Blade of the Vanguard; The Tenth Legion

After returning from the Emerald Vale, the students were gathered into the large ballroom they had slept in the night before. It was unchanged for the most part, with the exception of a large podium that had been set up against the back wall. The students stared up at Ozpin with bated breath, he was the one who would ultimately decide whether or not they would be accepted as huntsmen and huntresses in training.

"Good Evening. I would like to start by congratulating you all on returning to the academy with your lives. It is with great pride that I can say we've completed the entrance exam this year with zero casualties." His usually cold and calculating eyes softened, "Yet it is with a heavy heart that I ask those of you who recovered pawn relics of either color to take their leave. Rest assured there will be other opportunities to be accepted into Beacon in the future."

Loud groans and cries of defeat filled the air, as students began to slowly trudge out of the ballroom until only a quarter of the original group remained.

"Now for those of you who remain, please allow me to be the first to welcome you all to Beacon Academy! I expect only the greatest from you all."

The mood in the room in the room instantly brightened as a feeling of pride filled the applicants chests. They had made it into one of the most successful huntsmen academies on Remnant, for many it was a dream come true, and a step closer to fulfilling their goals.

Raishun was the only one who did not share their joy, if anything the fact that he had successfully passed filled him with dread. [I really didn't think this through. That guy knows about me, how does he know me? Is he gonna kill me...? Kick me out...?] The thoughts raced through his head at a dizzying speed.

Slowly, his eyes wandered to the sword that hung off his hip. The gem in the center of the blade let out two barely noticeable flashes, as if it were responding to his gaze.

[That voice, and the pain that came with it... and the weightlessness.] Swallowing hard, he raised a shaky hand to clutch his face. "What the hell am I." He muttered.

A sudden pressure on his upper arm caused him to freeze up. Slowly he turned his head to see who had gripped his arm, and let out a small sigh of relief when his eyes met Laura's gaze.

"Raishun, I understand that today was difficult but please pay attention. Half of our class has already been assigned to 4-man teams."

"Huh!?"

"Would those who grabbed the king pieces please come forward." Ozpin's voice boomed throughout the room, confirming Laura's statement.

A group of 4 students, comprised of 2 boys and 2 girls, made their way onto the stage.

"The 4 of you will henceforth be known as Team Emerald!"

Behind the group, the letters EMLD appeared on the wall. Each letter sat above a different member of the team. Despite the good news, the members of the newly formed team were stone-faced was the crowd applauded them.

"You will be lead by Eric Nightengale, who showed remarkable combat and leadership abilities during the exam. I wish you all the best of luck during your stay, and look forward to seeing your growth as Huntsmen and Huntresses. "

A boy who must have been Eric, stepped forward as the crowd applauded once more. Clad in a midnight colored trench coat, his features were hidden underneath a hood. But everyone could see he was well built, as the coat was unable to hide his large frame.

Eric stepped back without a word, and he along with the rest of his group began to walk off stage to rejoin the crowd. As they passed Raishun's group, time seemed to slow down. Both their eyes met, and a deep scowl formed on the hooded leader's face when he saw the sword on the foreigners hip.

It only lasted for a moment, and the newly formed team quickly vanished into the crowd.

[He seemed angry...] He thought, [Yikes, is he gonna kill me? What did I do to tick him off?]

"Would the students who grabbed the golden queen pieces please come forward."

"That's us, come on let's go! Now, now!" Alisa said impatiently as she lead them towards the stage.

Raishun suddenly felt nervous about his appearance, and began to try and discreetly comb his hair into place with his hands, but to little effect. [Ardin would kill me if he saw me like this.] He thought, the memory of his drama club president playfully berating him sprung to mind, and put a confident smile on his face.

"The 4 of you shall henceforth be known as Team Regalia!" Ozpin declared, and once again the crowd began applaud the newly formed team.

Raishun let out the breath he had been holding; he was safe for the moment. [All that's left is for him to choose a leader and I'm free!]

"You're leader will be Raishun Alenko, who's heroism and unwavering determination in the face of danger surprised even our staff!"

His breath hitched in his throat, his amber eye's widened as he saw the crowd begin to applaud him. He couldn't hear them, the rapid beating of his heart was deafening. He slowly turned to face his new team with a nervous smile plastered on his face. Alisa was smiling at him widely, though oddly enough her pupils had turned into dollar signs. Gil seemed to ignore him, but Laura was staring out at the crowd with a shell-shocked expression.

