[Katsuya Akiya (MC) POV]
I waited. And waited. Each second felt like an eternity while I maintained my "sleeping" act, trapped between Yang's chest and Ruby's rear.
Then, finally—mercifully—Yang shifted in her sleep.
She rolled away, taking the weight off my head. A moment later, Ruby mumbled something and rolled in the opposite direction, her ass finally leaving my chin.
Freedom.
I immediately sat up, moving as quietly as possible. My face felt hot, and I was pretty sure my heart was racing faster than it had any right to be.
I looked at the sisters. Both were still fast asleep, completely unaware of what had just happened. Yang was now sprawled on her back, one arm thrown over her face. Ruby was curled up on her side, her cloak wrapped around her like a cocoon.
I stood up carefully, stepping over sleeping students as I made my way toward the edge of the ballroom. My legs felt stiff from the uncomfortable sleeping position—the position before the nightmare scenario, that is.
The ballroom was still dark, only the faint pre-dawn light filtering through the high windows. Most students were still asleep, the occasional snore or sleep-murmur breaking the silence.
I checked my scroll. 5:47 AM.
Way too early for anyone to be up, but there was no way I was going back to sleep after... that.
I needed to do something. Think about something else. Plan for initiation, maybe.
From what I vaguely remembered of the original timeline, initiation involved being launched into the Emerald Forest, finding a partner based on eye contact, retrieving a relic from some ruin, and fighting Grimm along the way. The partners you made would become your teammates.
In the original, Ruby had partnered with Weiss, and Yang with Blake. That had formed Team RWBY.
Things were different. Would the partnerships be the same? Would the teams form the same way?
And more importantly, who would I end up partnered with?
I walked slowly around the perimeter of the ballroom, careful not to step on anyone. Students were scattered everywhere—some in neat sleeping bags, others just sprawled on the floor with jackets as pillows.
My eyes scanned the sleeping forms, looking for familiar faces from the show.
There was Pyrrha Nikos. She was sleeping peacefully near the center of the room.
Nora Valkyrie was nearby, sprawled out in a chaotic tangle of limbs.
Lie Ren was a bit further away.
But wait.
I stopped walking, my eyes scanning the room more carefully.
Where was Jaune?
Jaune Arc— a core part of the original show. The awkward, inexperienced guy who'd faked his transcripts to get into Beacon. The leader of Team JNPR.
I'd been so distracted by everything else—the society swap, meeting Ruby and Yang, the incident on the Bullhead—that I hadn't thought about it until now.
I hadn't seen Jaune on the aircraft. Or in the auditorium. Or here in the ballroom.
I walked through the sleeping students again, looking more carefully this time. Checking every blond head, every sleeping face.
Nothing.
Jaune Arc wasn't here.
Did he not get into Beacon in this timeline? Had the gender swap changed things so fundamentally that he never even applied? Or was he somewhere else entirely?
A cold feeling settled in my stomach.
If Jaune wasn't here, what else had changed? How much of the original timeline could I even rely on?
I needed air. Space to think.
I carefully made my way to the ballroom doors, stepping over sleeping students and around scattered bags. The doors were heavy but opened silently, and I slipped out into the corridor.
The halls of Beacon were empty and quiet, lit by the soft pre-dawn light coming through the windows. My footsteps echoed slightly as I walked, no particular destination in mind.
Just a stroll. Just some time to clear my head and figure out what the hell was going on in this world.
Jaune's absence bothered me more than it should. He was a major character in the original timeline. His presence—or lack thereof—could mean significant changes to how events would unfold.
'Were some problems his fault? Yeah, but he's just a baby.'
I needed to be prepared for anything.
I turned a corner, heading toward what I thought might be the direction of the courtyards. Some fresh air and open space would help me think.
——
[Ruby Rose POV]
I woke up to the sound of movement around me—students stirring, bags rustling, quiet conversations starting up. The early morning light filtered through the ballroom windows, casting everything in a soft glow.
