As I pulled into the parking lot at Beacon Academy, my scroll was buzzing incessantly with messages from my teammates. I chuckled to myself, knowing they were probably worried sick about my whereabouts.
"I'm here, I'm here," I said aloud as I typed out a quick reply. "No need to send out a search party."
Pocketing my scroll, I grabbed my newly forged sword and shield from the passenger seat, admiring the craftsmanship one last time before heading inside. The weight of the shield felt reassuring in my hand, a solid line of defense against whatever threats may come.
The courtyard was bustling with students enjoying the warm summer air. A few gave me curious looks as I strode past, the sword at my hip clanking with each step. I just grinned and gave them a nod, feeling a surge of confidence with my new weapons at the ready.
As I neared the dorm building, a familiar voice called out. "Alex! There you are!"
I turned to see Ruby rushing toward me, her cape billowing behind her. The rest of my teammates weren't far behind, their expressions a mix of relief and exasperation.
"Where have you been?" Yang demanded, putting her hands on her hips. "We've been trying to reach you all day."
Holding up my hands in surrender, I replied, "Easy, easy. I was just out running some errands." I unsheathed the sword, letting the light glint off the pristine blade. "Got some new gear made, actually."
Blake's eyes went wide as she studied the craftsmanship. "You made those yourself?"
"With a little guidance from a master blacksmith," I admitted with a smile. "Not bad, eh?"
Weiss huffed, clearly unimpressed. "Well, next time at least let us know when you'll be out gallivanting across Vale."
"Aw, were you worried about me, princess?" I teased, knowing how much the nickname irked her.
Her cheeks flushed with indignation. "Don't be ridiculous! I just..."
The rest of her retort was drowned out by Ruby's excited squeals as she fawned over my new weapons.
Ruby's eyes sparkled with unbridled enthusiasm as she inspected every inch of my new sword and shield. "These are so cool! Can I give them a test run? Please, please, please?"
I chuckled at her eagerness. "Easy there, Lil Red. Let's take this to the training grounds first."
Yang smirked. "You sure you want to spar against my sister? She'll run circles around you with that scythe of hers."
"We'll see about that." I replied confidently, giving my sword a practiced twirl. The balanced weight felt perfect in my grip.
Yang arched an eyebrow. "Don't say I didn't warn you if she kicks your butt."
"Enough talk." Weiss cut in impatiently. "If you two are going to spar, let's go already."
With Ruby practically vibrating with excitement, we made our way across the courtyard to the sprawling training arena. Students were already going through drills, the clashing of weapons filling the air.
Ruby wasted no time unfolding her fearsome High Caliber Sniper-Scythe in a dazzling flurry of movements. Crescent Rose extended to its full deadly length, the wicked curved blade glinting in the sunlight.
Not to be outdone, I pulled my own trick out of my jacket and pulled out Angel, who I fixed. Weiss scoffed at the sight of it, but I just grinned as I twirled it dramatically.
"Anytime you're ready, Red." I called out, taking up a defensive stance with my shield raised.
Ruby's eyes danced with mischief as she blurred into a flurry of rose petals. Her semblance allowed her to zip around at blinding speeds, circling me in a relentless vortex of motion. I kept my breathing steady, my senses on high alert as I tried to track her movements.
