rolls his neck. He walks the length of the tree to the retrieve his arrow. He then starts walking in the direction the tree fell in, hoping it points generally opposite the cliff he was launched from, towards the item that would officially make him a Beacon student. He unconsciously sinks into his habits as a hunter. His foot falls make almost no sound, his eyes are ever watchful, and his bow is at the ready. His ears tune to the forest, though unlike his time hunting, he doesn't listen for the sound of squawking birds or foxes running through the brush. He listens for the sound of Grimm, the sound of the hunters of men.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 02, 2016, 12:11:37 PM
"Now it begins!" The faunus said, excitedly, as he saw those to his left begin flying toward the forest. Just before he launched into the air himself, Argent pressed the button on the side of Silber Brecher; transforming it into its hammer form. Argent looked down to see the pad launching him up into the skies.

He chuckles, watching the other students fly to his left and right, but Argent soon turns his head toward the forest that was getting bigger and bigger in his vision. Now! The tall faunus pressed the trigger on his weapon which quickly sent a purple coloured gravity-dust explosion from the head of the hammer. This evened out with the rate he was falling, sending him basically on a horizontal line for a short time period.

Argent then used his hammer to slow down his fall, by sticking it out to his side - hitting a tree, breaking the top of it completely, but slowing him down nonetheless. He slid down the tree for a decent look out point. Now, he was standing on a tree branch looking down to see if there was anyone nearby. Surely they would have seen part of a tree crashing to the ground.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 02, 2016, 01:08:28 PM
Persimmon sat and listened to the sounds of the forest... birds chirping, water flowing, wind blowing... trees collapsing? He chuckled. Some of the less elegant students must be making their landings. In the distance, he saw one of those students surfing down on a tree trunk. The boy (who he now recognized as the same archer from that morning) got off and started walking towards him.

As Sherwood walked past the tree he was in, Persimmon pulled down his hood, dropped silently behind him, and tapped his shoulder. "Hey buddy, guess who?" He allowed Sherwood the opportunity to turn around before extending his hand. "Looks like we'll be partners. I'm sure you're thrilled." He gave a smug grin.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 02, 2016, 01:28:39 PM
Noctis was already bored from walking around so he did the smartest thing possible. The white haired male began to call around to see if anyone would hear him. He really hoped a grim wouldn't come and find him rather than another student.

"Hellooooo," He called. "Please don't be a grim or I'll have to kick your ass!"

The sound of a falling tree caught his attention because said tree was about to fall on him. Wearing a face of I-don't-have-time-for-this, Noctis shot at the branch with his other gun containing his gravity dust bullets to stop the tree top from crushing him.

"I get it, I'm short, but this is beyond insulting." Noctis said to himself thinking he was alone. Then he looked up.

"Hey looks like you're stuck with me," Noctis said waving with his gun in hand.

At least it was someone he recognized, it was the tall elephant faunus from the locker room. Noct remembered the tusks.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 02, 2016, 01:31:57 PM
Sherwood stayed crouched and and readied, and turns his head to the faunus. His eyebrow rises in confusion, though his eyes twinkle with amusement. Sherwood had heard someone up in the tree on his way past, he'd have been a poor hunter if he didn't notice something that close. What confused him was that the boy had come down. Sherwood had seen a bit of orange in the trees, and while he couldn't be sure it was Persimmon (Huntsman have an odd tendency towards noticeably colorful clothes) he had thought of the fox faunus at first. Given the boy's attitude to him in the locker rooms, Sherwood figured the fox would take advantage of the 'eyes meet' part of the instructions to avoid joining up with him.

Sherwood took a breath, clearing his assumptions and thoughts on his Partner. They were on the job, and that's all that mattered for the moment. "Ah'm not disappointed. You should have your weapon at the ready though, we are in hostile territory. Shall we?" Sherwood nods towards the direction the ruins are in. He goes to continue walking, but seems to pause. "Should be a good couple of years, partner." Sherwood starts walking, focus returning to the environment around him, now including one fox faunus.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 02, 2016, 01:47:39 PM
The faunus waved back at Noctis, and jumped down. "Ow..Well, you and me for the next few years?" Argent smiled at the white haired boy. At least he didn't get Persimmon. He rested his hammer over his shoulder and leaned his side on the tree.

"I guess we should get going, eh? I can imagine the creatures of Grimm are lurking nearby in such a mysterious forest." The faunus stood up straight and stretched, turning around to hear the opinion of his new partner on the subject.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 02, 2016, 02:03:32 PM
Despite what he said, Persimmon noticed that Sherwood seemed wary of him. "Worried I'll swipe something? Don't worry, we're partners in crime now." He grinned at Sherwood. "Tight as two peas in a pod, we are.

"That said, can I see your scroll for a second? I've got a nifty little tool that could really help us out if we get into trouble." He pulled out the Eye and showed it to Sherwood. Admittedly, he didn't expect the kid to trust him, but he needed to get the uplink set up eventually. Maybe if he set it up with Sherwood now, it would be easier to explain to his team later.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 02, 2016, 02:14:24 PM
When Argent jumped down Noctis felt like such a shrimp. He was so much smaller that the faunus. So this is what this feels like? He thought to himself.  Well Argent seemed like a pretty decent guy, lets just hope he could deal with Noctis.  The white haired male smiled hearing the partner comment fly by.

"Yep, I hope we can get along great," spoke Noct, holstering his guns.

Then came the idea to get going. It would probably be best if he let Argent lead since Noct didn't know anything about Vale or its forests.

"Yeah. You can lead. Vale is forgein to me."

Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 02, 2016, 02:24:36 PM
Sherwood stops, and does a slow sweep left to right of the tree line. Satisfied they weren't about to get jumped by Grimm, he says "Ah'm not worried. Beacon is an academy for the best of the best, and ah know they know who they accept. If they saw fit to trust ya, I see no reason not to myself. Ah'm just interested in takin the mission seriously right now. Ah did not come all this way to get killed by a Grimm on initiation day."

Sherwood looks at the Eye of the Faunus Persimmon has with interest. Certainly a useful tool, for watching a perimeter or even long distance aiming. After seeing it, Sherwood pulled his scroll out. He handed it to Persimmon, who can't miss the fact that the scroll is barely setup. Sherwood only setup his identity on the scroll, as well the aura monitor. Even the ugly default background is still on the device.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 02, 2016, 02:53:45 PM
The two boys made their way through the forest for only a small while when they made a 'Grimm' realisation --- they weren't alone. There were only the sounds of them and the forest when a noise foreign to Argent made its way to his train of thought.

Argent was sure that it was just his faunus instincts picking up something minuscule, so Argent did not inform his partner, just incase he was wrong.
Though, Argent gripped Silber Brecher tighter, which made him feel safer - even if it was only by a bit.

The thought of what scared him was still in the back of his head.

It's a love hate relationship with you and me, nature. The faunus stopped walking, the noise stopped with him. He thought of some topics of conversation. "So, where are you from..?" He asked, awkwardly, turning to the boy to his left. He smiled, awkwardly aswell.

Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 02, 2016, 03:31:41 PM
Persimmon inspected Sherwood's scroll, amused. After syncing it up with the Eye, the appropriate application was installed automatically. "You know how to use this thing? You'll get a notification whenever I turn on the Eye, and I've set it up to allow you to snap our aura monitors on the same screen as the video feed. Pretty simple." He gave Sherwood back his scroll.


Off in the distance a low rumbling began and grew gradually louder until it could be heard throughout the forest.

Four eyes settled on two boys marching with purpose through a monster's domain. An imposing boy with large tusks led a snowy-haired male, meek in comparison. The vicious King Taijitu was fortunate, as it had one head for each of them. It silently stalked the pair, slithering through the trees just out of sight in preparation to strike.


Persimmon heard the rumbling and figured his partner had too. "Sounds like trouble, eh? I think this is gonna be good fun. Hope you don't mind if I back off when things get hairy." In contrast with what he said, Persimmon gave a look that said "I've got your back" and made sure his rifle was loaded. No teammates would die on his watch- and his watch was plenty vigilant.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 03, 2016, 03:52:54 PM
Noctis walked behind Argent- since Noct was shorter he had a hard time keeping up, trying to avoid eye contact. It's not that Noct didn't want to talk to the faunus, it's just that he had nothing to talk about. Focusing on trying to keep up the white haired hunter almost missed hearing Argents question. Seems like he wasn't the only trying to avoid awkward silences.

"Me? It's kind of complicated to explain, so long story short. I'm from Mistral," Noct answered trying not to sound winded from trying to keep up.

He looked over to his partner. "Are you from Vale? I mean. If you want to tell me it's fine. I don't want to seem like I'm pushing a conversation on you."


After Noct gave his long elaborate question slash I'm-not-trying-to-be nosey statement, he grew a bit nervous. Please don't let me say something stupid. He thought to himself as he waited for the faunus to respond.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 03, 2016, 04:36:17 PM
Sherwood couldn't help as an amused smile rose to his face. He jostled his bow in his hands, saying "What makes you think I'm going to get close to them?" Despite the joking, Sherwood's feet were already moving towards the rumble in the woods. He didn't want whatever it was to get behind them.

