A Pawn's tale

A rag-tag team of jokers and weirdys are taking their first steps to becoming huntresses and hunter. But first they have to try to survive their first few days at Beacon. Literally.

Warning
Slight language

A Pawn's tale part 1
Inside an airship on it's way to the famous Beacon Academy, we find a young man in a long purple coat sitting by himself, anxiously but quietly awaiting to step foot at the new school, but thats not the main reason he's all nervous.

"(Aw man, this is gonna be so awesome! But at the same time, I'm having a really bad feeling about this. I'm gonna finally meet Yin Yin face to face. I hope I don't embarrass myself like an idiot. I mean I know we've already known each other for about a year, but...")

Before the young man could finish his internal monologue, a hologram of a blonde lady by the name of Glynda Goodwitch shows up and announces to all the new students on the ship that they'll be landing in Beacon shortly. Is she a teacher at the school? Possibly, she certainly dresses the part, very well in the young man's opinion.

"Oh boy. (Sigh) Well, time to get the show on the road as they say."

He gets up and makes his to one of the exit doors and takes his place with several other students awaiting the drop-off. As the ships land, a tall blonde boy rushes past everyone and quickly starts vacating his stomach in the nearest trash bin.

("Geez, I already have a slight fear of heights, it'd be awful if I was also airsick. Poor guy") The young man thinks to himself.

("Oh boy, how the hell am I ever gonna find Yin Yin? Is she even here yet? There were some ships heading back. Maybe shes still waiting for her trip. (Sigh) I suppose there is only one way for me to find out. But I don't like it.")

With a small gasp of air, the boy lets out a small cry. "Yin Yin! Yin Yin! Where are you?!" He says as he walks around and spins around looking for her. "Yin Yin?! Uhg, where is she? I really would rather not spend five minutes of yelling like an idiot. Yin?! Geez."

Just then, a cry could be heard from behind him.

"Zahn! Xanny! Over here!"

It was a short girl in a long dark blue robe and her hair was tied up into a bun with a hair stick, and Zahn immediately recognized who it was.

"Yin Yin!"

With a small leap, Yin gave Zahn a big bear hug, and Zahn returned in kind.

"Aw Yin Yin, its so great to finally meet you! Aw man, you are short." Zahn says with a small chuckle.

"Hmph! Well thats a nice way to say hi to your big sis!" Yin replies, folding her arms and showing a slight scowl.

"Heh heh heh, I'm sorry Yin Yin. It really is great to see you Yin Yin, and to be going to the same school as you too. Its awesome and terrifying."

"Why? Is little Xanny afraid I'll one up him?" She says with a smirk.

"A little yeah, but its mostly cuz i'm afraid you're gonna embarrass me terribly."

"Ohhh, i'm not gonna embarrass you Xanny. Don't worry. So, how've you been? Have you made any new friends yet?"

"First off, its been ok. Secondly, Yin, its the first day of school. I doubt a guy of my caliber is capable of even making a new friend in the first week."

"Well thats why i'm here. I'm gonna be the good big sis and help you make some new friends."

"Yin its fine, I am fine with not yet -woah! Yin! What're you doing?!" In an instant, Yin grabbed Zahn by the arm and started pulling him around the walkway to the academy.

"Big sis is doing her job! I'm gonna find someone who looks nice and get you and them acquainted!"

"Yin this isn't necessary." He says with an air of annoyance.

"Its fine Xanny, its gonna be fine. I know that you prefer socializing with girls and that you get nervous with girls, so I'll find you a sweet looking cute girl to talk to."

"Yin, we've only been in Beacon for like 7 minutes and you're already dragging me to do something crazy. Also, is it just me or is the logic of your reasoning oxymoronic or whatever the word is?"

"Don't worry Xanny, I got this. Who knows? Maybe you'll get lucky and she'll become your girlfriend." Yin says slyly with an equally sly chuckle.

"What the hell?! I did not ask for you to play matchmaker! Now let me go!"

"I'm just teasing Xanny. Or least its wishful thinking. Ooo, that girl over there seems nice and yet also mysterious. That seems like a good combo." She says while pointing to a girl with a large faded cyan cloak around her body, reaching to her knees. She appears to have light skin with silver hair and bright orange eyes.

"What the hell you are embarrassing me Yin Yin." He says with a grimace, and stopping in his tracks.

