Aircraft blotted out the sky, their rumbling surplanted by the sounds of Pox bombs falling.

  The world swore there'd never be another war. Millions dead. An entire generation lost. And yet, here we were—burning again. The war was costly, sure but now?

  I wasn't so sure.

  It's been a week since we retreated underground. The surface is near-uninhabitable, poison in the air, the sun blotted out by smoke. Not even the hardest scavenger dares top-side.

  I was lucky to get inside. I found a friend—new, weird, quiet. Said he was a Mortician in the army.

  Still not sure if he heals people... or buries them.

  ————

  "We'll be back up top once we crush those Empire bastards. Give it a week," he muttered, stitching a Soldat's torn arm.

  "Sure fuckin' hope so..." I said, eyeing the pox blisters on the med-bay wall. "Once the rot clears, maybe we'll get our lives back."

  A line of Empire POWs walked past, bruised, bloodied, heads down.

  "Embassy boys?" I asked, watching them.

  "Yeah." He snorted. "Thought defecting would save 'em."

  I shook my head. "Guess they were wrong."

  —————————

  Students drifted through the halls, chatting, laughing. Some stared at the four, confused at their strange attire. One, carrying a handbag, shook her head. Dissaproving of their attire.

  Storm stood motionless in front of his locker, staring like it had insulted him.

  "I'm not putting my gun in there."

  "Mine doesn't even fit," AM muttered. His AT rifle stood taller than the locker by half a foot.

  "What about mine?" Bulwark added, pointing to his Lewis gun. He shook his head, helmet rattling slightly.

  Radio wrapped her Rosario necklace around her wrist. "I'm not one to leave without my gun. Feels like walking naked."

  "Fair," Storm said, nodding. "Besides... we'll need 'em for this 'initiation' anyway."

  The intercom buzzed overhead. "Would all first year students report to Beacon cliff immediately?"

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  —————————

  Beacon Cliff

  —————————

  The launch pads were grimy. Ancient. Like they'd been sitting here since the fall of the Roman Empire.

  Not the Holy one.

  Please—learn the difference.

  ...Anyway.

  "For years, you've trained to become warriors," Ozpin said, pacing in front of the students. "Today, your abilities will be tested—in the Emerald Forest."

  He stepped aside. Glynda took stage.

  "Now, I'm sure I'm sure you've heard rumors about the team assignments," Glynda said. "Allow us to clear that up."

  "Each of you will be given teammates, today." She paused.

  Ozpin continued where she left off. "The first person you make eye contact with after landing becomes your partner—for the next four years."

  Ozpin's eyes drifted to Red Hood, muttering under her breath.

  "So, in your best interest to not fuck this up."

  AM adjusted the rally flag strapped to his hip. "Alright... interesting."

  "After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path... or you will die," Glynda said, flat as stone.

  Bulwark leaned toward AM. "Well that's not promising."

  "Now! Take positions!" Ozpin said, shaking his mug slightly. "I wish you all luck, for this initiation will not be easy." He continued. "Your performance will be graded, but our instructors shall not intervene."

  "Any questions?" Ozpin asked.

  Radio raised a hand, white glove flashing in the sun.

  "Question..." she said, hesitating as Ozpin nodded.

  "Are you going to... throw us?"

  "Yes," Ozpin replied, sipping his mug. "Via the pads you're standing on."

  AM looked at Ozpin, then at his First Aid Kit.

  "I am not getting paid enough for this shit..."

  Radio facepalms, then adjusts her beret slightly, and faces the forest.

  AM is launched, screaming slightly.

  Storm is launched, his form perfect for gliding.

  Bulwark gets launched the pad creaking slightly from his weight.

  Radio gets launched, yelping from the sheer suddenness of the launch.

  —————————

  Storm hit the ground hard.

  CRACK.

  Pain exploded through both legs—sharp, searing. Blood streaked down his pants. No hesitation. He opened his FAK, grabbed scissors, and a flask of alcohol.

  Helmet lifted. A gulp.

  Then he jammed the scissors into his thigh and dug.

  A bullet clinked to the ground.

  From where? ion fuckin' know mate.

  He then grabs a splint from inside and pulls it around his legs.

  AM then lands beside him, in the same way, this time falling onto his back. "Augh!" He cries, hands gripping his legs. "Fucking hell— Ow!" He screamed, collapsing onto the ground. Storm glances over, opening his FAK once more.

  "Stand still, let me help you." He pulls out his scissors, shoving it into AM's legs and pulling out another bullet.

  srsly where are these bullets coming from?? Archex pls fix

  "Thanks, you're a lifesaver." AM said, thanking him. "Now.. where are we..?" He pulled out his compass, it immediately locking on west.

  "That's helpful." Storm muttered, pulling 'The Reaper' from his back and into his hands, he continued, "But first we must find our team-"

  Radio crashed down next—face-first into the dirt.

  WHUMP.

  Soil shot up, coating AM like a dust grenade. "I think I broke my face..." she groaned.

  AM looks over, concerned. "I don't...-"

  She popped upright, brushing her face off like nothing happened.

  "I'm fine."

  CLANG.

  Bulwark slammed into Radio.

  Bulwark, who punted Radio with his head, now concussed stood up, and walking over to her. "Are.. are you okay..?" He fished for his FAK and quickly did surgery on her, making her raise up, better than ever.

  "...I think I'm traumatized." she mumbled... "Anyway.. where was I before being rudely interrupted?" she put a hand on her chin when AM slid over and whispered it into her ear. "R- right! We go to find the 'Relic'!"

  And off they go.

  ————

  Broken

  Battered

  I shall rise

  The Queen promised me, Deliverance.

  In the next life.

  For steel and lead will not put out my fire.

  prefer?