His steps were brisk and light footed, barely making a sound. His knees were bent, ready to spring into motion at any time. More impressively, his many years hunting game took over; he unconsciously avoided twigs and noisy brush, seamlessly sliding into the environment. While most of his focus was admittedly on the target, he still kept an ear open for other threats coming around the side. He made no attempt for the trees, he couldn't travel as quietly from branch to branch, no matter his agility.

Sherwood went slowly, not looking to out pace their target. He focused on letting it gain distance right now, while simultaneously not losing it. It would eventually slow down on it's own, and then Sherwood could hit it from the maximum distance, keeping him out of it's inevitably nasty teeth. For now, it was was a waiting game.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 04, 2016, 10:21:29 AM
"I'm from Vacuo. I grew up in Vale, though. I don't really remember that part of my life - I was only young, but my family had to leave. Don't ask 'why', though. I scarcely know, myself." He laughed slightly. Argent turned to face Noctis. He was silent at first, looking in to the forest behind Noctis, since he was so short compared to the faunus. Argent felt the same presence he had felt earlier. It was the same noise, the same sight. But, it's closer..?That noise..Oh shi-"DODGE!" The tall faunus regretted shouting the moment he saw what was making the rumbling noise that his conversation had masked. The one that he had shrugged off.

Argent had began to raise his hammer, but at this point; if that creature was what he thought it to be; it was too late to get the first hit. If the boy was lucky, the beast would be at a disadvantage in open contact - not hiding in the damned trees.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 04, 2016, 01:26:43 PM
((Ah, the statement about the rumbling and the statement about the King Taijitu were separate, just in case anyone is conflating those. The snake was moving silently, as I said, although it's fine to assume that Argent thought the noise was coming from that.))

A black blur shot out of the treeline with enough force to down two great oaks. The black half of the King Taijitu made a sharp turn just before colliding with Argent, kicking up a storm of dust in his face. Showing no apparent interest in the elephant faunus, the snake instead coiled itself around Noctis, trapping him. From within his prison, Noctis could see two pairs of hungry red eyes focusing in on him. Both heads of the beast hissed with malice, showing their many daunting fangs.


Sherwood's ridiculous display amused Persimmon. The only sign of danger they had so far was a loud rumble, which came from far away and probably wouldn't be relevant until the ruin at the end. He shouted to his partner, loud enough to make his intent obvious, "Hey buddy, you having fun?"

He moved closer to Sherwood and lowered his voice. "I'm all for sneaking, but it's no fun if there's nobody around to spot you."
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 04, 2016, 02:04:01 PM
Noct was smiled to himself hearing that he wasn't the only one who was from one kingdom then moved to another. I guess it isn't that uncommon. When Argent was talking to Noct he noticed that the Faunus was looking over his head at not at him directly. Noct felt his pride shrivel up and die. Oh the life of being short.

Upon hearing Argent shout Noctis didn't have enough time to escape. The King Taijitu thought the white haired male looked the best to eat first. Fan-Frickin-tastic! Noctis thought. He withdrew Divine with his left had revving up the ice dust cartridge to the rest of the blade.

"I get it, I'm cute but this is just insulting," Noctis said with a smug smile.

The male brought the blade down in the middle of the Snake's body where the grey and white scales combine together. The two coiled sections froze together just enough to give Noctis time to jump out.

"Why did I be the bait?" Noctis complained half joking.

His golden gun he withdrew since he didn't exactly need to precisely shoot at the King Taijitu.

"I have two clips with 14 rounds of gravity dust per gun. Anyone have any ideas?"

Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 04, 2016, 02:50:08 PM
Sherwood sighed. "Don't expect the enemy you can hear, expect the one you can't. Where there's one Grimm..." Sherwood raises his bow, launching an arrow into a nearby tree. The arrow blows leaves off the tree as it passes, even with the light weight he was pulling. The arrow hit it's mark, a small nevermore, barely larger than an eagle. The nevermore dissolved as it fell, before the arrow was the only thing to clink to the ground.

"There's more." Sherwood glances around for any other beasts of Grimm before rolling his shoulders and relaxing, heading over to retrieve his arrow. "Well, ah admit a little bird like that isn't a threat to us. Unless Grimm can communicate. Don't know if they do, ta be honest." Sherwood shrugs. "Better safe then sorry." Sherwood steps back over to his new partner. "Ah get it's a bit slow. Ah'm open to other ideas?"
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 04, 2016, 03:09:34 PM
"One or two."He said slowly, counting up one second, subconsciously; charging his semblance as the creature faced his friend. Silber Brecher slammed down onto the head of the creature that was closest to him, and dust flew out from the hammer to the black head of the Grimm. The beast froze, though it was only one of the heads and wouldn't last long. Though long enough for his partner to get a shot in.

Argent then jumped back, wiped the dust from his face and switched the form of his weapon into a cannon. The faunus aimed at the general direction of the King Taijitu, and readied his weapon - preparing to fire gravity dust.

"I would move, if I were you, companion. I apologize for my bad aim." He smiled at Noctis, waiting for his move.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 04, 2016, 03:28:55 PM
((...Just to keep things moving along, I'm not going to question how Argent was able to precisely melee the head of a giant creature that was facing away from him and which was obscured by a cloud of dust.))

Enraged, the white head changed its target to the elephant faunus. It charged with breathtaking speed, effortlessly dragging the weight of its other half behind it. The momentarily frozen black head started to regain control of its jaw, and made full use of this ability to gnash its teeth at Noctis.


Persimmon narrowed his eyes looking at the arrow. He was getting really quite annoyed with this kid's false sense of superiority. "Yeah? And when something that poses an actual threat comes along, I'll notice. I've got much, much better eyes than you, human. Now stop playing with the wildlife and get back to walking." He pointed in what he assumed was the direction of the ruin. "Maybe a bit faster now? I want to get there before the end of time."
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 04, 2016, 04:00:13 PM
"Noted, and don't worry about being a good shot," Noctis answered turning to look at Argent. Seeing the taller smile made him blush. The shorter looked away to hide his girly reaction.

When the white head of the grim took control and charged at Argent, Noctis did the smartest thing possible.Nope, nope, nope Noctis told himself as he started to sprint away to avoid the white snake head from eating him, on top of the fact the black head wanted to eat him.

He pointed his gun at the Grim- knowing that using his gravity bullets would be a waste at this point, letting the bullets fly out of the barrel. If they could at least suspend the grim in air maybe they had a chance to take it down or run away.

"Hey Argent!" Noctis called pausing for a moment to catch his breath. "Use the gravity dust to get that thing in the air." Noct used his gun to point at the grim. "If we can get it to float upwards we can slaughter it. How good are you at throwing things?"
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 04, 2016, 04:15:10 PM
Sherwood frowned thinking about the fox faunus's comments. Sherwood wasn't known for his communication skills, but he had hoped it wouldn't be this soon it bothered someone from the city. Sherwood shrugged and motioned for his partner to lead the way. Whatever communication mishap had happened, and trying to clarify would only make it worse. Mind on the mission, Sherwood thinks to himself.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 05, 2016, 01:39:26 PM
"I'm pretty decent!" The faunus was surprised by such a casual question, but was more surprised with the speed of the beast in front of him.

Argent just held his breath and pulled the trigger of his weapon, causing the purple coloured dust to fly out of the cannon, in a dark spiral that sent his arm flying back, though Argent was able to control the recoil a bit.

He didn't check to see what the damage to the Grimm was; though he was sure it paled in comparison to what would happen if the beast had got him or Noctis. "RUN!" He shouted toward the white haired boy. Argent began to run, as well, though he was certain that the beast wouldn't be so dazed that it couldn't chase after him, or worse, strike him then and there.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 05, 2016, 02:42:08 PM
The King Taijitu took a blast to the face that would have put an average Ursa down for the count, but the snake shrugged it off as annoying more than anything. It only took a second for the black head to locate Argent once more and resume its pursuit. As the white head, fully recovered, moved to cut off the elephant boy's escape, it became increasingly obvious that it was no pushover. Indeed, the King was an anomaly among the Grimm, having been able to escape detection by the huntsmen and grow stronger in its old age. These two tasty morsels were the perfect chance to put that strength to use.


Persimmon walked casually, now keeping his frustration inside. He even managed to slip into his smug smirk every now and then.

A few minutes into their march, Persimmon noticed a commotion in the distance. It seemed as though two students were battling with a huge monochrome snake, and having a rough time of it. "See, now that's what I'm talking about. Genuine trouble. May those two rest in peace." He turned towards Sherwood. "Oh, don't give me that look," he said without actually registering whether Sherwood was giving him a "look" or not. "We'll go help 'em out."
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 05, 2016, 04:27:51 PM
Noctis growled seeing his partner be trapped like he was when the beast first appeared. He holstered his gun to hold Divine with both his hands. Everyone knows charging head on is a stupid tactic especially when the said person is in experienced, however Noct didn't have much of a choice. With the blade still covered in ice Noct jumped up onto the white head's side to stab the grim's skin and drag his blade through. It was a rather difficult task since the ice was freezing as Noctis was dragging. The male instantly regrets not sharpening the blade before leaving the locker room.

