DMND in the Rough (RWBY Fanfic)

DMND in the Rough is a fanfiction by Ash Winters that chronicles Team DMND ('diamond') and their friends' adventures at Beacon Academy and beyond. The story's first 4 chapters are preludes centred on the titular characters, showcasing each of their abilities.

Prelude 1: Diopside
"Beat me black and blue; Every wound will shape me, every scar will build my throne."

(One month ago)

As darkness fell, two dark figures loomed ominously over the train tracks near Forever Fall, one with onyx hair with obsidian tips and dark cyan-blue eyes, wearing a black leather jacket and grey trousers; his twin automatic pistols holstered on his hips and carrying a black helmet resembling a wolf's head while leaning against his motorbike. The other, older one had light red hair, dyed reddish-purple at the tips, and pink eyes, and wore a pink T-shirt with light red sleeves over a pair of dark brown baggy trousers and pink boots with purple laces & soles, as well as red armour with purple accents on her torso and forearms, over detached elbow-length pink sleeves; her fox tail flapping in the wind and her sword sheathed on her back. "You sure this is the place?", enquired the younger of the two, the one in the black jacket.

"Kelly's has never been wrong before, Dell; if she says it's here, it's here. Don't worry, it'll arrive soon.", replied the elder, reassuring her companion.

"If you say so, Amy. Got the 'shopping list'?"

"Weapons, ammo, Dust, it's all here. Look, I can tell you're nervous, and I get it. Once the mission is done, you'll feel better. Trust me", Amy said. The rattle of the tracks cut the two Faunus' conversation short, signalling the approach of their target and the start of the operation.

The SDC freight trains are the pinnacle of Dust transportation on Remnant, a triumph of Atlesian engineering. This particular train was, according to Kelly at least, loaded with various weapons and Dust crystals. The sight of the freighter reassured both Faunus. "See? Right on time.", said Amy, before running towards the tracks, with Dell close behind. Just before reaching the tracks, the infiltrators leapt into the air, landing on the roof of the train without a sound. Before proceeding, Amy asked of her young partner, "Are you clear on the plan?"

"You grab the weapons, I get the Dust, then we report back to base", Dell responded, donning his helmet. Amy nodded, then drew her longsword, a gleaming silver affair with a red hilt and barrel up the centre, from its sheath, cutting a hole through the roof for Dell and herself to drop through. Unluckily, they landed in the middle of a horde of Atlesian Knights, evidently there as security. "Looks like we're doing this the hard way", Amy noted, as both Moonlighters gathered their bearings and the guards booted up.

"Don't be so dramatic", Dell replied, drawing his twin ebony pistols, then configuring the one in his left hand to form a duelling sabre.

"Intruders, identify yourselves", spoke one of the androids, before having its head promptly removed from its body by Dell's sword. The robots then armed themselves, some extending blades from their forearms, others drawing rifles from their backs, then the two parties clashed. The sounds of gunshots and clashing metal filled the air for a while, gradually fading to nothing as the AK-200s were dispatched left, right and centre, the two Faunus showing impeccable knowledge of each others' movements and incredible swordsmanship.

"Well, that was easy", stated Dell, evidently underwhelmed.

"Yes, almost too easy", agreed Amy, almost instantly regretting it, as an Atlesian Paladin 290 reared its mechanical head. The mech suit unleashed a hail of bullets at Amy and Dell, causing Dell to form a shadowy barrier using his Semblance to shield himself, while Amy dodged the barrage with hers.

"Did Kelly say anything about that?!", exclaimed Dell.

"No, but I've fought bigger", replied Amy, in a calm voice not usually associated with her. "I've got a plan, but I need you to wear it down and buy me some time", she continued.

"Consider it done", the younger Faunus responded, before returning fire with both pistols, aiming at the weak points of the armour. The mech suit turned quickly to avoid the attack, only to be met by Dell brandishing both his weapons in sabre form, leaping at it. The raven-haired boy engraved a cross on the glass, then, combining his sabres to form a double-edged broadsword, struck downwards on the centre, almost shattering the pane separating him from the pilot, before kicking off, back to Amy's side. The older Faunus, having finished charging her attack, unleashed a wave of Aura from her sword, slicing the Paladin clean in half at the legs. The crimson-haired fox Faunus then walked up to the pilot, now defenceless, levelled her sword at the man's throat, and demanded to know where the Dust and weapons were. After receiving the information from the guard, Amy sheathed her sword, and Dell knocked him out with a punch from his prosthetic left arm.

The exhausted young wolf Faunus returned home later that evening, after dropping the newly acquired armaments off at the Moonlighters' base, intending to relish the day's victory, almost missing a letter bearing the symbol of Vale, two crossed axes, waiting on his doorstep. Almost. Curious, he opened it and started to read.

 'Dear Mr Colby,

''We are delighted to inform you that your application to Beacon Academy has been accepted. Certain accommodations have been made for students, including dormitories on-site, and parking spaces just off-campus. Most rules will be stated upon your arrival at Beacon; however, some are very important in maintaining safety and the image of the Academy, so are outlined below.'' ''Bullheads will operate every half-hour to provide transport between the Academy and the main city of Vale between 8 am and 10 pm. Students are advised to be on-site by 8:45 on the first day of the first semester, when lockers for weapons and other items will be distributed, as well as timetables and uniforms, following a commencement speech from some members of staff at 9:00. After this, there will be time to meet other students, both new and current, in the events hall, where you will be sleeping that night. Dormitories will be assigned shortly after initiation on the second day of the school year. The exact nature of the initiation, however, cannot be disclosed at this time. Lessons will commence the day after initiation.''
 * No weapons are permitted in classrooms (except combat practice) or social areas.
 * Lateness will not be tolerated once lessons have begun, barring exceptional circumstances.
 * Proper uniform must be worn during class (except combat practice) or while on official Academy business, though some personal accessories are permitted (within reason).

We look forward to seeing you,

Professor Ozpin, Headmaster; Professor Goodwitch, Deputy Head'

*Dad would be so proud right now*, Dell mused as he went to tell his mother the good news.