I stretched, feeling the stiffness in my muscles from sleeping on the floor. Not the most comfortable night, but I'd had worse during training camps with Dad.
Yang was already sitting up next to me, yawning and stretching her arms overhead. Her hair was a messy blonde tangle that she immediately started trying to tame with her fingers.
I looked to my other side, expecting to see Katsuya still sleeping.
He wasn't there.
I blinked, looking around. His bags were still there—his coat folded neatly on top—but he was gone.
"Huh," I said aloud.
That was weird. Guys usually stayed asleep longer, right? Something about beauty sleep being important for them. Uncle Qrow always complained when Dad woke him up early, saying men needed their rest to look presentable.
And Katsuya especially seemed like the type who'd care about that—what with the fancy suit and the well-groomed appearance. He definitely needed to maintain that whole mysterious, handsome look he had going on.
I nodded to myself. That made sense. He was probably in the bathroom or something, making sure he looked perfect before initiation.
"Ruby."
"Yeah?"
"You're doing that thing again."
I looked at Yang, who was giving me a knowing smirk.
"What thing?"
"That thing where you zone out thinking about something—or someone—and get that weird look on your face."
"I do not have a weird look!"
"You totally do. You get all distant and thoughtful and your eyes go unfocused."
Yang stood up, grabbing her sleeping bag and starting to roll it up. "Come on, little sis. We need to get our combat gear and get ready. Initiation's today."
I quickly started gathering my things, shoving my sleeping bag into its carrying case. Around us, other students were doing the same, the ballroom filling with the organized chaos of people preparing for the day ahead.
Yang and I made quick work of packing up, then headed toward the locker rooms where our combat gear was being stored. The corridors were now filled with students, all heading in the same direction with varying levels of excitement and nervousness on their faces.
"You think we'll be on the same team?" I asked as we walked.
"Hope so," Yang said. "Would be nice to have my little sister watching my back."
"You mean having me save your butt when you charge in without thinking?"
"Hey! I think before I charge in."
"You really don't."
"I think a little bit."
We reached the locker rooms and found our assigned lockers. I pulled out baby Crescent Rose.
Yang equipped Ember Celica, checking the mechanisms and loading Dust rounds with practiced ease.
A speaker crackled to life overhead.
"All first-year students, please proceed to the cliff overlooking the Emerald Forest. Initiation will begin shortly."
Yang and I exchanged looks.
"This is it," she said.
"Yeah," I agreed, my heart starting to race with anticipation.
We followed the flow of students out of the building and across the grounds. The morning air was crisp and cool, the sun just starting to peek over the horizon.
The cliff was exactly as described—a sheer drop overlooking an endless expanse of green forest. Metal platforms were arranged in a line along the edge, clearly meant for students to stand on.
Professor Ozpin and Professor Goodwitch were already there, waiting.
Students began taking their positions on the platforms. I claimed one, Yang taking the spot next to me.
That's when I spotted him.
Katsuya was standing a bit further down the line, and he was... playing with butterfly knives?
I watched, mesmerized, as he flipped the knives through his fingers with casual expertise. The blades spun and twirled in complex patterns, moving so fast they were almost a blur. He wasn't even looking at them—his eyes were focused somewhere in the distance, his expression calm and thoughtful like this was just something he did to pass time.
It was hypnotic. And... really cool.
"Okay, that's hot," Yang muttered next to me.
"Yang!"
"What? I'm just saying. Look at him go."
I couldn't deny it was impressive. The level of skill and control required to do that so casually was insane.
Katsuya suddenly caught both knives in a reverse grip and tucked them away somewhere in his suit—I couldn't even see where they went—then looked up and noticed us watching.
He gave a small wave.
I waved back, probably too enthusiastically.
Yang just grinned and gave him a thumbs up.
"Alright," I said, trying to focus. "Initiation. We need to concentrate on initiation."
"Right," Yang agreed, but she was still looking at Katsuya with that appraising look she got sometimes...or something?
I really hoped we didn't end up on the same team as him.
Not because I didn't like him—I did! He was nice and cool and really skilled and—
I shook my head.