By the time the Ice dust wore off Noctis barely had reached the section of scales that transitioned to black.

"Argent can you daze the white head with your cannon again?" Noct asked.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 05, 2016, 09:13:00 PM
"Agreed." Sherwood says. Given the creature is already alert, Sherwood decides to draw on different hunting experience than before. Sneaking up on an alert creature with an assumably better sense of smell and hearing than himself was foolhardy. Humanoids weren't made for such a task. He draws on experience chasing large game, the kind that can take a few shots before collapsing but can't escape the minute they know which way to run. Sherwood jogs forward, less focused on silence and more getting a clear view of the battlefield without being directly on the field. He scans the forest around the action as it comes closer, looking for thicker groves of trees and underbrush that would make a good spot to shoot from.

A thought floats up from the back of his mind that he should be working with his teammate somehow. His memory points out that Persimmon had said he would be separating from Sherwood when things 'get hairy.' Sherwood frowned. Seems either of them were used to team tactics. Still, they had four years at Beacon to learn them, along with the rest of their team. He looked forward to that, but for now it's best they both do what they know. These other students need the pair at their best.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 06, 2016, 10:09:45 AM
The white side of the snake was moving to the back of Argent, and it was closing in."I will try, partner." Argent switched his position, now bracing for the recoil of the weapon.

Please don't kill me, please don't kill me, please don't kill him! The faunus thought as he pulled the trigger once again, firing the purple dust at the head of the King. His arm recoiled less this time, but his balance got put off slightly by the actual affects of the gravity dust. The beast had been so close that his attack had effected him aswell. Argent took a step back, but soon realised the other head was behind him.

He closed his eyes and switched Silber Brecher back to its hammer form, preparing to strike.

Argent opened his eyes and clenched his hammer, tight.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 06, 2016, 01:51:44 PM
As soon as they decided to join the fight, Persimmon spent a few seconds focusing on Sherwood to apply his tracking semblance. With that done, he disappeared from sight. He spent a solid minute finding an appropriate perch, and then got himself set up.

Sherwood's scroll lit up with a notification. A scene popped into view, showing a clearing opposite a rather sparse collection of trees that tried and failed to block the camera's view of the distant snake. At the bottom of the image was a hand-written message reading "Watch this."

The King Taijitu's black head rose up, challenging the elephant faunus to strike with his hammer. The two rapidly approached each other, but never got the chance to collide. The snake recoiled in bewilderment as it wondered where its largest fang on the right side had gone. Persimmon chuckled at the Grimm's reaction as he loaded another impact round. The wildlife within about ten meters of him were less amused, and most ran in fear of the noise his rifle made.

Meanwhile, the white head struggled to reorient itself after the nearly point-blank blast. Dazed and now surrounded, the creature began to worry.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 06, 2016, 02:15:23 PM
Noctis smiles seeing the white head of the grimm be dazed. Reaching into his ammo bag he pulls a thin cartridge of yellow dust. Noctis opens the cap at the end of his swords handle to remove the empty vite and replace it. He quickly revs the blades mechanics again, Divines blade became covered in sparks of lightning. He jumped up to running up the Grim's body long body to the white covered scale side. Noctis paused near the head and swung his sword as hard as he could. With the lightning dust equipped to his blade it should- or so he thought, chop off one head.

"Damn this stupid Snake!" Noctis says to himself a bit fed up with the snakes trying to eat him. This was very unlike him.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 08, 2016, 09:30:48 AM
Sherwood blinked at the sound of Persimmon's rifle barking. It's a very loud weapon, he summarizes, which seems very unlike the fox. He finds a thicket a fair bit longer than a football field's length from the clearing where the fight was taking place. Sherwood could see the two headed snake clearly now, and the two smaller figures dancing around it. He places his scroll against a tree, showing his and Persimmon's aura on it. Sherwood looks at Persimmon's shot for a moment as he sets his stance, seeing the video of it hitting the snake. It was a good shot.

Given there were friendlies in the area, Sherwood chose not to go for a 100 percent shot on the beast. The blowback could hurt his new classmates, and that's not how you get to know people. However... King Taijitu don't have very heavy armor. Sherwood decides on the weight he can safely fire at and sets his stance. Sherwood pulls the bow back, the arrow and seemingly invisible string coming back slowly as he uses each muscle in his back to their full extent. His other hand doesn't hold the bow, it's braced against the rest with his fingers spread out, tension holding the bow in place. The bow is rock steady against his locked arm and straining muscles. He holds it at full draw, the only physical part of the string coming to rest against the side of his neck. He closes an eye, and exhales slowly, making minuet adjustments to his aim. As his body stills when the air leaves his lunges, he releases the arrow.The bow physically kicks off his open hand, pulled back with a snap towards the glove he wears. The string hand moves straight back, elbow still raised. The bow still stands at attention, raised as if the arrow was still there. Sherwood doesn't look to the arrow either, trusting in his skill, knowing that if he keeps his stance still... It will hit.

The iron arrow flies for the white head of the Taijitu. It rips through the sky, it's speed distorting the air around it and ripping leaves off trees. It's pace is more like a bullet than an arrow as it speed towards the connection of the heads on the Taijitu's body. With any luck, the arrow can pin the thing to a tree so the others can run away or finish it off with ranged attacks.

Sherwood looks through Persimmon's camera, for a closer view of his shot. Sherwood would be impressed, but everything was a little too perfect for this to count as impressive; between the snake not moving, and him having all the time in the world to shoot. He might as well have been shooting the broad side of the family barn.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 08, 2016, 10:22:43 AM
That makes sense, of course. Argent thought as the iron arrow flew toward the snake that had just been shot. He was ready to attack the snake when it happened, but he decided it would be in his best interests to focus on protecting his friend, rather than going on the offensive; considering that he had apparent backup.

"I believe it is best if we retreat and attack from the distance, my companion. I'll be right behind you. Argent gave a smirk to Noctis as he himself began to back up, with his hammer raised and himself at ease. Argent knew that he, himself had cover from the ranged attackers.

He hoped so, anyway.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 08, 2016, 10:45:19 AM
The white head of the King Taijitu shook off the cannon's impact. The snake felt a tingling sensation progressively moving up the white side of its body as the boy with the electric blade closed in for the killing blow. It turned to face the boy just in time to look its killer straight in the face as he sliced clean through its neck, rendering the white half of the King's body useless.

The archer's arrow plunged deep into the black head with incredible force, enough to take the creature down for a few seconds. The King Taijitu struggled to get back up and tried to charge once more at the elephant faunus, but between its fatigue, its injury, and the dead weight of the white half, the snake could not move forward. It simply lay there, pathetically struggling before one final bullet from Persimmon put it down for good.


As soon as he verified the threat was dead (its body had begun to disintegrate), Persimmon holstered his weapon and retrieved the Eye. He walked toward his fellow students, first joining up with Sherwood before meeting with the two new boys. "That was even easier than I thought, eh? People always underestimate us sniper-types."
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 08, 2016, 02:15:16 PM
Noctis stood away from the snake to catch his breath. He leaned on his sword to shift the weight from his left leg to his right. One of his arms slipped of Divine's handle touching the dust infused blade.  He hissed.  With his unharmed hand he drew his gun.

"I'm useless right now," Noctis called waving his gun around.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 08, 2016, 10:59:49 PM
" We are usually seen, not heard after all." Sherwood muses. He nods in greeting to the other boys, recalling the white haired boy, Noctis, from the locker rooms. " My name is Sherwood. This is Persimmon." he says to the elephant faunus. Faunus certainly came in all types, Sherwood notes to himself.

"Are you both uninjured? Will you be alright if we continue on?" he asks. He looks towards the direction of the objective, but turns back to the others. The objective can wait, especially if these two need help.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 09, 2016, 11:07:21 AM
"You're arm.. Argent said to Noctis. He looked up to the pair, whom he recognised from the locker room. The faunus waved at the two.

"I'm..I'm fine, thanks. Though we've met before, I'm Argent, if you don't remember." He walked toward them, his weapon shifting to its neutral form. He held it, for now, not daring to put his weapon out of his hands just yet.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 09, 2016, 11:52:54 AM
Persimmon approached the newly expanded group, having been reintroduced to them against his will. "What a coincidence we'd all meet up again. Good thing I got that target practice this morning, or we could've had a problem." As he said this, Persimmon gave a smug grin in Argent's direction.

He looked in the direction of their objective. "I assume we're all planning on travelling together until the end of this mission? In that case, I have one requirement. Hand me your scrolls for a moment." He held out his hand to Noctis and Argent.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 09, 2016, 02:18:13 PM
Noctis let out a sigh of relief seeing the other two students from the locker room completely forgetting about his injury. When he was in the locker room Noct didn't bother to listen for their names, this time he'd make sure he'd remember them. Divine's blade reverted to normal meaning he could safely put his blade back into it's resting place on his hip without getting electrocuted. Noct shoved his gun back into the holster, seeing as he wouldn't it anymore.

