'Can I still back out?' Desmond thought as he walked alongside Glynda to the headmaster's office on the top of Beacon's tower. 'Why do I have to go through this again, this was suppose to be a chance to have a new start.' Desmond groaned loudly drawing Glynda's attention.
"Is there something wrong, Mr. Royal?" Glynda questioned. "Usually a student your age would be more exhilarated about being accepted."
"Well I-"
"Never mind, Mr Royal," Glynda raised a hand signaling Desmond to pause. "I shouldn't had asked, we have very little time for conversation. You're welcomed to visit me in my office to speak of what's troubling you."
"T-thanks, Ms. Goodwitch." Desmond nodded with a smile, her words making him feel slightly better. Maybe that's what he needed, is someone to talk to. "I appreciate it."
They entered the elevator shortly after, Glynda presses the top button, only for the elevator not to respond. Glynda furrowed her eyebrow pressing it once more to receive the same action. The huntress gritted her teeth losing all patience before mashing the button numerous times. Her relentless efforts were rewarded with a ding as the elevator doors slid closed.
"Someone should fix that." Desmond chuckled nervously.
"Nonsense," The emerald eyed witch said. "Beacon Academy is equipped with state of the art technology, second to Atlas"
"Second to Atlas is right." Desmond rolled his eyes.
"You seem to had made a mess." Glynda's crop gestured to the coffee stain on his shirt..
"Oh!" Desmond remembered the old man who spilled his coffee on the Bullhead. He cursed under his breath."It's nothing, some old guy in green suit spilled his coffee.
"Oh?" Glynda raised an eyebrow in familiarity. "Did he have a cane and glasses?"
"Yeah, how did you know?" Desmond said. "Is he a professor here?"
"You can say that," Glynda's lips formed a side grin. "This should prove entertaining indeed."
"What?" Desmond blinked twice.
"I said we're here." Glynda shrugged.
The door slid open to reveal a white haired man turned in his chair. The dragon cleared his throat and covered up the stain with his jacket. First impressions were everything.
"Hello Sir! I'm Desmond Royal and it's very nice to meet you." Desmond said, internally the dragon's anxious. The Headmasters were suppose to be a leading example for young hunters in training. Fierce on the battlefield and wise in their teachings. Meanwhile Glynda chuckled in the background amused by the dramatic irony.
"Oh you must be, Mr. Royal, and I believe we've already been acquainted." Electricity sparked up Desmond's spine spreading to his entire body, paralyzing him in place.
The Headmaster of Beacon turned in his chair, the same old man from before, shook the stunned dragon's hand. "But instead of calling me an Old man, you may call me Ozpin."
"So...do I leave the campus now or later?" Desmond said, half serious . "Am I able to get my things first before you throw them out?"
"None of the above, Mr. Royal. I apologize for the stain and I will certainly pay for the dry cleaning." Ozpin gestured for Desmond to take a seat. "However, do try to control your temper during your time here, you're now a representative for Beacon after all." Ozpin said.
"O-of course, Sir!" Desmond straighten his posture similar to a soldier receiving orders from their commander. The headmaster smirked, sipping coffee from his mug. Ozpin had grown accustomed to students being absolutely cautious around him, he found it easier to speak with students while they are relaxed.
"I'm pleased for your display of respect, you're free to call me, Professor Ozpin." Opzin said, throwing an comforting smile Desmond's way.
"Yes, S-Sir—"Desmond paused when the Headmaster raised an eyebrow."Yes...Professor Ozpin."
"Good. Now before you are officially enrolled in Beacon classes, there is some paperwork I must complete—" Ozpin stopped mid sentence before turning to Glynda. "Might a fact, Since Mrs. Goodwitch is available and witnessed your combat ability, she'll be handling it."
"Pardon?" Glynda exclaimed.
"I'm sure you'll find time, it is a Friday." Ozpin said, oblivious to Glynda's vexation . "Of course, Mr. Royal, would be grateful for you working tirelessly to ensure he becomes a member of Beacon."
"I definitely would!" Desmond smiled also unaware of Glynda's hidden fury.