Focus, Ruby.
——
[Katsuya Akiya (MC) POV]
I stood on the metal platform, butterfly knives dancing through my fingers as I hummed quietly to myself.
The knives spun and flipped in practiced patterns, muscle memory taking over. It was meditative, in a way. Kept my hands busy and my mind focused.
I caught both knives in a reverse grip and tucked them back into their hidden sheaths just as I noticed Ruby and Yang watching me from a few platforms away. I gave them a small wave.
Ruby waved back enthusiastically. Yang gave me a thumbs up with that confident grin of hers.
I stopped humming as Professor Ozpin stepped forward, his cane tapping against the ground. The chatter among students died down.
"For years, you have trained to become warriors," Ozpin began, his voice carrying across the cliff. "And today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest."
Professor Goodwitch stood beside him, tablet in hand, her expression stern and professional.
"Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of teams," Ozpin continued. "Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates... today."
A boy a few platforms down suddenly spoke up, his voice cracking slightly. "Wait, wait! I didn't get enough sleep! Can't we do this tomorrow or—"
His platform launched.
The boy's complaint turned into a scream as he was flung into the air, disappearing into the forest canopy below.
I gulped.
I was third in line.
"These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon," Ozpin said, completely unbothered by the interrupted student. "So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well."
The first student in line was launched without warning.
"That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years."
The second student—another guy—looked at me with wide, terrified eyes. A single tear rolled down his cheek.
Then his platform launched and he was gone, his scream echoing back.
My heart hammered in my chest.
"After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest," Ozpin continued. "You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path, or you will die."
Well, that was reassuring.
"You will be monitored and graded for the duration of your initiation, but our instructors will not intervene."
My platform hummed beneath my feet. I could feel the mechanism preparing to launch.
"Your objective is to retrieve one of several relics located in an abandoned temple at the northern end of the forest. You will guard that item as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?"
Before anyone could answer, my platform launched.
The world became a blur of motion. Wind roared in my ears as I was catapulted through the air, the ground far, far below me.
For a split second, pure instinct-driven terror seized me.
I was going to die... Atleast, thats what I thought before I calmed down and activated my Aura.
The sensation was strange—like a warm cocoon wrapping around me, cushioning me against the forces that should have been tearing me apart. I could feel it responding to my panic, automatically protecting me.
The semi-physical manifestation of the soul that acted as a force field.
I adjusted my position mid-air, spreading my arms to control my trajectory. The forest canopy was rushing up fast—thick branches and green leaves forming a dense maze below.
I angled myself toward a particularly thick tree trunk, pulling out one of my knives and the chain from within my coat.
The Ouroboros chain shot out, the blade at its end embedding itself in the tree trunk. The chain went taut and I swung in an arc, using the momentum to redirect my fall into a controlled descent.
I released the chain at the right moment, dropping the last few meters and landing in a crouch on the forest floor.
My aura had cushioned the impact. My knees absorbed the shock easily.
I stood up, looking around at the Emerald Forest.
Okay. That wasn't so bad.
Still terrifying for that first second, but manageable.
Now I just needed to find a partner and not die to Grimm.
Simple enough.
I moved through the forest cautiously, my senses on high alert. The Emerald Forest was dense—thick trees, tangled undergrowth, and the constant rustling of leaves that could be wind or could be something far more dangerous.
A low growl rumbled from somewhere to my left.
I turned just in time to see an Ursa—a bear-like Grimm with bone-white armor plating and glowing red eyes—burst through the bushes, charging straight at me.
Instinct took over.
I sidestepped the initial charge, my body moving with a fluidity I didn't consciously control. Hazama's fighting style—or rather, my fighting style now—flooded into my awareness. Evasive, flowing, setting up chains and knife strikes with precision.
The Ursa skidded to a halt and turned, swiping at me with massive claws.
I ducked under the swipe, pulling out both butterfly knives. The blades flashed as I slashed across the Grimm's exposed side, aura-enhanced strikes cutting through the less-armored areas.