Hearing Argent mention his arm Noctis just smiled. "I'll be fine." He assure, sounding as if this happened more frequent then not.

"I don't see why we wouldn't," Noctis answers Persimmon's question. Seeing as Persimmon had asked for Noctis' scroll, the white haired male reached into his ammo bag to hand it to him.

When Noct first received his scroll issued by the academy - because his original scroll wouldn't work here in Vale, the white color really didn't suit Noct's creative taste. With his assortment of art markers and pens he drew his family symbol with the crystals actually giving off a bit of a shine illusion.

Sherwood had asked if he and Argent where unharmed. Argent was fine, Noct however...

"We are fine," Noctis tells Sherwood, hiding his arm with a burn mark starting from his inner wrist to his elbow.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 09, 2016, 09:30:02 PM
Sherwood smiles in the direction of the woods, mirth twinkling his eyes and tinging his smile. He never thought Persimmon the type to invite others along voluntarily. If they were sure the two boys were uninjured, he expected Persimmon to suggest going on ahead and he would have agreed. But if his partner wanted a larger group, he must have a reason. Sherwood had only just met the fox faunus, but he was fairly certain the boy had a reason for everything he did.

Sherwood puts together, between Argent's comment and Noctis evasive motion that the latter has some kind of wound. Sherwood frowns slightly, but only rolls his shoulders and sighs. He wasn't going to press them. These were huntsman in training, they surely can take care of their own health. He assumes Noctis knows his limits, and will speak up when they are truly exceeded.

Still, Sherwood decides to keep an eye on the other boy, a soft smile wrapping his expression. Never a bad thing to have another set of eyes watching one's back, and if Sherwood is quiet about it, the other boy will be none the wiser.

"Whenever we're ready then." Sherwood says, grabbing his arrow from the ground and placing it lightly against the string. He motions to and steps towards the other side of the clearing, the direction of the ruin they seek.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 14, 2016, 02:51:09 PM
The elephant faunus was confused for a second, but he handed over his scroll nonetheless. Much like Sherwood, Argent had kept his eye on Noctis; perhaps even watching closer than than the archer.
"That way to our goal, then. Be wary, there might be another snake." The boy mused, but he was keeping an eye out for a slithery Grimm, himself. He wouldn't want to get in that sticky a situation again.

Argent looked to his companions. He wanted to be behind them; snakes and the like would have to get through him first, though if his first encounter was anything to go off of, that wouldn't be hard.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 14, 2016, 03:18:28 PM
Persimmon took the two scrolls and synced them up to the Eye as efficiently as possible. He operated both at the same time and, when finished, tossed them back to their respective owners. "This thing's a camera of sorts..." He held up the Eye, assuming the two boys would be curious. "It'll be useful during combat. Make sure you take a look when the notification pops up. That means I've got something important- or awesome- to show you."

Of course Persimmon had noticed Noctis hiding his arm (it was frankly pretty obvious), but he didn't bring it up in words. Instead, he tossed his scroll in such a way that he would either have to catch it with the injured arm, showing off his embarrassing injury, or reach awkwardly and inexplicably across his body.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 15, 2016, 11:33:59 AM
Noctis was wondering why Persimmon needed his Scroll. Hearing his explanation he figured he shouldn't ask any questions. When Persimmon tossed Noct's scroll back at him panic settled in. The fox faunus tossed the device in the direction of his left arm which had a mark. It was torn up with a bit of blood threatening to slither down his hand. Around the edges the skin had turned brown along with some of the dead skin being charred till it turned black. Damn lighting dust always left injuries like this, but Noctis wasn't worried. As he had stated before he has burned himself a few times in the past, so it hurt but not as bad as his companions think.

As the scroll was getting close Noctis contemplated where or not he wanted the damn thing to fall on the floor or just catch it. Deciding on the second option, the male caught the colorful device with his left -he was juggling it for a bit before the device was stationary in his hand.

Noctis looked over to Argent and then the rest before putting the scroll away.

"It's really not that bad."
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 15, 2016, 01:11:01 PM
"Understood." Sherwood says with a nod in swordsman's direction. If he needs help, he'll say it, Sherwood reminds himself. With that, he starts into the woods towards the group's destination, expecting the rest will follow in due time.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 15, 2016, 06:43:55 PM
"Of course, my partner." Argent said to Noctis, a light smile on his face. He trusted his companion, and wasn't one to police the acts of his friends. He would let Noctis do what he thought best, though Argent would still be keeping his on the boy. Argent was nosy, he would watch him and his new companions closely, though Argent wasn't too keen on the fox faunus.

When Argent had gotten his scroll back he had pocketed it and gestured with his weapon for his partners to go first.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 15, 2016, 07:14:52 PM
Persimmon shrugged and started walking, catching up to Sherwood. While he had technically been the one to invite them along, he felt no need to stay among the new boys and allowed them to walk at their own pace behind him.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 15, 2016, 07:33:31 PM
Noct is looked back at his partner with a smirk on his face. He bowed with his hand right arm crossed over his chest.

"Shall we?" he asked, staying bowed for a bit longer.

He stood back up and began to walk slowly, waiting for Argent.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 16, 2016, 03:17:50 PM
The four walked for a good twenty minutes, though one would be forgiven for thinking they had been on the move for hours. The scenery repeated with no end in sight as an aggressive feeling of boredom threatened to swallow up the students. Finally, the trees gave way to a large clearing marked by dilapidated, mossy stone structures. Encased in the largest of these structures stood several stone pedestals that served to draw attention to the objects resting on top of them. The objects themselves were too small and far away for any of the students to identify, though their vibrant green color contrasted clearly against the dull stone; the intention of whoever put them there would be obvious to anyone.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 19, 2016, 02:13:06 PM
"This must be the objective." Sherwood says, nodding his head forward. It's been too quiet in his opinion. 20 minutes and no Grimm seemed odd the whole time they were walking, and it gave Sherwood plenty of time to think there might be some kind of trap. If Grimm were smart enough to lay traps. "Ah don't know about you all, but I expected more Grimm. Makes me suspicious."

Sherwood waits for his teammates opinions before heading any further into the clearing.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 19, 2016, 04:30:40 PM
Noctis isn't in any hurry like Persimmon or Sherwood. Oh no, he was too busy eyeing the elephant Faunus to even care about finding the releck or whatever the hell they needed to pass the initiation. The male rested his hands in his pockets just being a creep (hahaha guys with guns are creeps)glancing at Argent with a slight smile every time. Noctis figured he was probably making Argent uncomfortable with his blue eyes checking him out every five seconds, so he directed his attention forward to Sherwood since he was currently leading.

"I've had enough of Grimm for one day," Noctis says after Sherwood voiced his suspicion that there was a trap somewhere. 

When the white haired male finally bothered to keep up with his team he looked around. It was just a large empty patch of grass, what could be so suspicious about that? Then Noctis remembered how many times Grimm have almost eaten him for dinner back in Mistral with the setting being exactly like this. He shivered at the memory. That is probably the reason he has trust issues. He sank back to hide behind Argent. Nope, Noctis is on the nope train express one way trip to nope-vill. He really hoped they wouldn't volunteer him to go first because if that was the case then he's taking Persimmon with him.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 20, 2016, 11:13:11 AM
"Maybe someone can scan ahead, check if they see anything suspicious?" Argent asked the group. He was expecting that Persimmon would be the one to go ahead, but Argent didn't bet on him vokunteering himself.

Argent looked toward the stone structures with a look as if he was thinking. And thinking he was, as he shifted his weapon into its cannon form, just in case. He held it tight, his finger on the metal trigger and his arm pretty much at his side, though it was cocked up slightly; he wanted to be able to move it fast.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 20, 2016, 01:27:17 PM
"I absolutely agree," Persimmon said sarcastically. "Since we haven't encountered any trouble yet, how about we send somebody alone headfirst into whatever trouble may come? I know just the guy for the job." He walked over and gave Noctis a firm pat on the back. "Go for it, buddy. We'll watch your back from here and give you a nice funeral if anything happens." Even while making fun of him, Persimmon gave Noctis a genuine smile. He decidedly liked the white-haired boy; any of his other comrades would scorn him for poking harmless fun at them. Noctis was more like the little brother you're allowed to pick on because they ultimately won't care. It's always more fun that way.

In all honesty he knew that either he or Sherwood would be nominated for team scout. He waited with curiosity to see who would be the one to say his name.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 21, 2016, 09:41:52 AM
Sherwood shoots an aside glance at Persimmon and his what must be antics. Unsure of the faunus's intentions, he simply refrains from comment.

