POV: Aether Lux
The wind howled at the edge of Beacon's cliff.
Aether Lux stood among the other initiates, gazing down at the sprawling Emerald Forest below. Sunlight danced across the endless sea of green, concealing ancient ruins and the Grimm that lurked within.
Today would shape his future.
And the future of Remnant.
"Welcome, students," Professor Ozpin said, his calm voice carrying across the cliffside. "You have traveled here in search of knowledge. However, to succeed at Beacon, you must first prove that you possess the strength and courage required to bear its responsibility."
Aether listened intently, Solstice Edge resting at his side.
"You will be launched into the Emerald Forest," Ozpin continued. "Your partner will be the first person you make eye contact with upon landing. Retrieve a relic from the ruins, and return alive."
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
Glynda Goodwitch stepped forward, riding crop poised.
"Step forward when called."
A soft chime echoed within Aether's mind.
**[Quest Activated: Beacon Initiation]**
**Objective:** Survive the Emerald Forest and retrieve a relic.
**Bonus Objective:** Secure a leadership designation.
**Reward:** 500 EXP, Semblance Unlock Progress +20%.
Aether exhaled slowly.
*This is where everything begins.*
One by one, students were launched into the sky.
CRACK!
When his turn came, Glynda's telekinetic strike sent him soaring into the air. Wind roared past as the forest rushed toward him.
"Let's make this count," he murmured.
He transformed **Solstice Edge** into rifle mode and fired a Dust-propelled shot, slowing his descent. He landed in a controlled roll, leaves scattering beneath his boots.
He rose to his feet.
And locked eyes with a girl standing silently between the trees.
She had violet eyes and dark hair that shimmered like moonlight. A chain-sickle rested at her side, her posture calm and guarded.
Riven Noctra.
She studied him without fear.
"…You're not a Grimm," she said quietly.
Aether smiled. "Good start."
Their eyes remained fixed on one another.
Realization dawned.
"Partners?" he asked.
She gave a slight nod. "It appears so."
Aether inclined his head. "Aether Lux."
"Riven Noctra."
A distant roar shattered the silence.
From the underbrush emerged a pack of Beowolves, their crimson eyes glowing with hunger.
Riven moved first.
Her form blurred into shadow as she slipped past the Grimm, her weapon flashing in a crescent arc. Aether followed, his blade gleaming as he intercepted a lunging beast.
Steel met claw.
With a swift slash and a precise Dust-infused shot, the Grimm dissolved into smoke.
Silence returned to the forest.
Riven regarded him thoughtfully. "You fight efficiently."
"And you move like a ghost," he replied.
She allowed herself the faintest smile.
"Let's find the relic."
---
### **The Ruins of Initiation**
Ancient stone pillars rose from the earth as Aether and Riven reached the temple ruins. Inside, sunlight streamed through cracks in the ceiling, illuminating pedestals lined with chess pieces.
"Relics," Riven said.
Before they could advance, the ground trembled.
A thunderous screech echoed through the chamber.
A Nevermore descended from the skies while a colossal Death Stalker burst from the forest floor. Across the battlefield, the other initiates converged, fighting side by side in a chaotic ballet of steel and Dust.
Aether tightened his grip on Solstice Edge.
"Ready?"
Riven's eyes gleamed. "Always."
Together, they charged into battle.
Ruby's scythe carved through the Nevermore's feathers as Weiss launched her with a glyph. Blake and Yang coordinated to topple the Death Stalker, aided by Thorne's explosive strikes and Luminara's radiant shields.
Aether fired a precise Dust round, guiding the Nevermore into Ruby's path.
With a final, decisive strike—
The Grimm fell.
Silence followed.
---
### **Relics of Destiny**
As the dust settled, the students approached the pedestals.
Aether picked up a **White Knight** chess piece.
Riven selected a **White Bishop**.
Nearby, Thorne claimed a **White Rook**, while Luminara took a **White Queen**. Ruby and her partners collected their own relics.
A chime echoed in Aether's mind.
**[Quest Completed: Beacon Initiation]**
**Relic Acquired: White Knight**
**Reward:** 500 EXP
**Semblance Unlock Progress: 45%**
He exhaled slowly.
*One step closer.*
---
### **Teams Forged at Beacon**
Later, in Beacon's grand hall, Professor Ozpin addressed the assembled students.
"Today, you have demonstrated exceptional skill and courage. I will now announce your teams."
The room fell silent.
"Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long—you will form **Team RWBY**. Ruby Rose, you are the leader."
Ruby's eyes shone with pride.
Ozpin continued.
"Aether Lux, Riven Noctra, Thorne Calder, and Luminara Vale—you will form **Team ALTR**. Aether Lux, you are the leader."
Thorne grinned. "Looks like you're in charge, Light Boy."
Luminara bowed gracefully. "I look forward to working under your leadership."
Riven inclined her head. "Lead well."
Aether smiled.
"I won't let you down."
Across the hall, Ruby caught his eye and waved enthusiastically. He returned the gesture with a warm smile.
High above Beacon, the bells rang.
Two teams had been forged.
One destined to become legends.
The other destined to reshape fate itself.
---
Team ALTR (Altar)
| Member| Role | Color | Relic
| **Aether Lux** | Leader / Speed Striker | Gold | White Knight |
| **Riven Noctra** | Scout / Assassin | Violet | White Bishop |
| **Thorne Calder** | Tank / Brawler | Crimson | White Rook |
| **Luminara Vale** | Support / Strategist | White | White Queen |