"Xanny come on! I just wanna help you make some new friends. Come on. I know the main reason why you don't wanna talk to her. I had a friend like you. He didn't want to talk to girls because he didn't want to seem like a bother. Come on Xan. At worst she'll just think you're just a minor random annoyance and forget about you. At best she'll be interested in becoming friends with you, maybe more if you're lucky. And I admit that she does look a little ominous with that cloak and the combo silver hair and piercing orange eyes, but I could say the same for you, mister tall, dark, and menacing."

"I'm only 5'6"! Thats, ugh, pretty short compared to most guys. And are you referring to my hair? Just cause I comb my bangs over half my face doesn't mean I'm some sort of whiny emo. And I apologize for not being the most expressive guy in the world Yin Yin." He replies with severe annoyance. "But... alright. Fine Yin Yin. I'll give this a try. But could you please tone down your giddyness or whatever?"

Smiling, and letting go of his arm, Yin replies "OK Xanny. Thats all I ask, just give it a shot. Now just go and talk to her. I'll be right by your side and i'll help however I can. I'll be your wingman."

"Wing 'girl'."

"Yeah, yeah. Now, go on." She whispers.

As Zahn makes his way to the cloaked girl with Yin right behind, the girl notices them and turns to face them with a small smile.

"Eh hem, uh, hello. My name is Zahn. Zahn Fa. This is Yin Ying. We're both first years at the school."

"Hiya." Yin says in a childish voice while waving her hand at the cloaked girl.

"Pleased to meet you both." The girl replies in a friendly tone. "This is my first year at Beacon too. My name is Esther Stellano."

"Pleasure to meet your acquaintance Esther." Zahn replies with a nod of his head while holding his hand to his chest. "So. Ar-are you from around here?" (What the hell?! Did I just use a pick-up line?!)

"Nah. I moved to Vale City from my hometown. Its in the desert between the Kingdom of Vale and it's neighbor."

"You're from the desert? That sounds awesome! Uh, I mean, well that depends on your perspective I guess."

"I liked it. Its certainly much warmer than Vale City." She says with a small shiver.

"Huh? Its not that cold, its like about 70 degrees." Says Yin.

"Well i'm a native of the desert. I got used to the heat there. Vale City might as well be in the fall season."

"Is that why you're wearing that? That huge cloak?" Zahn asked.

"Mostly yeah. Its also a little gift from my mother that she gave me before I left for Beacon."

Just then, a small announcement was heard all over the school. "ATTENTION ALL NEW BEACON STUDENTS. ORIENTATION WILL BEGIN IN 30 MINUTES. PLEASE MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE AUDITORIUM AND DON'T BE LATE."

"Auditorium? Wheres that?" Esther inquires.

"Umm, I have no idea, do you Yin?"

Yin shakes her head. "Nope. I've never been to Beacon before. How come you don't know Zahn? You are a local afterall."

"They don't exactly have tours..... do they? I don't know. Our best bet would probably be to just follow everyone else. Would you care to join us Esther?"

"I'd be happy to."

The trio makes their way along the main path to the academy, following all the other students while continuing their chit chat.

"So Esther." Yin pipes in. "Do you know anyone else here at Beacon?"

"Nope. I was the only person from my village who wanted to become a hunter. I mean, to attend Beacon. There were a few others, but I didn't really know them that well, and they went off to other academies. I was worried that it might be hard for me to make some new friends here at Beacon."

"Well you have some now!" Yin says very cheerily.

"Oh don't mind Yin Yin. Shes a total whackjob. She doesn't know what shes talking about half the time."

"Hey!"

"Right now we're just acquaintances."

"Oh. Well thats... kind of a downer."

"Ah i'm just kidding Esther. Despite only knowing you for like 15 minutes, you seem rather nice despite your menacing appearance."

"Aw thanks.... wait. I look menacing?"

"Its cuz of that huge cloak you're wearing. It kinda makes you look a little shifty."

"Hmmpf. I think it looks cool."

"Oh, it is cool. Definitely. But at the same time, it does look rather ominous or whatever."

"Don't mind Xanny. He's just a huge jerk." Yin replies with a face of minor annoyance.

"Bleh." Responds Zahn.

Esther chuckles at their little banter before asking a little question thats been bugging her a bit. "Say Yin. Are you and Zahn, like, an item or something?"

"What?!" Exclaims Zahn. "Oh, no no no no no no no. We are very not! Together. I assure you. Why are you saying this?"