"That's okay. Ah can do it." Sherwood says. It was his suggestion after all, and he should be the one to take the responsibility.  He walks into the clearing with an arrow nocked.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 21, 2016, 10:46:12 PM
Noctis stayed quite figuring if he said something that would confirm his forced volunteering. He shifted a bit when Persimmon patted his shoulder. He was use to being picked on, so Persimmons 'pestering' as Noctis would put nicely, didn't bother him. He was like the Atlas soldiers, no matter how much you poke and annoy, they would never move. Makes sense since Noct was born in Atlas, it's only fitting that he behave somewhat like them- minus being from a wealthy family.

Noctis stepped away from Argent even though he really didn't want to. His left hand drew his copper pink handgun, switching out the gravity clip with his ice one. He hissed feeling his burn mark brush up against Divine, healing it would take to long. He'd deal with it for now. Even though he wanted to stay back, he knew letting Sherwood go alone was a bad idea. The male followed behind the archer with his gun ready just incase anything did manage to attack them. He looked back at the two who stayed back in the sea of trees. Looks like they weren't moving anytime soon.

"Right behind you," Noctis says calmly, knowing if he startled Sherwood he'd have to pull an arrow out of his arm or worst.

He shivered at the thought of actually going to the nurse's office.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 22, 2016, 05:53:10 AM
"Is this a good time to use your camera device?" He looked down at the fox faunus.
Argent wanted Noctis and Sherwood to be as safe as possible; especially when the two are seperated from the other half of the group. 

Argent was still holding Silber Brecher tight and he had raised it up more - he was getting paranoid.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 22, 2016, 01:10:04 PM
"It wouldn't really help. Best used when I've got something in particular to monitor; setting it here would be the same as just using your eyes. Although..." His eyes darted about, examining the environment about the clearing. The area was mostly open, with no cover besides the ruins themselves. Any one of the trees could provide a perch for vantage of most of the area, leaving only one blind spot. As soon as he located this, he was off, darting into the trees (while using his semblance just to bewilder Argent) and around to the back of the ruins. He placed the camera up high in such a way as to monitor the ruins themselves and have a clear view of the area behind them.

While Persimmon was darting about the trees and Sherwood and Noctis were creeping into the clearing, a much less careful creature stomped its way into view. A huge, black, armored gorilla emerged, its glowing red eye momentarily overlooking the human invaders. It stood opposite Sherwood, only about 30 meters distant.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 24, 2016, 11:45:07 AM
"Noctis, if you can buy me a bit of time I might be able to put a good dent in it. Don't push yourself." Sherwood says quickly, already in form to shoot. An idle musing floats through the back of my mind, that he's putting a lot of trust in the white haired boy. He lets the thought fade away as he focuses on his motions. If the form is true and correct, the arrow's hitting the target is inevitable.

Sherwood pulls back and tries to build as much kinetic energy as he can in the time he has. He'll launch the shot when he can see 'the whites of it's eyes', around 10 meters. Hopefully Noctis can buy him enough time to make the arrow really hurt.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 24, 2016, 12:40:54 PM
"No problem," The male says breaking away from behind his team mate.

Noctis draws his other gun and crosses his hands one over the other extended out in front of him. "Hey there King Kong, wanna play with me?" He asked smirks before letting a sea of dust bullets hit the grim.

He hoped it was enough to distract since the bullets he was using where is fire bullets. Noctis knew that the gorilla was far too big to be set on fire, but it was enough for it to be distracted by puffs of red appearing upon impact.


Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 24, 2016, 12:56:51 PM
Argent watched as Persimmon darted off, but Argent was just annoyed. "And then there was one. I hope this doesn't become a trend." Argent mumbled to himself. But while his was wallowing in self-pity he noticed something much more apparent to the senses. " That is just my goddamned luck."

 Argent broke into a sprint, moving his fastest (which, admittedly, is not that fast) he ran to the source of the noise, knowing that Persimmon would follow him or even go to the noise by himself. He had his cannon raised up and now he was hearing gunfire. He moved so he, too, was in the sight of Sherwood and Noctis.

"Do I hear three?" The tall faunus said, pointing his cannon at the Grimm.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 24, 2016, 01:24:44 PM
Persimmon noticed the fighting going on, but didn't feel the need to intrude. After all, Argent and Sherwood were the heavy hitters in their group, and taking a shot now would only give away his position. Instead, he loaded an ice round and awaited a more tactically advantageous time to fire. In the meantime, he hopped down the ruins toward the relics.

The flurry of shots from Noctis did little more than make the Beringel alert to their presence. Unable to find any other Grimm, it decided to throw a piece of rubble that was nearby. With a short but notable windup, it chucked a jagged stone the size of its fist at the white haired boy.

By now the beast was alerted to all three of the boys in front of it.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 24, 2016, 02:02:15 PM
As the pseudo magnetic bow string built in tension, Sherwood sinks more and more into the 'zen' of the shot. Just as the muscles in his back settle at the level of tension, the tension increases again, building the weapon's power up. It's a strange balance he has, as his shoulders strain in protests to the increasing weight while his mindset and training force him to let the strain continue. Rather than relaxing his body, he is tightening it, yet he finds a calm mindset none the less.

A little longer, and he'll have utilized every ounce of strength that can come from the bow. If it just stays at the distance it's at, it could be in for a rude awakening on the power of humanity.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 25, 2016, 01:15:23 PM
Well he certainly got the Grimms attention. He smiled in success but then in faltered when he saw the gorilla reach over to throw a large boulder at the three student hunters in front of it. Noctis took off not wanting to add any more injuries to his already large burn. He turned around to shoot a few more bullets at the grimm but the sound of an empty clip made him aware that he needed to switch out clips. Noctis pulled out a one sword cartage of dust then a clip for his gun. He figured Ice would do well for this type of battle setting. The clips clicked into place then the new canister of dust into his sword. Noctis didn't want to continue to be held back because of his burn with his right hand a light purple bubble the side of the burn. In 2 minutes the skin was back to its smooth scarless state.

Noctis watched over Argent and Persimmon while aiming his guns at the grimm's hands. Another sea of bullets flew only this time the froze upon impact.

"Ready yet Sherwood?" Noctis asked.

Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 25, 2016, 01:38:12 PM
"Boy, oh boy, am I nettled?" Argent had his cannon raised at the Grimm, but when he saw that Noctis was going to attack he decided against firing at the beast. Instead, Argent shifted Silber Brecher into its hammer form and waited for his partner to do his attack.

He, too, waited for Sherwood. He could see it in his mind's eye - Sherwood was to fire his weapon at the Grimm and if it didn't die Argent would rush in to finish it off.  The tall faunus sidestepped so that he would be behind Noctis and Sherwood; that if they were done attacking he could get to the enemy as quick as faunus-ly possible.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 25, 2016, 05:05:50 PM
((See y'all were like "oh shit" but Harambe Grimm ain't all that against four reasonably capable huntsmen.))

Persimmon saw Noctis dodge and then immediately start attacking again... how reckless. Of course, "reckless" wasn't much of an insult coming from Persimmon, who treated arrogance and living on the edge as virtues. In fact, he decided, it was time to help him out. Ice dust already loaded, he took a shot at the gorilla's feet. That wouldn't hold it for long, certainly, but it would get the momentum going in their favor.

Frozen hands were a minor inconvenience, but even without its grappling potential the Beringel possessed impressive strength and could easily overpower any of these humans. The beast attempted to rush forward but was quickly halted as its back feet and the area around them became encased in ice. It struggled to break free, balancing on its right hand while using the left to shield itself.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 27, 2016, 11:39:30 AM
Sherwood feels the bow reach it's full potential, the pseudo magnetic draw reaching the point where it's physically impossible for him to create more tension. Now he looks to aim, seeing the beast's head is hidden behind it's arm as well as it's chest. Not that the latter matters, given Grimm must not have hearts. Sherwood would assume.

Not wanting to risk the arrow not piercing through the hand to hit the head, Sherwood shifts his aim to the shoulder of the Grimm's left arm. With this much force behind the arrow, he should be able to disable the arm at the very least, giving the Grimm one less thing to hit his teammates with. With it frozen in place by someone's ice dust, Sherwood had been too focused to notice who, he doesn't have to compensate for movement. Not that it matters, because as his shooting is true...

The hit is inevitable. The arrow fires out of his weapon, propelled by the force of two magnetic poles reuniting in a fraction of a second. Air warps around the solid iron arrow, being pulled along with the arrow to slam into the target as shock wave while the arrow pierces corrupted flesh.

Sherwood doesn't break his stance to see the result of his shot. Proper form demands it, and per the mantra of his mentor, proper shooting is an inevitable hit.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on October 27, 2016, 01:42:39 PM
Noctis stop firering since the clips where now empty. Finaly did Sherwood make his shot on the gorilla. He looked over to Argent then Persimmon waiting to see what they where going to do before he decied to switch weapons.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 27, 2016, 02:44:53 PM
In the blink of an eye the archer's mighty arrow plunged itself deep into the Beringel's joint, the intense force throwing its body backwards hard enough to break out of the ice. As though it felt no pain, the beast was back on its feet and rushing forward in seconds, its left arm limply dangling as it ran. In its battle rage the gorilla didn't stop to think who it was attacking and simply aimed for the nearest target: The snowy-headed boy in front.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on October 28, 2016, 04:49:43 PM
"Hey, Noctis? Dodge." Smiled at the white haired boy, and held his hammer in his hand.  The faunus felt as if he were acting different around these people; and he liked it.  Argent had gently nudged Noctis so that he would move away from the faunus' attack path. And, well, the gorilla Grimm charging at Noctis, that had such a presence of rage that unnerved Argent.

