Volume 1 - Chapter 1

Lavender POV

As I opened my eyes I had noticed the ray of sunlight creeping up the left of my face. The warmth of the sun was something unexpected in the winter months. It was a pleasant gift. As I sat up I got the sudden rush of energy from a great sleep. Gazing around the room I noticed my axe, Tenshi, hanging in the corner with the sunlight reflecting off it. As I remember forging my weapon in Signal Academy my thoughts about the past hurried into my mind. My mother, my sister. It's been 9 years since I last saw them. The attack on our house drove fear into my mind. But I wasn't alone. I have Seth with me, so I know I will never be alone. Today was the day we had to head back into town, for even criminals need to survive.

"Seth wake up, It's time." I softly whispered into his left wolf ear. I often wondered what I'd be like if I were a faunus. But the stories of ridicule and violence Seth has told me I'm fine as a human. I always wondered why people seldom see past what they think the faunus are and instead see who they are. I have for the past 8 years. I don't see life possible without Seth by my side.

"Already? It feels like I just fell asleep." The tone of exhaustion echoed in his deep voice.

"Yep. Remember the sooner we get this over with the sooner we can relax and get back to training." I snickered with a cheeky smerk.

"You're right." he said with a brief pause. Turning towards me.

"Vale has changed so much these last few years don't you think?" Seth asked me, looking into my eyes. His dark blue right eye and grey left eye seemed to stare into my soul. I've always noticed the stand out trait with his eyes, the multi colored eyes seemed to fit perfectly with his personality.

"Yes. Yes it has." I said.

As we gathered our things I reached for my golden bracelet. The bracelet was a gift Seth made for me 3 years ago engraved with I miss you on it, mine was an exact match to the other he made, with the minor difference of the names on them. Placing it on my wrist I noticed the little amount of dust I had stored away. It would be just another thing we have to steal. I don't think any of this would be so easy if it not for my Semblance. The ability to influence the emotions of others was a gift I've never seen or heard of. The effort I put into it has even allowed me to force others to feel emotions at my will. Sorrow, anger, happiness, forgiveness and even fear.

"Ready Lyte?" Seth said. The nickname he'd grown accustomed to calling me over the years you could say it was my second name.

"Of course." I smiled as I replied. Reaching for Tenshi, placing it on my back. And seeing him grab the levitating orb, enshrouded with a constant dark and light aura radiating around it, from the table. Tracing his hand up to his face noticing his hair, white as winter. Then we headed out, toward Vale.

Seth POV

I've always wondered, out of all the places we could have chosen, Lavender and I made the choice of Vale to remain isolated. Though not within the city limits, Vale was still the closest city for miles around. We made our home in the Emerald Forest, where people hardly visit and fewer can navigate it like we can. The last 6 years of hiding, alienating ourselves from society, out of fear of being found again.

"Do you think we'll run into any problems today?" I asked Lavender. Looking in her direction as we walked. Her pixie cut hair style, lavender in color, with bangs covering half her left eye. One thing I always loved about her was her eyes. Purple and they looked like the biggest amathysts you'd ever see.

"You never know until it happens. We can only hope it goes smooth today." She said, than continued. "After all it's our anniversary." The distinct joy in the tone of her voice was strong. The anniversary of the day we met 8 years ago.

"That it is." I smiled and said.

"Speaking of problems. Do you think we'll see the Schnee's or thier hired help?" She asked with a concern in her voice.

"I am sure it's possible. But you don't have to worry about the Schnee's. They haven't found us for 4 years, I think we are fine since we left Atlas." I told her.

"Yeah you are right, we should focus on the future." She said than paused and continued. "Besides I am sure we can handle them now if we needed to. They are just thugs after all."

"Or you could just scare them with your voodoo powers." I jokingly said, with the sudden feeling of guilt coming over me. Leaving as suddenly as it started. As I looked at her giving her a sarcastic smile, I heard a loud roar of an Ursa as well as screams and voices of in the distance.

"There are people up ahead, come on." I said to her as we started to flank where I heard the sounds from. As we approached I saw teenage kids, 3 of which stood off to the side in the tree line and watched the event unfold. With one on the floor being attacked by the Ursa, and the other now defending the one on the floor. I felt a sudden tug on my arm as Lavender whispered to me.

"Isn't that Weiss Schnee?"

"Yes I think it is!" I said with an anger in my voice, reaching into my pocket grabbing my weapon. When grabbing my arm, Lavender said to me.

"Don't. If we kill her they are going to find us. If they find us then we are as good as dead."

"But, the things they did to us. It's only fair for payback." I said in a rage. I felt the darkness in my heart consuming me. Until a sudden happiness fell over me. Regaining the ability to control myself.

"Seth. Please, let's get out of here." Lavender said. Grabbing my arm and pulling me along as we walked back towards our house.

"I'm sorry about that back there Lyte." I said with a tone of regret in my voice.

"It's okay, you maintained control. That's all that matters."

"Let's just wait until later to head into Vale. It'll be easier to rob the dust shop at night anyways." Lavender said.

In my mind I knew she was right. Killing Weiss wouldn't bring anything but problems for us, besides Weiss wasn't the root of our problems. Maintaining control over my emotions. The task was proven to be difficult until I met Lavender, her presence brought the light into my darkness.