"Excellent, then I won't keep you here any longer, Mr. Royal. " Ozpin nodded. "Please enjoy exploring our campus, try not to get lost." Desmond walked to the elevator, passing an exasperated Glynda.
"Thank you Mrs. Goodwitch." the doors slid close much easier this time adding to the witch's frustration. Suddenly a coffee mug was flung towards them, shattering on impact.
"Glynda, that's highly unprofessional." Ozpin brought out another filled coffee mug, as if he expected it to be thrown. "Stress is taxing on the mind, care for some coffee?" The headmaster could've sworn he heard Glynda's internal screams.
Scene Change
"How did someone like him get accepted into the school!" Ruby dropped facedown on her bed, holding a ice pack over her head."I should've asked Pyrrha to handle it, what a nightmare!"
"Pyrrha, is an adaptable combatant and the Mistralian Champion, you really should had." Weiss lectured, earning a tired sigh from Pyrrha. "Although I don't see why you weren't able to beat an opponent you claim to know before your sister's...incident. I'm still finding that hard to believe bye the way, Yang doesn't seem the type to almost fall victim to that."
"I've seen many semblances, but none were as destructive. I'm not so sure if It would've made a difference if I fought him or not." Pyrrha said genuinely, she may find a way around it eventually if she studied the dragon boy's technique. During her time in tournaments her trainers would show film of potential competitors and they'd studied them for weaknesses. "Desmond's swordsmanship is lacking in some areas which why I think he focused solely on offense , forcing you to go on the defensive. Maybe a more strategic opponent could had countered and beaten him, but take in mind that you were accepted into Beacon two years earlier than most."
"I guess you're right," Ruby frowned. "I'm just upset that he's here now and Yang has to be around him again."
"Where is your sister anyways?" Blake sat on the top bunk of her bed, looking down on the group.
"She went for a ride on Bumblebee, wanting to clear her head." Ruby sighed.
Blake glanced at their youngest teammate, showing a small ounce of sympathy, she isn't the type to share much emotion but seeing Ruby so distressed was unsettling.
"S-she thinks I failed her doesn't she?" Ruby's eyes brimmed with clear tears, rolling on her side to hide them. "Now Yang is being forced to reopen old wounds all because I'm-"
"Ruby, if anything happens we'll be there to help." Jaune stepped in crossing his arms over his chest plate. . "I'm sure Nora, would love to teach that guy a lesson."
"You have my support also," Pyrrha agreed her warm words comforting the Rose. "We're only across the hall if you need anything, don't be afraid to ask."
"Agreed, if the heathen tries anything vulgar." Weiss nearly gagged. "I'll personally be there to set him straight."
"Me too." Blake said simply, she knew how it felt to be helpless to stop someone, how Ruby describes him this guy was similar to her old partner. No one should go what she went through and experience the pain of feeling useless. Blake walked to the door, a book placed under her arm pit. "I'm going to the library, you have my scroll number if you need me."
"I shall be leaving as well," Weiss went to gather her notes and books. "Professor Port's quiz is only two days away and I don't intend to fail. Pyrrha, you're welcomed to join me?"
"I'm afraid I have to decline, Weiss." Pyrrha cleared her throat, a practiced smile spreading to her lips. "Jaune and I, already have a training session planned today, perhaps some other time?" Pyrrha bowed her head, leaving the room.
"I hope you feel better, Ruby." Jaune smiled at his fellow leader then turned to leave only for him to nearly hit the wall. Jaune's cheeks flushed in embarrassment as he adjusted his path to go through the door.
"I suppose that dunce needs it, " Weiss made a sound of indignation, taking her leave.
Ruby remained curled up on her bed in comforting silence, she wanted to fall asleep and try to forget this horrible day, the young huntress hoped she wouldn't have the same classes with him. Back then she would had cherished the idea, Yang and her cheering for him in combat class while he sparred, they would had been there to make him smileif he ever lost like the true friends they were . Yang would had dragged them on a trip to Vale and force them to shop with her until pass curfew. They use to be together in the same stitch and doing what made them happy.
Why did it have to end?
Scene Change
Desmond dug through the bookshelves. "They gotta have it here somewhere!" He groaned in annoyance as he placed another book to the side.