Once the boy had moved, Argent had planned to immediately charge his semblance, and release it after one second. If he would hit the beast he would stun it or better, he thought.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on October 29, 2016, 11:59:00 AM
The Beringel, with its good arm, caught the oncoming hammer and used its existing momentum to throw the weapon and the faunus attached to it into the air. It then turned its attention back to the white-haired lad.

Persimmon watched as Argent was thrown into the air. Hope you remember your landing strategy! He chuckled. The situation didn't allow him to do much damage, but he decided to open silenced fire on the Beringel's exposed neck while it was facing away from him.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on October 31, 2016, 05:51:54 PM
"The full draw on Tristram takes a bit of time, sorry it took so long." Sherwood says, belatedly responding to Noctis. Sherwood takes stock of some things he may have missed while he was focusing on the shot. Noctis is, as he had been, firing suppressing fire from his pistols. Argent had apparently been waiting for the arrow to fly, as he attempts a follow up from behind Sherwood. Sherwood doubts he intended to end up in mid air though.

Trusting the faunus has a way to safely land (he managed to land in the forest after all) Sherwood spares a glance for his partner. He hasn't seen hide nor hair of the Fox, and still can't seem to find him around the battlegrounds. Sherwood hopes he's setup somewhere for to assist, and hasn't been attacked by other Grimm when the faunus went out on his own. Hoping his wisecracking partner isn't injured, Sherwood returns to the battlefield with his information caught up.

Sherwood begins shooting, not using his bow's ability to increase tension. He can fire one every few seconds, his back muscles more than capable of pulling the base weight of the weapon. He decides to shoot and move, moving in a wide circle around the beast, aiming to reach the ruins without it gaining ground on him. He comes to a full stop to shoot each time, apparently unwilling to shoot while jogging.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on November 01, 2016, 01:37:32 PM
"Thats no problem, just I was getting a little worried. I know you aren't gonna let a teammate die right?" Noctis joked.

Noctis smiled when he heard Argent ask/tell him to doge. He was lost for a moment before he heard the Harambe grimm growl. The male jumped back with his gun back in the previous aiming position to provide support from afar. Again his clips ran out making him take a moment of pause to reload them with the same type of dust as before. now with Argent in the air Noctis halted his assult on the Grimm just to make sure he wouldn't accidently harm Argent.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on November 01, 2016, 02:08:39 PM
"Now, I'm even angrier, you fiend." The faunus said midair. With his weapon still in hand, Argent decided to use follow gravity and hoped that he would hit the Grimm, killing it.

When the faunus was falling, he decided to pull the trigger on his hammer letting out some gravity dust, even though he resolved that he would let gravity do its work.  With its desired effect, the dust spun the boy around 360 degrees whilst he was falling, putting more speed into his swing. He decided against using his semblance as to not over or under charge it.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on November 01, 2016, 02:35:54 PM
Ignoring the noisy kid above it, the Beringel made straight for its target. The beast was sick of being delayed, and it showed; its face twisted into a ferocious snarl, the red of its eyes seeming to glow brighter than normal as it rushed toward the white haired boy. Ice spikes started to emerge around its legs as Persimmon tried to stop it, but these were easily crushed by the momentum the gorilla had going.

His inability to stop the Grimm was frustrating to Persimmon, especially since they were now on a time crunch. On his camera, he noticed that several creeps had started entering the clearing behind him. With no other choice, he fired one impact shot into the Beringel's neck (loud enough to be heard by Sherwood and the creeps behind him, but not by the Beringel or the rest of the team) and then rushed silently out of his perch.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on November 01, 2016, 04:14:57 PM
Sherwood nods to himself as he hears Persimmon's shot go off. He must be close, and he's alive at the least. While he could be surrounded, Sherwood takes the fact that Persimmon is helping in this fight that any fight the fox might be in isn't too critical. Sherwood mentally takes note of the direction he thinks he heard the shot from, to keep track of the wayward faunus.

"Get out of it's face Noctis!" Sherwood can't help yelling. The smaller of the pair seemed to be more of a striker, not the kind of Huntsman who deals with Gorillas blow to blow. His partner on the other hand...

Sherwood shoots arrows out, widely missing the Grimm. When he shoots four, they've formed a box around the Berlingel, Argent and Noctis. As soon as Noctis gains some space, Sherwood can use his semblance, and create a lightning circuit between the fallen arrows. They'll form a mere couple feet tall but dangerous fence, as lighting stretches from the upward facing tails of the arrows out to the others.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on November 01, 2016, 10:30:56 PM
Noctis looked at the intimidating Grimm in front of him. Following instructions the male sprinted out of the way to hide into the tree surrounding the clearing. He waited for further instructions since he was out of ideas and taking the gorilla head on with his sword was just bad all around. He didn't want to have to push his own bone back into place so he could heal himself. Maybe Persimmon might volunteer to push the bone back into place since Noctis became his permanent source of entertainment.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on November 02, 2016, 01:55:21 PM
"But..I felt so cool.." The faunus said after he had completely botched up his attack. After another short session of wallowing in self pity, Argent stood up and walked away.

He shifted his hammer into it's cannon form looked for his partner through the trees.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on November 04, 2016, 01:52:33 PM
The Beringel continued charging, it's primal bloodlust growing as it saw its prey scampering off into the forest. If any trees got in its way at this point, it looked about ready to punch them aside and keep on running. However, the gorilla was distracted by a loud noise from behind, then another above it. It stopped for a moment and spotted the source overhead.

Persimmon didn't know what those arrows Sherwood fired were for, but he knew the kid wouldn't miss so severely, or in such a specific pattern, without a purpose. He decided it was probably best to make sure the Beringel didn't leave that square. Seeing as it was chasing after Noctis and didn't even notice Argent, it would be on him to make sure the beast stayed there.

This is SO not my style... You'd better be grateful, Sherwouldn't. He was still working on the nicknames and made a mental note not to use that one publicly. Anyway... Persimmon switched Sunset to its staff form while running, and vaulted over the Beringel's zone with a noisy explosion of gravity dust. When he was right above the creature, he triggered it again.

Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on November 06, 2016, 07:21:59 PM
Sherwood sees Noctis leave the boundary he'd created before, the Grimm still contained in the area. Acting quickly, on reflex, he uses his semblance. He launches from his draw hand a streak of lighting, which hits the grounded arrow nearest to him. The lightning then flies from the first arrow to the next, and the next, extending into a fence of electricity. As the lightning hit the final post of the fence, Sherwood wills it to cycle to the first arrow again, creating a closed loop. Letting the electricity do what it does, Sherwood returns his attention to the beast he's now encircled with Ar...gent.

Sherwood frowns seeing that Argent was not in the area with the Grimm, but Persimmon who had burst from the trees. Persimmon isn't a melee fighter, as far as Sherwood could tell, and being in a bounded field with a massive Grimm isn't going to be good for him. "Argent! Persimmon is going to need your help in there!" he shouts.

Sherwood pulls his bow back, and starts ratcheting up the weight on the bow. His focus not on his form, but on the status of his partner in the arena with the Grimm. Sherwood watches, waiting until his partner is about to be injured, covering the fox faunus of at least one attack with as powerful a blow as he can must in the time frame.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on November 06, 2016, 08:46:29 PM
Noctis watched as the grimm stayed locked on to his location. That was fan-frickin- tastic, nothing like a gorilla grimm out to kill you while you trying to stay out of the way. Seeing Argent sink into the trees with him was a bit of a relief because he thought that the grimm would start going after the faunus. Psh, why the hell would it do that in the first place? Noctis felt his whole body get cold seeing the grim continue its course towards him not even caring that there was someone else- three to be exact, to attack. Noctis frantically moved- more like ran, to Argent damn near in full fledged fear.

"GET THIS THING OF MY TRAIL," Noctis shouted between pants. "SHERWOOD! ARGENT! FOX BOY! HIT THAT DAMN THING! I WILL NOT BE KING KONG'S BLOND WOMAN HOSTAGE."

Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on November 07, 2016, 01:54:12 PM
"Redemption.." The faunus mumbled under his breath when he looked up at the beast again. Argent stood up, pointing his cannon at the Grimm. BAM, BAM! He thought as began to fire ice dust at the beast.

When the 'dust' cleared he shifted his weapon into hammer form and awaited the creature. He slid his left foot forward with his hammer raised, and readied himself. When he saw the beast's condition he was going to charge.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on November 07, 2016, 02:10:45 PM
The Beringel could not focus its attention with all the things happening around it. First its prey scampered off, screeching like a madman, then the explosions, suddenly lightning, and now some elephant kid it had never seen before was threatening it with a hammer? Mr. Kong couldn't even. The freezing was inconvenient, too.