"Well you seem to have that chemistry. Plus those nicknames, Yin Yin and Xanny. Plus earlier, I noticed Zahn calling out for you before you two gave each other bear hugs."

"We are NOT together Esther. Yin is just my big sister. Nothing more."

"Big sister? But Yin is so... so..... short."

"I'm average!" Yin says, insulted.

"OK, average height. But you two don't look like siblings. Adopted?"

"I knew someone was gonna say that eventually. No. We just... get along really well. I met Yin Yin in this online game a few months back, and just really clicked y'know? Not clicked like a crush or anything. I assure you that we see eachother as nothing more than brother and sister." Zahn explained.

"Yep. Xanny is my adorable and stupid little brother." She says while giving Zahn pats on the head.

"And Yin Yin is my total dork of a sister." He says with a tiny smile.

"Aw thats sweet." Chuckles Esther.

"What about you Esther? Any siblings?" Zahn asks.

"Nah. Only child and I am A-OK with that. Oh, looks like we're here."

Before the three of them was the grand building of Beacon, and within a few yards was the huge door leading to the auditorium, with dozens upon dozens of other first year students. Just then, Zahn notices a particular lady in white walking just to their right.

"Woah. Hey girls look!" He says quietly while giving Yin a small nudge on her shoulder. "I think thats Weiss Schnee. The heiress to the Schnee Dust company. I can't believe shes going to Beacon too."

"Yeah it is." Replied Yin. "And whys that Xanny? You got a little crush on the little dust heiress?" She teases with a nudge to Zahn's stomach.

"Oh shut up Yin."

"(Gasp!) You do! Little Xanny has a crush on the princess!"

"Shut up Yin! So what if I do? Shes very pretty, thats for sure. Plus theres the fact shes all refined and sophisticated."

"Xanny is something of a nut for sophistication. He says that since he was a little kid, he's always wanted to be a chivalrous gentleman." Yin says, leaning towards Esther with her hand raised to hide her mouth.

"(Sighs) Its gonna be a long four years."

"Well i'm not really a fan of the Schnee Company. Theres been lots of controversy about their mistreatment of faunus."

"Oh, are you a faunus?" Zahn asks.

"No no no, i'm just a human. But my adopted parents were faunus."

"Really? Thats certainly interesting. Oh look, I think thats the school director, Mr. Ozpin. I think its time for our orientation." Says Zahn

After the orientation...

"So everyone has to sleep in the same large room? With no rooms designated for just boys and just girls. I got a bad feeling about this." Zahn whispers with a little exasperation in his voice.

"Why Xanny? You love girls. This is perfect for you." Yin whispers back.

"Don't say it like that Yin Yin. I'd appreciate that you not start giving people the wrong idea about me."

"Oh come on Xanny. I saw you checking out Weiss. And quite a few other girls while we walked to the auditorium. And a few while we were walking here. And few right now." Yin says while nudging Zahn in the stomach, while all Zahn can think of to say is groan at his sister's teasing.

"Aaaaannd. I saw you checking you Esther."

"Oh my god. Yin. I check out lots of girls. And i'm pretty sure tons of guys do it too. It does not mean that your 'match-making' worked, nor does it mean I have an intention to date Esther, who, I'd like to remind you, we only just met today."

"Does that mean you don't find her appealing? Hmmmm?" She whispers with an obnoxiously childish grin.

"You are NOT gonna twist my words Yin Yin."

From across the room and behind a corner, we find a certain silver haired girl doing a little eavesdropping, with her little high-tech smart-pad called a scroll out and talking to a older lady with fox ears.

"I don't know mom. He seems pretty nice and funny. And I overheard him and his sister choosing me to talk to because I was cute or something."

"Now Esther, I didn't help you hone your hearing so you could eavesdrop." Replied the fox lady.

"Oh I know mom, but... i don't know! I've never dated someone before. This is the only thing about social interaction that I know nothing about!"

"Esther. You shouldn't jump to conclusions. After all, you just met this boy just today. You should learn a little more about him first."

"Isn't that kinda how dates work? Plus, like I said. This is so new to me. I wouldn't be acting like this if I hadn't overheard Yin talking about finding a potential girlfriend for Zahn."

"Esther. My little cub. Just push these thoughts away for now or at least don't think about them too much."

"(Sigh) OK momma. I should go and get some sleep. Good night momma."

"Good night my little cub."

