falling fates [a rwby fanfic]

episode v: commence formation

"... and Eve Sephwine," Ozpin finished announcing, Fawn smiling as Gustin beat Eve on the back as she left his side, walking up to the stage and joining the three others who would make up her team. The girl looked so happy, so calm. Fawn wished she could have related.

She didn't know what happened. She and Saki had been battling the Grimm, slowly getting closer to Gavin, until Fawn finally broke free, leaving her partner and running towards the Nevermore like it was some sort of urge. And she had meant every bit of it- jumping onto it, slashing its eyes. So why had she felt... pain? Sadness?

"You okay?" Nirvana nudged her, and Fawn nodded quickly. She didn't want to elaborate on what had happened- it was in the past. It didn't matter anymore. What mattered was now- the moment she had been waiting for her entire life. The formation of her team- if she even got one. All of them had practically refused the initiation process, so there had to be some repercussions. Fawn just hoped it wasn't the denial of a team.

"Next," Ozpin began as Eve's team left the stage. Fawn had been so caught up in herself that she hadn't heard their name.

"Nirvana Fraser," Ozpin began, sending the group into confusion. They were being given teams? How? They hadn't found the relics, so how had they decided?

"Yelena Alphia," Ozpin continued, Nirvana and Yelena exchanging glances as they made their way towards the stage. Fawn watched them curiously, hoping she would be on the same team.

"Gavin Celeste, and Gustin Celeste," Ozpin finished, Fawn sighing to herself. Gustin went up by himself, Fawn feeling sort of bad for him. Gavin was fine, though he wouldn't be able to join them for the ceremony since he needed an immediate blood transplant. Gustin looked odd without his twin next to him, they were always together.

"You four will be henceforth addressed as team NYGG, lead by Nirvana Fraser," Ozpin announced, the crowd erupting into applause. Fawn smiled, noticing how Nirvana's face lit up in surprise. Fawn wasn't that surprised- Nirvana had always been a natural born leader, even if she didn't see it. She let out a loud whoop, giving Nirvana a thumbs up as she caught her attention.

"Does that mean we're the only ones left?" Saki then whispered to her, and Fawn gazed down the line. It seemed most others had been assigned, so that only left-

"Next," Ozpin interrupted her thoughts. "Fawn Lee, Saki Mirha, Taryn Fane, and Rannaska Dream."

Fawn followed in the back as the four scurried up the stage, the spotlights giving Fawn somewhat of a headache.

"Henceforth you will be known as team FSTR, lead by Fawn Lee," Ozpin announced, sending a wave of shock down Fawn's spine. Her? She simply couldn't believe it- not after she had fainted, not after she had cried. What did they see in her? She had been convinced that they wouldn't even allow her to continue- her performance during initiation was nothing short of pathetic.

However, Fawn caught Ozpin's eyes for a moment, and he fixed her a serious glance. What was he trying to say?

"And so concludes the initiation of our next generation of great huntsmen," he then said, breaking their gaze. "I wish you all luck in your studies."

Fawn shivered as she walked back off the stage, being greeted by a bear hug from Nirvana. She found herself breaking out into a smile, stumbling a bit as Nirvana let her down.

"Congrats, fellow leader," Nirvana said cheerfully, throwing an arm around her shoulder. "Looks like we'll be going against each other now huh? Too bad I have the better team."

Fawn scoffed at Nirvana's teasing, throwing her arm off. "As if. You have to deal with the twins now, remember. And!" Fawn reached out and snagged Rannaska on the arm, pulling the poor girl away from her conversation with Taryn and to her side. "I have this one."