In the air, Persimmon worked his weapon back into its rifle form while simultaneously reaching for a gravity shot. Almost the instant the gun was ready, it was loaded and firing. The dust triggered with a boom, the recoil pushed Persimmon back into the trees, and the shot landed on the Beringel's skull. The ice shattered and was replaced with dizziness, confusion, and a wide open chance for the kill. Seeing this, Persimmon gave Argent some vague gesture before getting situated on a branch and taking easy silenced shots at the creeps.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on November 07, 2016, 02:30:01 PM
Sherwood relaxes visibly as Persimmon flies back into the trees. Without his partner in immediate gorilla smashing range, Sherwood felt a lot better about the team's safety. Relaxing his stance was a poor idea though, the weight of his bow was already far too high for that. Sherwood tries to keep hold on the straining magnetic bowstring, but the damage is done.

The arrow bolts away, completely off course, thankfully far over the heads of his partner and allies. With the amount of oomf behind that shot, Sherwood had no hope he'd ever recover that arrow. It was long beyond the tree line before he could even sigh. Worrying about teammates certainly adds another layer to combat, he muses as he nocks another arrow. "Got you covered Argent." Sherwood says, falling into his stance and focusing better this time. If the beast somehow got away from the elephant faunus, Sherwood would take the shot, but he didn't expect the Grimm to get away from that hammer.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on November 08, 2016, 02:25:35 PM
Noctis sighs in relief seeing the grimm be distracted by the other three students. He runs back out to the clearing with his guns back in their holsters and Divine drawn. He didn't think he'd need to use it but just incase the gorilla decided to try and get handsy again Noct could defend himself.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on November 08, 2016, 02:39:36 PM

"HYAAAH!" Argent shouted after a quick nod to Sherwood. He had too much of a bad day to mess this up; he was determined. I can do this, I feel great, I. Can. Do. This. The faunus chanted in his head as he rush the Beringel. It didn't seem as scary now that it was in such a condition.

At a reasonable distance Argent had begun to charge his semblance, for one second. He knew the timing the way he knew the back of his hand.

Argent launched at the Grimm, his hammer moving down toward its head.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on November 08, 2016, 07:38:18 PM
The helpless Grimm didn't stand a chance against the extreme force Argent put out, and could only watch as he ended its life. The head and neck collapsed with a satisfying cacophony of crashing and crunching, bone and muscle structures being torn rapidly apart. Instantly, the creature was dead, and an outside observer wouldn't even recognize the remains as one corpse. Moments later, the Beringel began to disintegrate.

The scene was almost enough to make Persimmon care. Almost. Hearing the death of the giant Grimm, he couldn't help but crack a smirk as he dispatched the remaining creeps.

Persimmon climbed down the tree. When he got near the bottom, something occurred to him. He turned to Sherwood and asked: "Hey, uh, you got a plan to let the brute out of his cage?"
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on November 09, 2016, 01:37:06 PM
"Ah. Um... Yeah." Sherwood nods, tilting his bow down to the ground as he releases the tension on the string. After storing the arrow in his quiver, he looks at the arrows.

"..." He waves his arm once at the fence. He does so again. Nothing happens. Sherwood sighs and jogs over to the fence. He reaches out in the direction of the fence again and flicks his wrist, and the electric current fades. "Still haven't gotten that right from ah distance..." he mutters.

After walking around the clearing getting his arrows, he starts towards the ruins, sure the rest would be close behind if not ahead of them. He spares an extra moment to look over his partner, looking for any physical damage, and glad to see none.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on November 11, 2016, 12:25:11 PM
Argent was satisfied when his hammer hit the Beringel. As soon as he got off his adrenaline high he looked around to see if anyone was hurt.
When he was done checking the others' conditions, the faunus began walking to the ruins.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on November 11, 2016, 01:13:31 PM
The group approached the ruins as Persimmon took a detour to retrieve the Eye. By the time he had caught up, the group was within the main structure, looking upon the relics they were to retrieve. It seemed as if they had arrived at exactly the right time; light shining through gaps in the canopy at the edge of the clearing came into the building from a large hole in the ceiling and happened to land on the pedestals, highlighting the dazzling jade artifacts.

Up close, however, the relics appeared to be nothing special. There were very apparent and deep scratches on them, the reflective green surface became dull in spots, and the edges were torn to a shape with no rhyme or reason. "Clever of them,"  Persimmon joked, "to make the relics seem interesting, but not so much of a treasure that I'd want to take them home."
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on November 11, 2016, 02:11:40 PM
Sherwood only shrugs at Persimmon's joke. "Ah suppose... These are what we're here for. One fir each pair right?" Sherwood says. He motions at Persimmon, pointing towards a relic and shrugging again. He grabs it, sticking it in a pocket. "Guess we can head back now."

Sherwood gives the other pair a moment to grab a relic themselves, nods to his partner, and starts back from whence they came.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on November 11, 2016, 02:44:47 PM
Noctis sighed finally feeling like he could catch his breath.Walking over to the relics Noctis grabbed the item that looked to be the matching pair to the one Persimmon has in his hand. When he turned around he waved the object in his hand to show his partner that he picked one already and that they were could leave with the other two students.

He hated how much the doctor side of his surfaced. The first thing he says after the battle being over was if anyone had any injuries. It didn't look like anyone was hurt but looks can be deceiving.

"You three alright?" He asked.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on November 11, 2016, 02:57:35 PM
"My damaged pride has indeed been healed." The tall faunus laughed as his weapon shifted to its neutral form and he attached it to his belt.  Argent looked at the relic that Noctis had picked up, and then to the rest of the relics.

"If we collected them all, I wonder if we'd get a prize. Like socks, or a hoodie." The elephant faunus sighed.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on November 11, 2016, 04:28:07 PM
Persimmon eyeballed the relic, a curious look on his face as if noticing something important. Without saying a word, he shrugged and put it away.

He turned to Argent in response to his comment. "Just take one. I can tell you right now these things aren't worth anything beyond our initiation into Beacon." With that thought, a scheme crossed his mind and he took another relic, hiding it under a pile of rocks in the corner. Someone's in for a scare. He then started walking towards the exit.

((Timeskip back to Beacon for another GM post?))
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on November 12, 2016, 01:54:55 PM
In compliance with a message sent to all first-years, the initiates in the forest gathered back at Beacon for their team assignments. Oddly enough, the Beacon headmaster was absent from this event, as were the two huntsmen who had been at the cliff preceding their initiation. Instead, the students were to receive their assignments from a nondescript middle-aged man who, well, clearly didn't want to be here.

He kept the students' instructions brief: "As some of you may know, we typically group students based on similarities with the relics they pick up. Well, you've probably noticed that these chunks of jade in your pockets seem to have no interesting qualities whatsoever. Within the next half hour, it will be up to you to determine who your teammates are based upon the pieces you each collected. Get to it." The man walked away without even asking if anyone had any questions.

The reactions among the crowd ranged from confusion to outrage as everyone pulled out their relics, examining them for any standout characteristics. Persimmon found the whole thing rather bittersweet. He was pretty sure he had some idea of what the connecting element between these artifacts was, but to find his teammates would mean actually consulting with many of the upbeat weirdos of the Beacon first year class. What it came down to was two options: Either show off how cool he was by solving the puzzle, or play dumb until the crowd thinned down to three plus himself. While he considered, Persimmon simply stared at the chunk of jade in his hand.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on November 12, 2016, 04:26:40 PM
Of Course the instructor didn't care about answering questions although he was pretty straight forward as it is.Noctis sighed holding the piece of rock that he had gotten for himself and Argent. He glanced over at Sherwood and Fox boy. He shrugged and went back to his previous standing position with his hands in his pocket and looking at the crowds of students.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on November 12, 2016, 04:54:10 PM
Argent thought about the strange stone whilst he stood beside his partner. "Maybe..Hm, no. What about..no, that can't be right. Oh, oh, maybe there is a mark on our stone than matches with another one?" At this point Argent was just guessing.

The tall faunus looked down to his partner, wondering. Why does this have to be so vague? He thought. Argent then looked around to the other first years, thinking about how many of them had a semblance of an idea about what to do with the relics.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on November 12, 2016, 07:27:41 PM
Sherwood watches the rest of the room break off into conversations and stone comparison. As much as he wanted to discover who his teammates would be, finally, this whole thing seemed a bit ridiculous. They had just fought Grimm, been launched into the woods. It all comes down to comparing rocks? Sherwood couldn't help frowning a bit at how mundane it all seems.

Still, Beacon is Beacon Academy. They know what they're doing. Sherwood sighs and rolls his shoulders. He looks over the rock, so he knows what to ask about when he starts talking to people. If he can figure out what so special, at least it should be quick to compare. Finding the teammates he's been waiting for is worth a cheesy icebreaker or two.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on November 12, 2016, 08:07:33 PM
Persimmon remembered what had been told to him when they started. The first person he locked eyes with in the forest was to be his partner for the rest of his time at Beacon. That person would be... Sherwood. It seemed strange that the school was always able to put partners on the same team even though the teams were decided by these relics. What if he or Sherwood had decided to pick up a different piece?