"(Sigh)" Esther decides to keep her distance away from them for now, and sleeps far across the room from them.

The next day, after everyones finished dragging themselves from their sleeping bags and doing the usual morning procedures and having sone breakfast, we join the trio at the trio at the lockers.

"OK Yin, Hunter teams are made up of four members. Theres you and I, and Esther if you'd like to join." He says as he takes out his weapon.

"I'd be OK with that. What kind of weapon is that Zahn?" Pointing at the small square object with a handle

"This here is Violet Vanguard." Zahn performs a flicking motion on a small touchpad, and the object folds out into a large tower shield about half his height. The outside is rather plain, just a simple violet colored shield. "This little thing is made of some extremely strong metal and can withstand a direct hit from an ursa. Right here at the bottom are four barrels. If I press this little round button twice." The shield's handle moves to the lower part of the shield and is now held parallel to Zahn's arm. "The shield can act as a medium ranged shotgun. The blasts are unfortunately too weak and un-concentrated to deal any real damage unless you were to stand right in front of the barrel, but it can send foes flying across the room. And since its currently in shotgun form, I gotta press the button three times. And voila." The shield moves forward, only covering Zahn's forearm now. It begins to fold around his arm into a some sort of large cannon. "It is now a long-ranged and very powerful semi-automatic battle rifle, with its shots capable of reaching at least 700 feet and are extremely powerful. And on the side here is where I reload my dust crystals. It can shoot at least 100 shots before I need to reload, but unfortunately VV needs 30 seconds to charge every time I reload."

"Cool."

"What about you Esther? You some kinda martial artist what with those gauntlets?" He points to a pair of slate colored very mechanical looking gauntlets resting on Esther's hips.

"Sorta. But I'm not gonna reveal my secrets to you."

"What? What are you talking about?"

"A good huntress never reveals her secrets."

"Esther, I just wanna know what kinda weapons they are. We're all friends her, right?"

"You can find out during the initiation if we run into each other."

"Oh brother."

"What about you Yin?"

"Well..." From the sheath on her hip, she pulls out a sword that appears to have two blades. Then she pulls the handles apart, and its actually just two swords. The swords are single-edged and somewhat curved, with the hilts also curved. "This is Wanderer on the right, and Wonderer on the left. They are dao swords, plain and simple swords. They're perfect for slashing and chopping enemies. I made them myself. Along with the help of one of my professors. The curved hilts help make positioning my swords much easier and more accurate, and they allow me to deal extra damage simply by tightening my grip. And the hand-guards were made into half-circles so I could store them both in a single sheath."

"And why'd you pick those as your arsenal?"

"Well, I think that slashing attacks are much more effective in combat. Plus they keep the blade covering most of your body so that way, i'm always ready to block an attack. Thrusting moves expose more of your body, and my defense is uhhh, kinda lacking."

"Interesting. So now that you two are done with your exposition, who do you guys think should be our fourth?" She says as she leans her shoulder on a locker.

"I dunno." Replies Zahn. "Its not like we know anyone else. Going by me and Yin Yin, and the looks of you Esther, we could use someone who can tank a lot of damage."

"Like a guy in plate armor Xanny?"

"Preferably, I suppose."

Over in a different locker room, a girl in a small hoodie is talking to someone in a video on her scroll.

"Dad, I don't wanna talk about this. I'm not a fan of the idea that I gotta be in some team, but if I gotta in order to attend one of the best Hunter Schools in Remnant, so be it."

"Rouge honey, all i want is for you to try and make some friends. And when you form teams, just please try to get along with them."

"As long as they stay outta my way and leave me alone, everything will be all hunky-dorey." She replies, waving her hand in the air.

"Rouge, you can't keep brushing people off. You need to learn to work with others. You can't keep dwelling on the past Rouge."

"I'm not dwelling!"

"Rouge come on, you and I both know that what you are doing is not what Saffron would want."

"Shut up! Just shut up! You don't know what Saffron would've wanted!" She yells at him with anger, closing the scroll and cutting off the video-call. "Grrrrr!" She bangs on a locker with her fist with a loud klang. She holds her hand over eyes, as a single tears runs down her face and a small sniffle could be heard. "I. Am not. Gonna let a bunch of amateurs get in my way. I'm gonna graduate from Beacon as the #1 huntress, if its the last thing I do." She says with determination before the speakers turn on, informing all new students to make their way to Beacon Cliffs for the initiation. "Lets get this over with."