Chapter 5 - Landing

The early morning sun hung high over Beacon Cliff, casting long shadows across the stone platform overlooking the sprawling Emerald Forest. The sound of a faint breeze and the occasional chirp of distant birds was punctuated by the murmur of dozens of first-year students. They stood atop gleaming silver tiles, their expressions a mixture of excitement, determination, and apprehension.

At the platform's edge stood Headmaster Ozpin, his ever-present mug of coffee cradled in one hand, and Glynda Goodwitch, poised with her tablet in hand, her sharp eyes scanning the group before her. The atmosphere was tense but charged with anticipation.

Ozpin took a sip from his mug before stepping forward, his calm, measured voice slicing through the chatter.

"For years, you have trained to become warriors, and today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest."

The students quieted, leaning forward as they hung on his every word.

Glynda tapped a few buttons on her tablet, her voice crisp and authoritative as she continued.

"Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of 'teams.' Well, allow us to end your confusion. You will be given teammates... today."

A murmur rippled through the students, a mix of surprise and speculation spreading across the crowd as they processed Glynda's words. Standing among them, Weiss allowed a small smirk to tug at her lips. Her icy blue eyes flicked to Ruby, Blake, and Yang, who stood nearby, their attention snapping to her when Glynda finished speaking.

"I can't believe it," Ruby whispered, her silver eyes wide with astonishment. "Weiss was right!"

Yang, her usual confidence faltering momentarily, nudged Weiss with her elbow. "Okay, how did you know about that? Are you psychic or something?" Her lilac eyes sparkled with disbelief, but there was also an undertone of admiration.

Weiss chuckled softly, folding her arms as a knowing smile played on her lips. "Oh, it's nothing," she said with a hint of amusement. "Just a hunch." Internally, she was amused. She knew this moment was coming, thanks to her knowledge of this world's events, but she couldn't tell them the truth.

Blake raised an eyebrow but said nothing, her amber eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to figure Weiss out. Ruby, on the other hand, looked positively starstruck.

"That's amazing!" Ruby exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. "You're like... so smart! Oh! Do you think we'll all be on the same team? That'd be so awesome!"

Weiss's smirk softened into a genuine smile. "It's certainly possible. But we won't know for sure until the initiation is over. For now, let's focus."

Ruby nodded enthusiastically. "Right! So, if we land in the forest, let's all try to find each other first! That way, we can ensure we're on the same team!"

Yang grinned, cracking her knuckles. "Sounds like a plan to me. I wouldn't mind having you three watching my back out there."

Blake gave a slight nod of agreement, her expression unreadable, but her posture relaxed. "Sticking together might give us an advantage."

While appreciating their optimism, Weiss offered a warm smile and raised a graceful hand to calm them. "I truly admire your enthusiasm," she said gently, her tone kind and soothing. "But let's take a moment to listen to the rest of the instructions. We wouldn't want to overlook anything important."

The others nodded, their cheeks flushing slightly as they were captivated by Weiss' warm smile and her kind, soothing tone. Turning their attention back to Ozpin, they refocused as he resumed speaking.

"These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon," Ozpin said, calm but commanding. "So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well."

Weiss felt Ruby shift excitedly beside her, practically bouncing on her heels. Weiss refrained from sighing, though she found Ruby's enthusiasm endearing.

Ozpin's following words caused an audible intake of breath from the group. "The first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years."

Ruby, meanwhile, looked positively thrilled. "This is going to be so cool! If we look at each other first, we can be on the same team! Right, Weiss? Right?"

Weiss opened her mouth to respond, but the sheer excitement radiating from Ruby was overwhelming. Instead, she simply smiled and nodded. "Yes, Ruby. That does seem like a logical plan."

Ruby beamed, and Yang gave her sister a thumbs-up. Even Blake seemed quietly pleased by the idea. Weiss, however, was keenly aware that such things rarely went according to plan, especially in this world.

"Let's just focus on the task at hand," Weiss reminded them gently. "There's still more to hear."

As if on cue, Ozpin continued. "You will be monitored and graded throughout your initiation, but our instructors will not intervene. An abandoned temple at the end of the path contains several relics. Each pair must choose one and return to the top of the cliff. We will regard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?"

A hand shot up from the crowd.

"Yeah, um, sir?" Jaune Arc called out, his voice uncertain but earnest. "I've got a question."

Ozpin raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead, he simply declared, "Good! Now, take your positions."

As if on command, the students moved to stand on the silver tiles, each one striking a pose. Nora crouched low, her energy barely contained, while Ren stood with serene composure, his weapons ready. Yang cracked her knuckles with a grin, while Ruby crouched slightly, preparing for the inevitable.

Weiss, for her part, stood elegantly, her expression calm but focused. Her fingers brushed over the hilt of Myrtenaster, ensuring it was secure.

Jaune, still standing awkwardly, raised his hand again. "Uh, sir? I've got, um... a question."

Before he could finish, the tiles beneath the students activated individually. With a loud clang, Nora was the first to be launched into the air, her delighted cheer echoing as she soared toward the forest.

"Woo-hoooooooo!"

Ren followed shortly after, his launch silent but precise. Jaune, oblivious to the chaos unfolding around him, continued to speak. "So, this landing... strategy thing... Uh, wha-what is it? You're, like, dropping us off or something?"

Ozpin, ever the picture of calm, sipped his coffee. "No. You will be falling."

Jaune blinked, his confusion growing. "Oh, uh, I see... So, like, did you hand out parachutes for us or—"

He was cut off as more students were launched into the air, their bodies rocketing over the cliff and into the forest below.

Ruby crouched lower, her cape billowing as the tile beneath her began to hum. With a gleeful laugh, she was launched into the air, her body spinning gracefully as she soared toward the trees. Yang followed suit, raising her fists triumphantly. "Let's do this!" she shouted before launching with a powerful leap.

Blake was next, her expression stoic as she braced herself. With a subtle flex of her legs, she was propelled into the air, her ribbons trailing behind her. Weiss was the last of their group, standing tall as the tile beneath her began to rise. She adjusted her ponytail, a confident smirk gracing her lips as she took off, the wind whipping past her face.

In response to Jaune's question, Ozpin replied calmly, "No. You will be using your own 'landing strategy.'"

Jaune began to speak while trying to make sense of the explanation. "So, what exactly is a landing strategYYY—!" His words turned into a terrified yell as he was launched into the air, flailing wildly.

Ozpin and Glynda watched silently as the last students disappeared into the forest. Ozpin took another sip of his coffee, his expression unreadable.

Glynda sighed, shaking her head. "You enjoy this far too much." Ozpin allowed himself a small smile. "Perhaps."