"Wait a sec," After throwing out the tenth book, he found what he was searching for. Desmond read the cover title then smirked triumphantly. "The Man With Two Souls Book 2!"
The dragon searched the active library for a quiet position to read in. Desmond rarely watched TV or dappled In video games besides the apps on his scroll. Not because he didn't want to; but his father always told him that TV would "Soften his mind, with their trashy sitcoms, and foolish cartoon shows."
While finding a place to read some students eyed him with disgusted looks painted on their expressions. Many of them thought of him as a freak show, understandable since none of them had ever seen a Faunus like him before. Desmond used to be frightened by people like them, a frail sheep among hungry wolves. But he had grown to accustomed to being gawked at. Desmond Royal's an outcast, the one rotten apple in the basket, a black sheep. Isaac claimed his Faunus traits are extremely rare leading even Faunus to ridicule his heritage. The young dragon couldn't help the way he looked...he wished could.
Desmond just pretends they aren't there mocking him, sometimes it was difficult but he pulled through. At times Desmond honestly thought about lashing out and burning anyone who insulted him to ash. However, his father's words always steer him away from the violent path. Desmond was a good guy but who will give him the chance to prove that?
Desmond spotted an empty space next to a black haired girl who was oddly reading the same story as him, Man With Two Souls Vol 1. Desmond could take this chance to finally make a friend, share a common interest. She's a Faunus as well, he could tell by the twitching of her bow. But why hide her traits? Was she ridiculed as well? If so that's Another thing they had in common. The dragon sat next to the girl hoping she wouldn't move away like the other students, she was too distracted by her book to care for her surroundings.
How should he start off the conversation? Should he hide his eyes from her? Could he ask her what chapter she's on? The possibilities were endless but so awkward to him. But Desmond needed to take a shot and hope it lands.
"Umm...hey, e-enjoying t-the b-book?" Desmond stammered, mentally slapping himself.
"Yes I am, and also the silence." The girl answered without looking his way. That was an obvious hint to screw off but Desmond pretended not to register it.
"I'm sorry, it's j-just t-that," Desmond sighed and straighten himself. "I couldn't help but notice you're reading the same book as I, well not technically since I'm on Book 2 already."
The mention of another book caught the cat girl's interest but her eyes were still fixed on the book in her hands."I wasn't aware they released it."
"Yeah! Volume 2 is definitely doing the first proud, fantastic storytelling and amazing character development, especially in chapter six when he-well I don't want to spoil it." Desmond chuckled nervously.
"Don't worry, I already expect it to be-" When the black haired girl removed the book from her face, she was shocked to see who she was talking to. Blake's stoic look flipped into a scowl. Without another word the cat Faunus slammed her book shut and casually walked away.
....
What the hell was that about? He only wanted to make conversation. Desmond let the girl's harshness roll off him since he was expecting it...kinda of.
An hour later.
Desmond continued in reading his book, until he is bothered by someone's obnoxious snoring. The dragon looked beside him to see a strange blond haired girl with her head buried in her arms, sleeping peacefully. Desmond found himself spooked by her sudden appearance, he could've sworn that seat was empty just a minute ago. The dragon analyzed the sleeping young woman, she wore a blue hoodie with long sleeves that stretched over her hands along with a dark grey scarf around her neck, grey leggings and blue sneakers with grey accents. The young woman is beautiful in every feature, to her perfect pale skin and her smooth blond hair tied into a long pony tail ,that sat upon her right shoulder.
Desmond lightly tapped the woman's shoulder, soon enough she woke up, seemingly agitated that her slumber was disturbed.
"What?" The woman said, her eyes opening to reveal their sapphire color. They were fierce and lacked emotion, just staring into them would send a man into their grave. Desmond suddenly had an instinct to get away from this girl, why did she look so...deadly?
"W-well y-you see..." Desmond stuttered, he didn't expect her voice to sound so frosty.
"You woke me up just to hear you stutter?" The girl blinked preparing to fall asleep again.
"N-no, I was just going to ask you to keep it down with the snorin-"
"If it displeases you, then why don't you move instead of bothering me." The tone of her voice was so nonchalant and relaxed. "Or you can stay here and bare it, it doesn't matter to me either way."