Regardless of this line of reasoning, Persimmon went ahead and picked Sherwood out of the crowd. It would at least be easier to start a conversation with him rather than any of the other random students around the place.

"Miss me? We've been apart for a few whole minutes now!" Persimmon mockingly said from in front of Sherwood. Sure he had the lad's attention, Persimmon held out his relic. "Wanna see if we'll be together for the next four years?"
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on November 12, 2016, 09:08:39 PM
Noctis ended up handing his peice to Argent. "Maybe it's suppose to fit with the corresponding piece? I really don't know. It's just a chunk of Jade. Who make a relic a piece of Jade?"

Absentmindedly Noctis leaned a bit on Argent with his cheek squished against his left arm as he looks at the green gem. Maybe they should go look for the other students, Persimmon and Sherwood, to see if they had figured it out. As he thought quietly he was putting more of his weight on the tall Faunus. He didn't notice until he needed to shift his weight on his other leg. Noctis moved away with a tint of red dwelling on his face.

"I-uh. sorry so I. Ah! Iorry so...No. I mean," Noctis stammered feeling nervous about how Argent would react.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on November 15, 2016, 01:33:05 PM
"Ah, it's alright. Maybe the other two have this figured out." Argent began to jam Noctis' piece together with his own, trying to not look embarrassed and both Noctis' actions and him looking stupid trying to make a stone with a piece of rock.

While doing this he strode over to Sherwood and Persimmon. "Yo, you two? Wanna see if it fits tog--" The jade fit together. It was only half of the stone, but it fit and Argent was happy.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on November 15, 2016, 02:25:03 PM
"If ya can figure this thing out be ma guest." Sherwood says, lightly tossing the rock to Persimmon. "Ah'm... not much for puzzles." He says.

When Argent approaches, Sherwood nods to him in greeting. He cocks an eyebrow in surprise as the elephant faunus got the jade stones he held to fit together. So it was possible.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on November 15, 2016, 08:44:54 PM
"This really is too simple," Persimmon bragged, not having noticed Argent already blundered his way to the solution. "These scratches, the size and shape of the stones, the pattern in the grooves... it's obvious these things stick together. If we line up our pieces like so..." Persimmon locked the two jade relics together, their scratches lining up to form an imperfect rectangular shape. The image was still clearly cut off at one side, indicating more relics needed to fit in order to show them what they were meant to see.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on November 16, 2016, 02:37:42 PM
Noctis stepped up on his toes to see what Persimmon was talking about. There was an engraving in the stone but it was hard to make out since it was only half. The male nudged Argent to hand their half to the fox to see if there's would complete the picture.

"We'll Argent forced our pieces together," Noctis tells the other two students. "So if out pieces complete the picture, we are stuck on a team together for the next four years."
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on November 16, 2016, 02:46:29 PM
"Did that man say what had to be done when we actually found our teams...? Maybe we get a prize for doing it..first?" Argent looked around, noticing that the others were still chittering and chatting. He looked for someone in the other groups who had figured it out aswell, ending his search with a shrug.

"We better not just have to wait.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on November 16, 2016, 07:45:02 PM
Persimmon swiped the pieces Argent and Noctis were holding. Moment of truth... he thought as he slotted the two fragments into the top of the figure he had just made.

Sure enough, the pieces fit perfectly. As one, the image engraved on the jade tablet became clear. The scratches in the surface formed outlines of an evergreen tree, and the points of polish and dullness formed shades of light and dark. Sherwood's piece contained the majority of the tree's trunk as well as the roots. Persimmon's was a lonely shaded branch sticking directly off the trunk in such a way that the image would feel empty without it. Finally, Argent and Noctis' pieces formed the upper branches and leaves of the tree, intricately bound together and blended beautifully such that an observer would be hard pressed to identify where one relic ended and the other began.

Persimmon couldn't help but be relieved. If he was going to be forced into a team for the rest of his years at the academy, it was at least good that he was with people he knew could hold up in a fight. A grin spread across his face. "Well, boys, isn't that a nice coincidence? We're already as tight as four peas in a pod, aren't we? Of course, one pea has to be the big cheese..." He pondered how gross it would be to merge peas with cheese before realizing that wasn't the point.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: MissyMidna on November 17, 2016, 11:48:38 AM
Noctis cringed at Persimmons little joke. "Well damn. I'm stuck on a team with bad joke mcgee over here. Although I have no room to complain since I have my own regiment of annoying habits too."

He crossed his arms. "Still, glad to be on a team with the three of you." He smiled lightly before he reverted back to his default facial expression. Thank the glob he didn't have a resting bitch face or everyone would think he hated everything.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on November 17, 2016, 03:41:27 PM
Sherwood leans forward as Persimmon presses the jade tablets together. He thinks he sees the rest of team doing the same out of the corner of his eye, but he can't be sure and he isn't going to look away to check. As they click together, Sherwood can't help but smile a bit."Must be some form'a destiny." Sherwood says as he leans back against the wall. "The locker room, then the forest... Now this." He looks over each member with a small smile. His mentor had been right. The team is the most important part of Academy. He could see that much already.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on November 21, 2016, 02:26:04 PM
Nearby teams, noticing the boys' success, followed suit. By the end of the half hour, every student had found their team except one group, which was missing a student. Persimmon chuckled as a sweat-drenched boy frantically sprinted through the door, screaming apologies and waving the artifact found under the rocks.

As if sensing the students' jubilation at finding their teams, the man from earlier swiftly took his place back at the front of the room and put an end to their celebrations. "Attention students: Assuming you have found your teammates, you are to line up by the right of stage. You will receive further instructions once your relics have been checked." He gestured to a ramp on stage right, where a woman with a clipboard waved sheepishly to the students, a look in her eyes that said "I apologize for him."

The four boys made their way to the line as several groups stepped aside, allowing them to go first. Whether this was out of gratitude for figuring out the puzzle with the relics or simply as an excuse not to go first, Persimmon didn't know, but he made a point of smiling broadly and verbally thanking all the ladies that stepped aside for him.
...Gracious eyes turned to icy stares when they fell on him after that.
Regardless, the four made it to stage right unharmed. The woman at the ramp checked the completed picture in Sherwood's hands against something on her clipboard, circled that something, then handed the clipboard to the man on stage. She then took the jade slab in one hand and shook Sherwood's hand with the other as she whispered, "Congrats, boys. Put up with just a little more, alright?"

The four boys stepped up on stage and walked forward until they were instructed to stop by the unpleasant man. They were then arranged in a line, shoulder-to-shoulder, in order from left to right: Argent, Sherwood, Persimmon, Noctis. Their jade tablet was displayed on center stage underneath blown-up digital versions of the pictures they were required to submit with their transcripts when applying to Beacon. The man wasted no time with his announcement. "Our first team today is... Team ASPN, of Argent Grae, Persimmon Burhan, Noctis Quartz, and leader Sherwood Cathasaigh. May Beacon treat you well." The room erupted in cheers, and Persimmon pulled his hood up. The speaker actually cracked a smile, but the four stooges quickly realized he wasn't looking at them, but something behind them.

"Guess we made it, huh? We're a pretty cool team." Persimmon lightly elbowed Sherwood in the stomach. "Got anything to say, fearless leader?" he asked with his now near-iconic smirk.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: willow_lark on November 21, 2016, 02:44:44 PM
"Ah... uh..." Sherwood says, wondering they applaud with the crowd as well. He knew a leader had to be picked but he didn't think it'd be him. He was already uncomfortable with the whole room turning it's attention to him, and his mind races with a hundred tangential thoughts. Rather than try and process any of them, he went straight for the simple response. "Ah'll do my best team." He says with a nod. "It is a real honor."
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: CptSteel on November 22, 2016, 01:55:52 PM
Argent was happy for Sherwood that he got the role of leader, he thought that the archer deserved it. "We've got years ahead of us, team. I hope we don't hate each other by the end of them." The tall faunus said with a smile.

Argent was also happy that his name was said first. ASPN, huh? I also could have been BANS, I guess. Eh." He mumbled to the team.
Title: Re: The Forest for the Trees [CLOSED][ASPN Initiation]
Post by: Flooberoid on November 22, 2016, 08:08:56 PM
The team stepped off stage to make way for the next team. On their way out, they saw the woman with the clipboard smile widely and hug (or... squeeze vigorously?) one of the students in the next group. "Oooh, my little boy's turning into such a fine young man, isn't he? Look at you, all grown up and training to be a hunter just like mom and dad! Why, I could swear it was just yesterday when I could cradle you in my arms..."
...And so on. The student, as well as the middle-aged man on stage, turned beet red as most of the other first-year students started joking around and snickering at the boy. Persimmon chuckled along as he walked away. This has promise to be a good few years... Well, for some of us at least.