The grin on his face quickly melted away, leaving behind nothing but heavy guilt in the pit of his stomach. He lowered his gaze to the ground, [Sorry things turned out this way Laura...] He thought bitterly. [I should get us out of here.]

He turned on his heel, and together with the rest of his group began to leave the stage. He was about to step off the stage when Ozpin grabbed him by the shoulder.

"Please. Stay for a moment Mr. Alenko, there are some things I would like to ask you."

Raishun felt the blood in his veins run cold as ice, it didn't help that he caught of glimpse of Laura's distraught face as she blended into the crowd. It seemed like she was on the verge of tears.

"Of course." He looked down in guilt.

"Once again, allow me to congratulate you for your bravery during the entrance exam. We received several accounts from several students, all claiming that you put your life on the line to ensure the safety of your peers. It's safe to say that you've more than earned your place here."

"Thank you sir, I'm happy to be here." He forced himself to put on his best smile, and gestured over to his teammates. "But my team deserves most of the credit. I was suffering from a bit of a headache during the exam process, and they helped keep me safe through it."

"Yes. I would imagine those headaches must have felt terrible." Ozpin's eyes which had once stared at the boy with pride, now held a cold edge in them. "That is what happens when one becomes a Legion after all."

The crowd suddenly began to talk amongst themselves excitedly the moment Ozpin called him a Legion.

It took all of Raishun's willpower to keep up his facade under the pressure of so many gazes. [Don't panic, the show must go on!] He thought. Keeping on his smile, he idly rested his hand on the pommel of his blade in case things turned sour.

"Me? A Legion? I'm sorry to disappoint sir, but while it's true that I was feeling sick during the exam, it was because I was thrown from the cliff." He laughed and patted his stomach. "I'm not a big fan of heights you see."

"Hmm, yes you're fear of heights is a valid reason for your sickness. Yet I believe it was the sword at your side that caused you such strife." He tapped his cane on the ground, "The Sword of the Vanguard: Caligula. It's the last of the Imperial Arms and was last seen on the day it was created by Varnya Uldren herself 15 years ago."

Raishun flinched, his facade quickly fell apart, and was replaced by a cold glare. He couldn't fool Ozpin when he was lacking so much information.

"Now, how would a last minute transfer student such as yourself acquire such a coveted item? Thievery, murder perhaps?"

"I found it." He replied with as much calm as he could muster, "In a cave underneath the Emerald Vale. It was buried in a rock."

"You found it in the Vale?" The headmaster's eyes darted between the boy and the sword hanging from his hip. "Is that supposed to be a joke, because I don't appreciate my time being-"

"I'm being serious. My headaches only started after I pulled it from the stone. I don't know about bonding, but I did hear a voice." In one fluid motion, he pulled the sword from his hip, and held it out the crimson colored hilt towards the headmaster. "If you don't believe me, you can check it yourself."

"Please, touching a Legion's Imperial Arm without one of your own is suicide." The headmaster replied with a small chuckle, which quickly turned into a roaring laugh. "I'll be damned, you've more than exceeded my wildest expectations. Finding an Imperial Arm on your first day, and being able to bond with it no less. This will be a very interesting year."

He cleared his throat, and with a flourish turned to face the crowd of students once more. "Everyone, if I could borrow your attention for just a moment longer." Gesturing to the boy beside him, Ozpin couldn't hide the look of pride on his face, "I'd like to reintroduce you all once again to Raishun Alenko, the leader of Team Regalia... and the 10th Legion!"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Escaping the crowd that had surrounded him after being named a Legion was the hardest thing Raishun had done all day. The endless pushing, shoving and grabbing of the crowd, not to mention the endless questions from reporters, had drained the last of his remaining stamina. Had it not been for Laura stepping in and using her semblance to make him levitate over the crowd he might've died.

Currently the group was making their way up the countless flights of stairs to reach their dorm room. They would've have taken the elevator, but the endless sea of students made that an issue.

"Raishun, why did you decide to hide your status as a Legion from us?" Laura sounded hurt, her usually calm and soft features were now contorted in a frightening glare. "Do you not trust us?"

"No, it's just like what I said when Gil was carrying you and Alisa through that crowd. I just found it, that's it." He replied in a tired voice, "I don't even know what a Legion, or an Imperial Arm is anyway. To me this is just a rusty old sword-"

A brief yet violent yellow glow erupted from the blade at his side. Apparently it was unhappy with his comments, and decided to make it known. Thankfully there was no pain this time, but he wasn't about to retract his statement.