"What is wrong with people in this school," Desmond whispered to himself. The pyromancer glanced into the courtyard noticing the lack of students. "Courtyard it is then."
Scene Change...
Under the tall tree was a white haired young woman, holding a textbook labeled 'Grimm Studies'. Desmond took a long inhale of air then released a long breath. "Second shot at a new friend, Des. This time take it slow."
"Hi!" Desmond walked towards the girl, his figure shading her from the sun. "Mind if I sit here?"
"No, as long as you don't bother me." the white haired girl took a glance at the teenage dragon. She glared at him coldly sending chills racing down his spine. "You!"
"Me?" Desmond quirked an eyebrow, pointing to himself.
"Yes, you!" Weiss grimaced, standing up to barely meet his height. "What gives you the audacity to speak to me!?"
"Listen, " Desmond raised his hands in front of him, his face clearly confused. "You have the wrong idea-"
"Oh I think you gave me a perfect idea, what type of irresponsible parents raised a delinquent like you!" Weiss kept her intense glare but her words made a cord snap in Desmond's mind. Instead of recoiling back Desmond's draconic eyes began to emit flames from their sockets.
"Don't you dare talk about my parents like that!" Desmond glared back, you can call Desmond Royal anything you won't but if you involve his family in it then you better be ready to get physical instead of verbal. "Say one more thing about them and you can bet your ass I'll show you what they taught me!"
"Are you threatening me?!" Weiss questioned her hand dropping to Myrtenaster's hilt, ready to skewer the dragon.
Desmond went to reach for his own weapon, but he paused midway. No, he couldn't afford to get into a fight on his first day. The dragon's eyes ceased to glow as he began to march away leaving a pissed off ice queen behind. She wasn't worth it, no one talks about his parents like that, no one.
While stomping away he past a purple haired young woman, laying on a park bench bathing in sunlight, listening to her music. She had long wavy purple hair stretching across her shoulders and her alluring eyes were a vibrant pink. Her outfit consisted of a purple tanktop revealing her toned stomach, black denim jeans, the purple combat boots with black laces. She wore silver accessories, a silver earring, a pair of purple headphones, and black fingerless gloves . The woman had luscious curves and a magnificent bust that could place any man in a trance.
Being the natural hormonal teen that he is, Desmond stopped to check the girl out from top to bottom not so discreetly. The woman suddenly rolled her eyes, catching on to his wandering gaze.
"You look really fucking creepy when you stare like that." Even her voice is serene, but had a vicious edge to it. "While I don't mind being eye candy but you can at least be more low key about it."
"S-sorry!" Desmond shook his head, returning to his senses before sprinting away with flushed cheeks. He cursed his teenage mind for playing tricks on his psyche.
"Whatever, dude." The woman waved dismissively. "I'm flattered, let's me know if I look good or not." she threw a wink his way before adjusting the volume scroll to high and continued her relaxation. Desmond took this as a cue to leave knowing the girl wouldn't be up for chatter not before apologizing again hoping the purple haired girl would hear it.
Scene Change
In the training arena, Jaune sprawled to
the ground, groaning in pain. Another day of training with the infamous Nikos girl was beginning to take its toll.
"Your stance needs to be lower, Jaune." Pyrrha pointed out, offering a hand to Jaune.
"If I was any lower my chin would be on the ground." Jaune retorted letting Pyrrha pull him to his feet.
Pyrrha and Jaune heard someone else enter the room and instinctively turn. The champion narrowed her eyes at the young dragon, her grip becoming tighter on Milo. While Pyrrha kept her composure, she notice her leader's shoulders tense slightly. Without a word they both decided to ignore his entry and return to their training in swordplay,
"Oh sorry...can I train here? Need to blow off some steam if you don't mind."
"It's fine, " Pyrrha said quickly, biting back a snarl while keeping her eyes fixed on Jaune. The knight's attention would shift between them, mostly on Desmond to see if he would try anything...vulgar. Pyrrha wanted to smile at Jaune's care for his teammate but that presence Desmond brought was unnerving.
