The Emerald Forest - Initiation Day
The launch leaves Erik and Pyrrha soaring through the air before they land-light on their feet-on the forest floor. With no time to lose, they make a silent decision: follow the direction they were launched, stick together, and find the relic that Professor Ozpin mentioned.
The forest is quiet at first, disturbed only by their footsteps.
But peace is never permanent in a world ruled by Grimm.
Within minutes, the silence is broken by a low growl. Shadows flicker between the trees, and glowing red eyes pierce the green gloom. Six Beowolves emerge-feral, snarling, and eager for blood.
"Well," Erik says with a grin, casually resting his hand on the hilt of his sword, "how do you want to split them?"
Pyrrha surveys their enemies calmly. "Three each?"
"Fair Enough."
No hesitation. Pyrrha launches into battle, her spear a blur of red and gold. Erik draws his sword in one swift motion, his boots digging into the earth as he charges.
The first Beowolf barrels toward him, jaws wide and claws outstretched. It strikes-but Erik shifts his body effortlessly, just enough to avoid the swipe. He lifts his sword high with both hands and brings it down in a clean arc, severing the beast's arm.
It howls.
The second claw comes, desperate and wild-but Erik is already a step ahead. He thrusts his blade into the Beowolf's gut and rips it upward, cleaving the beast in two. Ash scatters like embers.
Another Grimm lunges from the side-silent, almost ghostlike-but Erik senses it coming. As it leaps, he spins and slashes horizontally. The blade cuts deep. The Beowolf crumples before it hits the ground.
The last charges. Another mistake. Erik meets it head-on, sidesteps its momentum, and drives his blade through its throat.
Silence falls again.
When he turns, Pyrrha is already wiping down her spear, victorious.
"Shall we keep walking?" he asks.
She nods, and together, they move through the forest until an ancient structure catches their eyes-an abandoned temple, worn by time and silence.
Inside, chess pieces sit in pristine arrangement on an old stone platform. Erik kneels beside them, eyes scanning their intricate design.
"Could this be the relic?" he murmurs.
"Looks like it," Pyrrha replies.
"Professor Ozpin has interesting taste," Erik chuckles. "If these pieces are what we're meant to take... then I'll take the White King."
He picks up the White King piece. Pyrrha take the same as him and they store them carefully.
"Time to head back?"
"Yes," she says. "Just as professor Ozpin instructed."
They turn around and leave the place. After a few minutes of walking, something moves above the treetops.
A shadow glides across the sky.
A Nevermore.
Its monstrous wings beat against the air like thunderclaps. But it's not the Grimm that catches their attention-it's the two figures dangling from its talons. One of them is Weiss. The other is a girl in a red cloak.
"Erik, they look like they're in trouble."
He squints. "I don't think so. Looks like they're... riding it."
"Riding a Nevermore?! That incredibly dangerous! Why would they do that?!"
"I don't get it either."
Before they can talk any further-
ROOAARR!
The ground trembles. Leaves scatter.
A guttural roar tears through the forest, and both warriors snap to attention, weapons drawn. Trees fall as a massive figure emerges from the shadows-a towering Death Stalker, its black carapace gleaming like armor, pincers snapping hungrily.
It lunges.
"Pyrrha!" Erik shouts. "Do we fight or flee?"
"We can't run. Our teammates could be in danger."
"Then I'll keep it busy. You strike when you see a chance!"
Erik charges with fearless resolve, raising his sword. He aims for the Death Stalker's head-but the blade glances off harmlessly. The carapace is too thick. The beast shrieks and swipes at him with both pincers.
He dodges it easily as he jump into the air. When he's in the air, he presses a hidden switch on his sword he named Calibur. A compartment opens. He slips in a Fire Dust crystal.
The sword glows. He swings-and a wave of fire bursts forth, screaming through the air toward the Death Stalker. The flames strike its tail, burning it with searing intensity.
From above, Pyrrha watches. The tail's stinger is exposed-damaged.
Now.
With perfect timing, she throw Akoúo̱ and it sails like a bullet through the air and slams into the stinger. The sharp limb snaps and falls-landing squarely on the Death Stalker's head.
The beast screeches in agony.
Pyrrha summons Akoúo̱ back with her Semblance.
Erik presses the assault, dashing and weaving between the beast's attacks. His blade flashes. Sparks fly.
Pyrrha seizes her chance. She sprints to the rear, ducks low, and slides beneath the Grimm's massive body. Her spear dances with precision, slashing the soft underbelly.
From back to front, she carves a deadly line.
The Death Stalker stumbles from the critical attack at its weak spot. It groans. Then finally, its legs buckle, and the massive body collapses, crumbling into black ash.
Breathless, Erik walks to Pyrrha's side. They both watch the last remnants of the Grimm fade into the wind.
"I think we're making a pretty good team." he says, offering a fist bump.
Pyrrha smiles-warm and proud-and bumps his fist with her own.
Together, they walk back to the cliff to bring their relic back to the Professor.
Beacon Academy - Auditorium
The Initiation is complete.
Professor Ozpin stands before the crowd, announcing the new teams.
"Russel Thrush, Cardin Winchester, Dove Bronzewing, Sky Lark. You retrieved the black bishop pieces. From this day forward, you will form Team CRDL-Cardinal-led by Cardin Winchester."
The crowd claps as the four boys step off the stage.
"Jaune Arc, Nora Valkyrie, Frost Silver, Lie Ren. You retrieved the white rook pieces. From this day forward, you will form Team JNFR-June Fire..."
Nora immediately hugs Ren, eyes sparkling.
"...Led by Jaune Arc!"
Jaune freezes in shock.
"Led by..."
"Congratulations, young man," Frost says, clapping a heavy hand on Jaune's shoulder. His muscles ripple beneath his shirt.
"Haha! I knew you'd be the leader! With that big brain of yours, we'll be unstoppable!"
Jaune forces a laugh, nervous and unsure-until he notices Erik giving him a thumbs-up and Pyrrha clapping genuinely.
Some of the pressure lifts from his shoulders.
Next comes the last full team.
"Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long. You retrieved the white knight piece. From today forward, you will form Team RWBY-Ruby, led by Ruby Rose."
Cheers erupt from the crowd.
"And finally," Ozpin says, his tone shifting, "due to special circumstances... two students stand apart from the regular formation."
Then the big screen on the auditorium showing how Pyrrha and Erik defeating a Death Stalker together.
An average first-year team of four members has no chance of defeating a Death Stalker. Only top-tier teams like Team RWBY, the original Team JNPR, or Team JNFR stand a real chance against one. That's why a two-person team like PNEL looks incredibly impressive in the eyes of ordinary students.
"Pyrrha Nikos and Erik Lioren. Both of you retrieved the white king piece. From today forward, you will form Team PNEL-Panel-led by Pyrrha Nikos."
Erik turns to her with a smile. "I'll be under your care, Pyrrha."
"I'll do my best, Erik."
She returns the smile, nodding firmly.
Ozpin watches them silently, a flicker of amusement in his eyes.
"Looks like things are shaping up to be... an interesting year."
To be continued...