"You must be joking." The white-haired beauty stepped in front of the group, stopping them in their tracks. "At the very least you should know what a Legion is."

"Sorry I've never head of them. Are they just better Huntsmen?"

"Oh boy here we go." Alisa butted into the conversation, "I'll just explain it so ya can stop chewin' him out."

Idly twirling her ponytail around her finger, she cleared her throat and began to explain. "Legions are Huntsmen who've bonded to an Imperial Arm. Imperial Arms are weapons that basically have the souls of fallen Huntsmen." She pointed at the Caligula, "There are only 10 Imperial Arms in all of Remnant, so you've pretty much got the equivalent of a national treasure tied to your hip there!"

"That would explain the crowd." Raishun let out a tired groan and shot a guilty look at Laura, "If you think you'd be a better Legion than me, why don't you just use it instead?"

"It doesn't work that way!" Her violet colored eyes were suddenly ablaze with anger, she shoved an accusing finger in his face, "When an Imperial Arm chooses it's Dyad, the two are bonded until one of them meets their end. The weapons are fickle as well, they decide who gets the honor of wielding them in the end, not the Huntsmen."

"She can't even pick it up from your grave unless she killed you. If you die a natural death then ownership just get's passed down the bloodline." The boy in a hooded black trench coat known as Eric spoke up from behind the group. "Believe me when I say a lot of people are gonna wanna kill you for that blade. Most of them aren't gonna try it since Legions are notorious for being powerful, but there are a few crazy bastards who will try."

A shiver ran down Raishun's spine, as the same unnerving feeling he felt during the acceptance ceremony returned.

"Thanks for the advice, but I think I'll be fine." He smiled politely and patted the Caligula, "Me and Caligula here can take on anyone. Just like we took care of Barney the Dinosaur back in the forest."

"Right, right, of course." Eric responded in a sarcastic tone, "You get announced as the 10th Legion and you believe you're the best Hunstmen on Remnant. It's pathetic really."

Raishun couldn't see the upper part of his face, but he was certain the hooded boy was glaring at him.

"I know I'm not the best best Huntsman, that's why I'm here to learn." He snapped, "And what's wrong with being the 10th Legion, that just means they saved the best for last."

"Hah, you the best? What a joke." He spat, his voice dripping with disgust, "If anything you should be afraid. You're Caligula there, rumors say that the reason it's been missing for 15 years is because it killed all it's previous users. 'Caligula The Tyrant' they call it."

Raishun's stomach dropped at the news. His gaze flicked from the boy, to the sword at his side. The gem flashed a bright yellow, though this time it seemed more ominous than anything.

"Here's an idea." The hooded boy sneered, "Since you think you're hot shit for being a Legion, why don't you and I have ourselves a little sparring match tommorow during class. I know the class would love to see their new Legion in action."

"Funny, I was just about to say the same thing. What better way to shut you up than to show you how outclassed you are." Raishun shot back, "Just don't come crawling back for a rematch once you've lost."

"E-Eric!! I told you not to run off like that!"

An auburn-haired girl, appeared behind the group. Her chest heaved from the effort of running up the flight of stairs, and she hunched over to catch her breath. Her action revealed 2 other equally tired students, one of which was being carried bridal style by the other.

"Jeez! Do you have a crush on the new Legion or something!" She gasped in between breaths, "You just saw him a few flights above us and broke into a sprint up the stairs!! Are you inhuman!?! Because of you we had to run to catch up to you, hell you nearly killed poor Marissa! Damien had to carry her up he last few flights!"

One of the students behind her, a tall blonde-haired boy with a chiseled face, gently leaned an exhausted blue-haired girl against the wall. The girl, who Raishun assumed was Marissa, was greedily gulping down air.

"Er...Eric. I know you're excited but please wait for the rest of us... You know how running makes me feel ill." She suddenly gagged, and hunched over, clasping her hands to her mouth.

"It's settled then!! Goodwitch's, tommorow, don't be late you hear!" Eric hastily blurted, before wrapping an arm around Marissa to help escort her up the last flight of stairs.

"Waaah!! Don't throw up! Try to hold it Marissa!!"

Raishun heard a female voice say from upstairs, followed by the shrill screams of several students and the loud clambering of feet on the floor.