"Thanks, I appreciate it-" Desmond recieved a closer look at the invincible girl and his jaw nearly fell to the floor. He'd seen her before, not in real life but on tv and a couple times in the newspaper. The Mistral Champion, Pyrrha Nikos is a world renowned fighter known across Remnant. Inspiring Hunters in training would watch her fighting style and practice it like a religion, Desmond wasn't a fanboy but he does admire her. Further more, how does he even approach a celebrity? He didn't want to insult the girl by acting oblivious to her amazing title, it would be an insult to her earned glory. Warriors recognized other warriors do they not? It shouldn't be wrong to do so here. "You're P-Pyrrha Nikos right? The Mistral Champion."
"Yes I am, " Pyrrha sighed in annoyance, again the title had cursed her. She wanted to lie and Jaune wouldn't blame her, she trained herself to be polite and keep frowns under practiced smiles. The dragon boy wouldn't get the satisfaction of seeing her that way, so instead she kept a neutral expression.
"Umm well.." Desmond expected more of a reaction, he regained himself then continued. "It's an honor to meet you."
"Thanks..." Pyrrha wanted nothing more than to move the session someplace else, does he even care that she's in the middle of a spring session?
"Heh, maybe if I'm lucky in enough I'll be able to see your moves in actions sometime." Desmond chuckled jokingly unaware of how he phrased it.
"And what moves did you have in that crooked mind of yours?" Pyrrha had finally lost her patience, now he has the audacity to flirt with her. Pyrrha's a nice person, not a single person in Beacon doubted that as a fact, you had to be the scum of Remnant to manage a hostile reaction from the champion.
"D-did I say something wrong--" Desmond froze on the spot, catching on to his words. The dragon waved his hands frantically in front of his face. "No, wait I--"
"What's your problem? We're just trying to train." Jaune glared at Desmond moving to his partner's side protectively. The gesture was kind but Pyrrha didn't require it, if this fool made a move towards her or Jaune he would be on his back in seconds.
"I wasn't trying to make a move on your girl or anything!" Desmond raised his hands in surrender. The aggressive stance they both took was a clear sign enough to abort.
"She's not my- " Jaune sighed withdrawing his sword and turned away from the false bully. "Lets leave." With that both left the arena, not sparing Desmond a glance.
"Seriously, " Desmond pinched his nose. "Is the whole freaking school against me!?"
Suddenly a punching bag flew over Desmond's head, slamming against the wall before sand bursted out of it. Desmond blinked twice then swapped his gaze at the second person in the room.
"My apologies," A masculine rugged voice said behind Desmond causing him turn to a seven foot tall pale handsome young man with brown hair brushed forward and piercing crimson eyes. The enormous man wore a brown long coat and white undershirt, along with black joggers and dark steel toed boots.He wore brown gloves and a dog tags necklace. "You alright?"
"I'm good, everything is good man." Desmond felt absolutely intimidated right now with a bit of envy. The guy was a combination of muscle and height, those mixed together made for a brutish Huntsman. Taking a few steps back towards the door, Desmond waved to the giant of a man before dashing off.
....
Desmond silently walked through the empty halls, this was a bad start to his new life. Not even a single student gave an opportunity to befriend them, was there something off about him? Sure he has extra Faunus traits but did that make him a monster? No...it didn't. Those thoughts made his stomach boil, he only wanted to mingle, make a few friends here and there, probably a girlfriend. But no, people have to always treat him like a freak of nature. His intense ire began controlling his semblance causing flames to ignite on his shoulders. Desmond paused for moment , quickly taking a practiced breath to calm himself. Soon enough the fire sizzles out much to his relief, burning down school property would add to his bad day. The dragon felt a sudden force bumping into him followed by a whine of pain. Desmond gasped in shock turning to the one who ran into him.
"Watch where you're going—" A familiar blond woman's lilac eyes met his orange orbs.
"Y-Yang..." Desmond's eyes widen, the slowly back in away from the brawler.
Yang's emotion flickered for a second first to anger and then to sadness. Yang needed to leave before her tears broke the dam. She had no need too as the dragon spun around and sprinted down the corridor.
"Damn it..." Once Desmond was far enough , he let his back back hit the wall as he slides down to the floor. Screw his semblance for reacting to his emotions. Life was playing it's cruel games once again.
Why is he the bad guy of this story?
The End