The Ursa roared, spinning with surprising speed for its size.
I backflipped away, one hand already pulling out an Ouroboros chain. The chain shot forward, wrapping around the Ursa's leg. I yanked hard, pulling myself forward while simultaneously tripping the Grimm.
The Ursa stumbled, off-balance.
I used the momentum to launch myself at its head, knives flashing in a rapid series of strikes. The Grimm's armor cracked under the assault, dark wisps of shadow beginning to leak from the wounds.
The Ursa thrashed, trying to throw me off, but I was already moving—using the chain to swing around its body, striking from different angles, never staying still long enough for it to land a hit.
Hazama's fighting style was all about control. About manipulating position and momentum. Using the chains to pull enemies where you wanted them, to redirect your own movement, to create openings.
It felt natural. Like the knowledge had always been there, just waiting to be used.
The Ursa made one final desperate lunge.
I sidestepped, wrapping both chains around its neck, and pulled.
The Grimm's head jerked to the side with a sickening crack. It stumbled, then collapsed, its body already beginning to dissolve into black smoke.
I stood over the dissipating remains, breathing slightly harder but not exhausted.
That had been... effective. But I could feel it—the ultimate technique, Serpent's Infernal Rapture, was still locked away. The power was there, coiled beneath the surface like a sleeping serpent, but not fully accessible. Not yet.
Maybe I needed more combat. More synchronization with Hazama's abilities. Or maybe—
A notification pinged in my mind.
The group chat.
I focused inward, pulling up the interface while keeping my awareness on my surroundings.
[Scathach: I've finished your item. Sending it now.]
A moment later, a new notification appeared.
[Item Transfer Request: Anti-Madness Enhancement Ring]
[Accept?]
I mentally accepted.
There was a brief flash of light, and suddenly there was something in my hand—a simple silver ring with intricate runes carved along its surface. It felt warm, humming with subtle energy.
[Scathach: That should help stabilize your mind when you tap into Terumi's power. It won't eliminate the madness entirely, but it will keep you lucid and in control.]
[Katsuya: Thank you. Really. This means a lot.]
[Scathach: Of course. We help each other. That's what we do. Speaking of which... do you have access to any other abilities? Yuuki Terumi's powers beyond what Hazama uses?]
I thought about it.
[Katsuya: Other than Hazama's fighting style and some of Terumi's techniques, not much. I can unleash some of his power when I need to, but that's about it.]
[Scathach: Hmm. I have an idea. What if I crafted something that would let you transform into the Black Susano'o variant? The full manifestation of Terumi's true form?]
I blinked at that.
[Katsuya: Is that even possible?]
[Scathach: For me? Yes. It would take time and resources, but I could create an artifact that channels and stabilizes that transformation. You'd be able to access Susano'o's full power without losing yourself to Terumi's madness.]
That was... incredibly tempting. Susano'o was a powerhouse in BlazBlue—a god-killing weapon in humanoid form...he was a fraud i wont lie but still atleast Terumi's is strong and cooler.
[Katsuya: Alright. I'm in. What do you need?]
[Scathach: Just time. I'll start working on it. Consider it another gift from me to you.]
[Katsuya: Thanks, Scathach. I owe you.]
[Scathach: Oh, you do. In fact, I'm starting a tally now. That's two items you owe me sexual favors for.]
I groaned audibly.
[Katsuya: Scathach—]
[Scathach: Might controls everything, Katsuya. And right now, I'm the strongest version of us. You're going to need my help, and I'm going to collect eventually. But don't worry—I'm patient.]
I closed the chat before she could add anything else.
This was getting out of hand. But she wasn't wrong. Might did control everything in these worlds—power determined who survived and who didn't. And Scathach, with millennia of experience and god-killing abilities, was currently the strongest of all my alternate selves.
I looked down at the ring in my hand, then slipped it onto my right index finger.
The moment it settled into place, I felt the difference. A clarity settling over my mind, like a filter had been placed between me and the chaotic power of Terumi's essence. The bracer on my arm still regulated the flow, but the ring added another layer of stability.