"What a weird team." Alisa said curiously, "Ahh, I hope we won't run into them again though. That pukey girl's bad for business."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If Raishun had to describe his dorm room in one word, it would be "average". The room looked similar to a standard family apartment, only slightly larger in order to accommodate enough beds for the four of them. It had a bathroom, and a medium sized window on the far wall by one of the beds that let in rays of moonlight.

"So... How are we deciding who get's which bed?" Raishun asked?

"That's easy." Laura said, taking a seat on the bed second from the wall with out a window. "I'll take this bed, Alisa will sleep next to me in the bed by the wall, then Gil will sleep in the bed next to mind, and you Raishun, will get the wall closest to the window, and farthest away from us maidens."

"Ouch. I'm not gonna try anything you know." He frowned, "You make it sound like I'm dangerous or something."

"Um, can I please have the bed closest to the window... I like being able to see outside." Alisa said in an uncharacteristic shy tone.

"And have you close to him? I think-"

"PLEASE!" Alisa's sudden outburst caused Laura to falter. She looked down at the floor, and clutched the hem of her uniform tightly in her hands. "I'm afraid of being boxed in..."

For a full minute, silence encompassed the room. Neither of the three knew how to approach her.

"She can have the bed." Raishun spoke up." Raishun said, breaking the silence, "Just flip the positions around so Laura and Alisa are by the window, and Gil and I are against the wall." He walked over to the unwanted bed and threw himself on it, "If anything you'd like it Laura, that way if you do decide to kill me, there isn't exactly a place for me to escape to."

Laura stared at him for a moment, then let out a small sigh. Her eyes softened somewhat, and the polite smile she had on during the exam returned, "Yes, I quite like that idea."

While the two girls began unpacking their things, Gil took a seat on his own bed and smiled at Raishun. "Nice job defusing the situation. As thanks, I can name your semblance if you'd like."

"My semblance? Sorry but I don't have one." Raishun smiled sheepishly, "Though the moment I do, I'll take you up on your offer."

Gil stared at him in confusion. "What about those weird fragments that came off your back when you were fighting."

Now it was Raishun's turn to stare at Gil in confusion. "Fragments?"

"Yeah. These diamond shaped fragments of light started coming off your back during your fight with that Grimm, and yellow energy kept them together. It kinda resembled a wing, but only kinda."

A large smile crept onto the Legion's face upon hearing the news. "Oh right! Sorry I can't see it cause it's on my back and all!" He scooted closer to the boy excitedly, "Go ahead and help me name it then!"

"Alright." He placed a finger on the blue-haired forehead and closed his eyes. "Part of my semblance let's me hear the music of a person's soul. And since a semblance is an extension of the soul, no two people have the same song. So, I come up with a name based on what I hear."

He opened his eyes, and looked at Laura.

"My cousin's semblance for example, sound's like an orchestra filled with the most beautifully tuned violins. It's a very pleasant sound. If she'll allow it, you should hear it sometime." He brow knotted for a moment, "Though since her semblance is gravity manipulation, we just called it gravity."

[I wonder what mine will sound like.] He thought, [Maybe it'll be something fast paced and exciting, or something heavy and cool!]

Raishun watched in awe as Gil pulled his finger back, and an ethereal green strand of light followed it. He clasped it in between his hands, then pulled them apart. His eyes widened with excitement, and then suddenly...

It was horrible. The sound of dozens of instruments being played at once reverberated throughout the room. Trumpets, guitars, cellos, tubas, and flutes played off key and seemingly at random. Occasionally the loud sound of a drum and cymbal being hit was heard. There was no rhythm, only sound.

Team Regalia clamped their hands firmly over their ears, and Gil quickly slammed his palms together, ending the avalanche of sound. Silence reigned supreme once again, as all 3 members of the group stared at Raishun with shocked expressions.

"That was... um... exotic." Alisa said with a half-hearted chuckle, "We can call your semblance, sound???"

"I was expecting something modern, but that was horrible." Gil grimaced, his ears still rang from the unexpected flash bang of sound, "The music sounds clearer and more defined the better an understanding the person has of their semblance."

Raishun felt his cheeks brighten with embarrassment. He quickly dove underneath his covers, pulling them over his head in shame and curling into a ball. "I'm going to bed!" He declared loudly, "Alisa you better not be marking this down to sell later!"

"What!?! No way, I already told ya I wasn't gonna sell my teammates info!" She laughed lightheartedly, but he could still hear the sound of a paper being ripped to shreds.

He sighed, and closed his eyes. "Hopefully tomorrow turns out better."