As the warm sun of Vacuo set upon the blistering lands a young fox faunus fell asleep in an alley as usual, having nowhere to go she decided that this was her best bet for the night. Unbeknownst to her this night wasn't going to go as she had planned. Thanks to recent events involving her semblance, some very powerful and dangerous people became aware of her, one in particular was quite curious indeed. Underneath the moonlit sky, Lilac was taken by a snake faunus to a large building in her sleep, one that housed the most powerful and dangerous person, a python faunus named Hebi, leader of The Vacuo Mafia. Hebi of course awaited the young foxes arrival, someone with a semblance that powerful is extremely hard to come by.
Lilac was rudely awakened with a smack to the back of the head. " Get up! It wouldn't be wise to keep him waiting." A young man said with a hiss in his voice, Lilacs eyes fluttered as she awoke, she quickly looked around her taking in her surroundings. She was in what looked to be a throne room, though it was different, this wasn't royalty, this certainly wasn't anything good. At the end of the hall there was what looked to be a large man seated at a chair, soft hisses being heard around him. She certainly couldn't take him if she tried, with so much muscle she'd easily be drained of her semblance if she were to use it, not to mention the armed guards on each side of him. She then stood as she was told, she made sure not to show her fear and dread that was building from within her. Suddenly the main at the end of the hall spoke; " Bring her closer Vert, she's not a damned prisoner. Besides I don't think she'll even attempt using that semblance of hers." The man's voice was deep, with that same hiss as the one who woke her.
The young man that he referred to as Vert brought Lilac forward, and there she could see the man. He was tall and muscular though not incredibly, with black tattoos of snakes coiling around his arms, with his smile she could see two large fangs sticking out. Around his neck sat a large python, while it looked aggressive towards Lilac it didn't even try constriction the man. " Hello little fox, I am Hebi and i'm certain you have a few questions. But unfortunately for you, so do I." Hebi said in a calm voice, introducing himself to the young fox, he could sense that fear around her and knew that unless she were calmed, her chances of using her semblance were high. " I've heard about your semblance little one." He paused, standing from his seat, with his snake still perched atop his shoulders. " You've caused me a great deal of trouble little one, why you used your semblance against many of my men, and even one of my own sons. Tell me, what is it you're trying to gain with a power like that?" Hebi spoke calmly, though still maintaining a certain level of fear as her circled Lilac slowly, as his snake watched her every move. Lilac looked down at the ground, not wanting to face Hebi or his snake. " I am only doing what I need to in order to survive, sir. " Lilac stuttered as she spoke, hoping that the snake would let her go.
Hebi merely laughed at this statement; " You mean you're not trying to make yourself known? " His laughter was loud and booming, though he quickly calmed himself. " Well little fox, what if I were to tell you that you could live like a princess? The only catch is that you work for me. " He stopped circling her, now standing right in front of the young Lilac. " N-No tricks? " Lilac stuttered as she looked up fearfully at Hebi and his python. Hebi merely shook his head as he pet the snake on his shoulders. " No tricks little fox, what do you say? Do we have a deal." He gave a slight smirk as he extended a hand down to her. There were so many thoughts running through her mind; A new start with new people, she shook at the thought, she had already been abandoned. But this was a chance, a chance to live, a chance to maybe go home someday. She took a breath before carefully shaking Hebi's hand. In a way she felt like she just made a deal with the devil, however the offer was too tempting for her not to take, and she was afraid to sleep another night on the streets of Vacuo. She looked up at Hebi, who had an approving look in his eye as he looked to Vert. " Prepare a room for the little fox, and tell your brothers that they have a student." He let go of Lilacs hand as he spoke to Vert.
Vert scowled at Hebi, But then took a breath and allowed his emotions to subside. " It will be done, father." Once he left the room Lilac looked up at Hebi with curiosity, however she still remained on guard. "What do I do now?" She asked as Hebi returned to his seat. " Now? Now you will learn how to fight. You'll need to know how if you ever want to become successful. Vacuo is the savage lands of Remnant, strength rules above all else, if you are weak then you will fall apart and crumble like the desert sands." He paused for a moment as the large python slithered off of his shoulders, and to the back of the chair. " When people fight you, they'll expect a fox, but in reality. You will fight like a deadly snake, slithering in for a cold blooded victory." Lilac shuddered at the thought, she didn't want to kill people, she just wanted to return to Atlas. Hebi still eyed her, and for a moment he chuckled. " You're still afraid aren't you? To use that semblance of yours, that semblance is meant for a killer, for an assassin. And you little fox, you fit that character well. Don't worry, you'll be trained well, no faunus who serves under me goes without training. However that part is where my involvement stops." He paused for a moment as he moved his hair away from his eyes.
"I'll be leaving you to train with my eldest sons, true prodigies when it comes to blades for their young age." As if on cue the large set of double doors opened behind Lilac. Revealing two twin brothers standing there with long rattlesnake tails that rattled as they walked in. " Good evening father" One said while the other looked at Lilac. " What's with the fox? I thought only reptiles were allowed here." The other stated while Lilac turned to face the two, by the looks of them they had to be at least 17, just three years older than her. " She's the newest member of our little criminal family, you both should get used to it soon. Oh and you'll also be training her, don't kill her like your last student." Hebi crossed his arms as he spoke, his tone was blunt as he made his intentions clear to his eldest sons. " Lilac, this is Fern and Orin, they'll be training you from here on out, and like them you need to get used to it." Fern looked towards his brother as they rattled their tails, almost as if speaking to each other. Orin shook his head as he looked down at the young and naive fox. The poor girl knew nothing as to what was in store for her. Soon a young women came through the doors, an axolotl faunus by the looks of it. " Apologies for being late! I-I thought you were in the eastern wing." She spoke in a panicked tone, the brothers merely nodded towards the small salamander as she cleared her throat and looked almost professional. " While we, won't be sparring with you this evening. Do not think for a moment that you won't be fighting. Rather you will be practising with my-" Fern elbowed his brother, cutting him off. Orin than cleared his throat. " I mean, you will be sparring with our assistant Cherise." He then glanced to his brother. "Better?' Fern nodded to his brothers sarcastic statement. The brothers than gazed back at the small fox faunus, watching as Cherise awkwardly handed her a wooden sword before stepping back.
Lilac took the sword hesitantly, she was afraid and wanting to use her semblance and run. However as young as she was, even she knew that using her semblance and running would only get her killed. These were dangerous people, and she needed to be extremely careful. She held the blade just as her mother taught her, she peered over at Cherise. Cherise only held the blade with one hand, looking unsure but still ready to attack. " However we have but one rule for you. We've seen the effects of your semblance on our dear brother. Thus, you are not allowed to use it." Lilac froze to Ferns statement, her semblance was probably the only thing she had to protect herself. She then took a breath, calming herself before getting into a fighting stance. "Begin!" Fern and his brother both yelled to signal Lilac and Cherise to fight.
And that's the end of chapter one my friends, if you enjoy and want more than please comment down below. I'm also extremely open to constructive criticism so I'll be happy to hear it if you have any!