I clenched my fist, feeling the power respond. Controlled. Stable.
Good. That was very good.
A rustling sound snapped me back to attention.
Another Grimm emerged from the trees—a Beowolf this time, smaller than the Ursa but faster, more aggressive. Its red eyes locked onto me, and it let out a snarl that echoed through the forest.
It lunged at me with frightening speed.
I dodged to the side, my body flowing with Hazama's practiced movements. The Beowolf skidded past me, claws tearing up the forest floor.
Perfect timing.
I wanted to test something—Hazama's ultimate technique. The Serpent's Infernal Rapture.
The Beowolf turned and charged again.
I pulled out both Ouroboros chains, letting them dangle from my hands as I settled into stance.
"Let's see if this works," I muttered.
The chains began to glow with that familiar sickly green light as I channeled power through them.
The Beowolf charged at me, claws extended, jaws open in a snarl.
I struck.
The Ouroboros chains shot forward with blinding speed, wrapping around the Grimm's limbs before it could react. The green glow intensified as I channeled more power through them, and the Beowolf found itself completely immobilized, suspended in mid-air by the interlocking chains.
It thrashed and howled, but there was no escape.
I pulled myself forward using the chains, launching into a rapid series of strikes. Knives flashed as I carved through the Grimm's armor, each hit flowing seamlessly into the next. The chains adjusted constantly, repositioning the Beowolf to give me optimal angles of attack.
The technique built momentum with each strike—faster, more powerful, the chains glowing brighter until they were nearly blinding. The Beowolf's struggles grew weaker as the assault continued, its body breaking down under the relentless combination.
For the finale, I pulled all the chains taut simultaneously, lifting the Grimm high into the air. The green energy surged through the links like electricity, and the Beowolf convulsed as the power tore through it.
I landed gracefully on the ground below, striking a pose with one hand adjusting my tie and the other holding a knife in a reverse grip.
"Jaaku Satsujin," I said, the words coming naturally. "Evil Annihilation."
The chains released, and the Beowolf dropped—or rather, what was left of it dropped. The Grimm was already dissolving into black smoke before it hit the ground.
I stood there for a moment, feeling incredibly stylish. The pose, the technique name, the execution—it all felt right. Like I'd done this a thousand times before.
I straightened up, adjusting my fedora.
"And now," I said to the dissipating smoke, "it's time to count up your sins!"
The Beowolf finally finished dissolving away.
I allowed myself a small smirk. That had felt good. Really good.
Now that I had access to Hazama's ultimate techniques, I felt significantly more confident about this initiation. But I was saving the truly destructive power—my Unleashed form, Terumi's full chaotic might—for something that really warranted it.
Like that giant scorpion Grimm at the ruins. What was it called again? The Deathstalker? No, wait—the Deathstalker was the scorpion. I always got it mixed up with the giant bird Grimm. What was that one called? The Nevermore.
Right. Deathstalker and Nevermore. Those were the big threats at the temple in the original timeline.
If they showed up again in this version, I'd save my Unleashed power for them. No point wasting it on smaller Grimm when I could handle them with Hazama's techniques.
I started moving through the forest again, heading in what I hoped was the northern direction. The trees were thick enough that it was hard to get a clear sense of direction, but I could see the sun's position through the canopy and adjusted accordingly.
The sound of combat reached my ears—the clash of metal, the roar of a Grimm, the impact of something heavy.
I moved toward it cautiously, ready for anything.
Breaking through a line of trees, I found myself in a small clearing. An Ursa lay on the ground, already dissolving. And standing over it, spear and shield in hand, was a girl with distinctive red hair tied in a ponytail.
Pyrrha Nikos.
She turned at the sound of my approach, her green eyes meeting mine.
For a moment, we just stared at each other.
Oh. Right. Eye contact. Partner selection.
Well, there were little to none who would want to be partnered with than Pyrrha Nikos—champion fighter, skilled combatant, and generally competent person.
