Hi everyone!

This is a short, more descriptive chapter, but we'll soon be getting into the swing of things :)

Hope you enjoy,

~wormy apple

As the sun rose up to begin the day, its light filtered through a tall window. That light fell upon the face of a young, troubled man whose life was beginning to look up. The light, however, was not welcome at the current moment, since he was perfectly asleep. Emphasis on was.

"Blasted light! Go away..." he mumbled, using his arm to cover his eyes. This didn't help much, since two seconds later, the birds right outside his window began to chirp. Throwing a pillow over his head to attempt to hide from the noise, he soon realized that it was no help. He stretched and yawned as he looked over at the clock on his bedside table. 7:05am it read. To early, he thought.

The young man, who went by the name of Ash, got ready for the day, his new clothing and battle armor ready for action. Knee-high navy blue boots, black jeans, azure-blue colored muscle tank, and matching hat. His open-collared jacket, shaded in deep green and light blue, contained a fine protective mesh that was comparable to metal armor, yet more flexible. On the back of his jacket was his family's crest, colored in a light blue to match the collar and sleeves.

Before heading out the door to greet the day, Ash took hold of his new weapon; its design based upon Sir Aaron's staff, yet like most weapons in the world of Remnant, it is a mechashift. A wooden, teak exterior, topped with a focusing crystal that can absorb various dust types for a quick boost. With a quick release, the pieces surrounding the crystal would enlarge, creating a hollow, spiked sphere that could detach from the base rod, yet still be held together via chain. Ergo, the staff would shift into a flail (ball and chain weapon).

It has now been nearly 5 weeks since he and Latias arrived in Remnant, and his father taught them much. However, he was still nervous for both today and tomorrow, as the summer break for the students at Beacon waned. Today students will be arriving onto campus; tomorrow's initiation.

With a sigh, he exited his room (which was luckily private, as he was related to the headmaster), and bumped into Latias, who also wore her new outfit. Ankle-high red boots, paired with a collared maroon polo-dress (lined in the same protective mesh as Ash's jacket). The soul dew hung around her neck as a pendant. Her weapon, though unusual, was currently collapsed and resting against her back. When expanded, it folded out into a pair of wings that matched her pokemon form's. Using her 'semblance' of levitation as well as gravity dust, she was able to fly. The edges of the wings were razor-sharp blades. The wings also contained collapsible rocket launchers. On the centerpiece of the wings (the piece that held the wings while collapsed) shone her logo: a pearlescent blue circle with a red triangle layered on top (reminding her of her of her brother's soul dew and her pokemon self).

Taking her hand into his, the pair made their way down to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat before everyone else showed up.

Later that day, they came upon Ozpin just before he was about to go onstage for his welcoming speech. The man looked at the two and raised his eyebrow and asked, "Avoiding meeting the new students, are we?"

Ash nodded, a bit nervous. "Well, yeah. I'm still getting used to being around large groups of people again."

"We know we need to meet the others," continued Latias, who was more excited than nervous, "but it may be easier to do so in smaller groups than in this large crowd."

Ozpin looked at them a few moments longer before speaking, alleviating Ash's unspoken fears. "Though they may currently be strangers, you will be able to meet them. They may one day be your friends. True hardship and trouble will come your way, but if you keep others beside you, they can support you, and you them. You knew this; your faith in humanity just needs to be restored once again. Ash, you just need to take the first step and meet the other students; you may be surprised by what you find. Remember, though, that son, no matter what, Latias and I are here with you and for you. We are here to support you and encourage you. I am proud of you, son, no matter what."

"Thanks dad," Ash spoke while trying to ignore the tears filling his eyes.

"I'll...keep this brief. You have traveled here today in search of knowledge-to hone your craft and acquire new skills. And when you have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people. But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy, in need of purpose – direction. You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this school will prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step."

Latias looked at Ash, asking him "Ready to enter the ballroom and meet everyone?"

Ash took a breath and steeled himself and his crazed emotions. "Let's do it."