A small cafe was set up about a block from the hotel, and was a place where most of the huntsmen/huntresses hopefuls frequented during their stay.
It was also the spot where Haru and Pyrrha met up whenever they decided to get together for the day. The two future students of Beacon academy sat at one of a dozen tables on the patio area outside the the main building, their luggage for their trip to the school at their feet as they ate together.
"What do you think the initiation of Beacon will entail?" asked the red-head as she drank her coffee. "I've heard their process of selecting partners and teams is quite challenging."
The wolf-Faunus shrugged while he finished his meal. "Not sure really. I did a bit of reading about the academy on my way to Vale, but nothing in regards to how groups are selected for their four year career. They must keep that information close to the chest to ensure it remains a challenge." A large yawn pulled from him, a few tendrils of exhaustion still clinging to him from the rough night he had.
Pyrrha saw this and looked concerned, "Are you alright? You look tired."
"I didn't get what you would call a good night's rest." replied Haru, "A couple nightmares, nothing serious."
"Anything you want to talk about?" asked the Mistral champion, wanting to help in anyway that she could.
Haru shook his head and yawned again, "I'm fine, Pyrrha. A little exhaustion never hurt anyone, besides, this is waking me up just fine." he said holding up his own coffee and downing the contents in two gulps. "Have you been to Beacon before?" he asked.
"Sadly, no. But I have heard a great many things about it." stated Pyrrha, "Professor Ozpin is said to be a genius, and his staff were all renounced huntsmen and huntresses. There is much we can learn from them and the experiences they've had."
The Faunus nodded in agreement, thinking about those that would soon be teaching them for the next four years. "I guess we'll find out when we get there."
Finishing their light breakfast, the duo made sure the tab was paid before making their way to the sky-dock. Finding the place filled with dozens of other students already in the process of boarding the airships that would take them to Beacon.
There was also several parents there seeing their kids off for the new semester. Haru took note of the various families around him, a dull ache in the pit of his chest seeing them interact, the happy and somewhat sad moments being shared.
It left him feeling empty inside.
A hand on his shoulder brought him out of his thoughts and he turned to see Pyrrha looking at him with concern reflecting in her emerald eyes again.
Haru shook his head and shrugged her hand off, "Well, this is it." he said, not wanting to see the questioning look in her gaze.
"It would appear so." Pyrrha replied, the two of them would be on separate ships heading to the academy, but they had promised to meet up when they had arrived. "See you there?" she asked, her tone hopeful.
The Faunus smiled back at her, "Not if I see you first." the minor joke got a small laugh out of the young champion before they parted ways.
Making his way up the ramp and into the vessel he had been assigned to, Haru moved toward a less crowded part of the passenger area and took a seat, tossing his bag into the seat next to him as he got comfortable.
As the minutes ticked by, he watched a dozens more people got on board. All of them bound for Beacon, either as first year students or ones returning to continue their education. Many of them showed promise, one or two others may or may not make the cut in the end, but he supposed that would be more or less left up to whatever the headmaster had planned for them.
When everyone was on the ship, the ramp came up and the doors sealed before they rose into the air. The vessel heading toward the North where the academy was situated. Haru removed his hood, crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back in his seat. The ride wouldn't take very long, half an hour tops, it gave him time to think about what he would do when they finally arrived.
"I can't believe that my baby sister is going to Beacon with me! This is the best day ever!" Haru's wolf-ears perked hearing a familiar voice call out, looking toward the source and saw Yang not too far away giving her sister Ruby a strong hug.
The strength of said embrace easily figured out when the younger girl gasped out, "Please stop." prompting the blonde to release her.
"But I'm so proud of you!" Yang said, not losing a single bit of her excitement.
"Really, Sis, it was nothing." Ruby replied, trying to downplay whatever the discussion was about.
Yang rolled her eyes, "What do you mean? It was incredible! Everyone at Beacon is going to think your the bee's knees."
"I don't want to be the 'bee's knees', okay? I don't want to be any kind of knees! I just want to be a normal girl with normal knees." her sister said back. "I got moved ahead two years… I don't want anyone to think I'm special or anything."
"I'm afraid you're already marked in the 'special' category." both girls turned and were surprised to see the wolf-Faunus sitting not too far away.
"Haru! Wasn't expecting to see you here!" Yang said grinning widely.
Haru stood and rolled his neck, "I'm as surprised as you are." he turned and smiled down at Ruby, "Congratulations. Getting into Beacon a couple years ahead is something to be proud of."
Ruby rubbed her arm and scuffed the deck with her boot, "It's… not that big of a deal." she mumbled lowly.
Raising an eyebrow at her shy demeanor, Haru put a hand on her arm making her look up at him. Her silver eyes locking with his hazel ones. "I can understand your hesitation." he said, making her eyes widen, "Going to a new place so soon and being so young. Even more so since you won't know anyone there. But you will do fine, just take it one step at a time."
The small moment was interrupted by a nearby view screen speaking up with a local news report; "The robbery was lead by the nefarious criminal Roman Torchwick, who continues to evade authorities. If you have any information about his whereabouts please contact the Vale Police Department. Back to you Lisa."
Whatever else was going to be said was cut off when the screen disappeared and a holographic image of Glynda Goodwitch took its place. "Hello, and welcome to Beacon. My name is Glynda Goodwitch. You are among a privileged few who have received the honor of being selected to attend this prestigious academy. Our world is experiencing an incredible time of peace, and as future Huntsman and Huntresses, it is your duty to uphold it. You have demonstrated the courage needed for such a task, and now, it is our turn to provide you with the knowledge and the training to protect our world."
When the introduction was done, the image of the professor faded away, giving everyone a good view of the academy the airship was now approaching. "Oh, wow!" Ruby said in awe as she ran up to the window and took in all the sights outside.
Yang and Haru joined her on either side, taking in what was going to be their new home for the next year.
Compared to his little home back in the North, it was far more than what he had anticipated. Memories of the stories his parents used to tell him about Beacon came back slowly, making the Faunus feel as though they were standing there with him.
I won't let either of you down. he thought with conviction, reaching up and clenching the Omega pendant around his neck. Whatever waited for him within the castle-like walls, he would be ready to face it head on.