I walked over, offering a friendly smile. "Looks like we're partners. I'm Katsuya Akiya."
"Pyrrha Nikos," she replied, and I noticed something odd in her expression. She seemed... surprised? Uncertain, even. Her grip on her spear tightened slightly, and there was a wariness in her eyes that seemed out of place.
That was unexpected. In the original timeline, Pyrrha had been confident and poised.
I keep forgetting the world is swapped so my situation right now is like me— the girl initiating a warm handshake with a very masculine loner chad— Pyrrha
And here I was, a guy, walking up to her and introducing myself directly like an equal.
"Is everything okay?" I asked, noticing her continued hesitation.
Pyrrha seemed to catch herself, straightening slightly. "I'm sorry. It's just—you're being very... forward. Most guys don't really approach me like this."
"Like what?"
"Like an equal." She looked down at her shield for a moment. "Usually they either treat me like I'm intimidating because of my tournament status, or they just try to impress me with gifts and compliments but never actually talk to me directly. They hover around hoping I'll notice them, but they never initiate contact. And the ones who do are usually just looking for someone to protect them or support their careers."
I blinked. That was... really different from what I'd expected. The gender dynamics in this world created a completely different social landscape.
"So guys don't normally just... talk to you? Have conversations?"
"Not really." Pyrrha's expression became a bit melancholic. "Even my father stopped once I got older and started winning tournaments. He said it wasn't his place to be so familiar with me anymore. That I was becoming a woman who would lead, and he needed to respect that distance."
That was deeply sad. Her own father had pulled away because of societal expectations about gender roles.
I made a decision.
I opened my arms wide and held the pose. "Want a hug?"
Pyrrha's eyes widened in complete shock, her expression shifting to something almost comically surprised—like a chibi version of herself with big, startled eyes.
"You... what?"
"A hug," I repeated, keeping my arms extended. "You sound like you could use one. No expectations. No ulterior motives. Just a hug from your new partner because you seem like you need it."
She stared at me like I'd just offered her something impossibly rare and precious. Her mouth opened slightly, then closed. She looked torn between disbelief and desperate want.
"But... you're a guy. I'm supposed to be the one offering you comfort, not—"
"Says who?" I interrupted gently. "We're partners now. Partners support each other, right? Regardless of who's what gender."
I waited patiently, arms still wide open, giving her all the time she needed.
Pyrrha looked at my extended arms, then at my face, then back at my arms. Her hands trembled slightly on her spear.
"I..." she started, her voice small. "I haven't been hugged like that since I was a child."
'F for respects damn...i would get hugged every day even after work'
Finally, slowly, Pyrrha set her spear and shield aside. She stepped forward hesitantly, like she was afraid the offer might disappear. She stopped just short of my arms, clearly unused to accepting this kind of gesture.
I waited, keeping my arms open, completely still.
She took a shaky breath and stepped into the embrace.
I closed my arms around her gently and patted her back. She was rigid at first, like she didn't quite know what to do, then suddenly she gripped my jacket and held on tightly. I felt her shoulders shake slightly.
"You're not alone anymore," I said quietly. "Partners stick together, right?"
I felt her nod against my shoulder, unable to speak.
We stayed like that for a long moment. When we finally separated, Pyrrha's eyes were definitely glassy, but she was smiling—a genuine, warm smile that transformed her entire face.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I... I didn't realize how much I needed that."
"Anytime, partner."
She wiped at her eyes quickly, trying to compose herself.
She looked at me with something like wonder, then nodded. Taking a breath, she picked up her weapons and pulled out her scroll. "We should head to the temple. The relics are supposed to be at the northern end of the forest."
"Lead the way, partner."
She checked her compass app and pointed. "This way."
We started walking together through the forest, and I couldn't help but notice that Pyrrha seemed completely different now—more relaxed, more open. She even walked beside me.
And if we were heading to the temple, that meant we'd probably run into those big Grimm soon.
Assuming we actually encountered the Deathstalker, anyway.
...Maybe.