Chapter 1: Less then humble beginnings.

Jasper Cage was a nice man, or at least that is what he liked to think. He treates people well, workes hard and diligently, loves his wife and son and even pays his taxes without without complain. So, you would think that the universe would occasionally throw the man a bone.

Y'know, like an extra large commission for his work some other kind of good fortune.

Not…

"I wanna become a Huntsman."

…those words.

The man pinched his nose, taking a deep breath as he looked at his son, the currect source of his ire.

His son, Nyx, was a good boy. Sure, a bit rough around the edges but otherwise okay. Of course he was perhaps not the best source as he was after all his son. The boy was currectly sitting across from his, his fingers interlocked and face blank with a strange certainty that he was going to get his way. Jasper liked to thing that he and his wife raised him better to be arrogant, so he usually just wrote it off as puberty like most parents do.

After all, denial was very easy.

"Son, we have talked about this."

"And you said that we will keep talking 'bout this." Said Nyx, straightening in his seat.

Jasper raised a brow. So his son was in this for the long haul, eh? Fine by him. He also straightened, his frame larger and more emposing then that of his ten year old.

"Fine. Lets talk then. Why do you want to become a hunter."

"Because I want to."

A silence filled the room.

"I will need some more info then that, son."

The boy shrugged, his face unapologetic despite gesture.

"I can't explain it myself. I feel like I might find my purpose there."

"And why cant you find your purpose doing something safe?" asked Jasper. 'Like a blacksmith.' Is what he wanted to add but he knew it would have the opposite effect then intented.

Nyx didn't answer immediately, looking down towards the ground.

"Cause I need to leave."

"…What?"

"Dad, I wanna go out. See the world and do stuff. But I cant do that if…" he hesitated for a moment " …If I am stuck here." Said Nyx, his face showing a mix of fear of having offended his father and…desperation. Jasper leaned forward to ask whats wrong but his son interrupted him. "But not right now!"

Jasper send him a confused look. Nyx grabbed into his pocked, fishing out a flyer and handed it to his father.

On the flyer a black sillhoutette of a person stood on a hill, flag in hand, with the words "Guard your kingdom!" under it. It was tacky but caught the eye well enough.

"Didn't take you to be so patriotic, Nyx." Joked the man as he looked flyer.

"Wha-? No read the text under that." Urged his son.

He complied looking at the fine print on the lower right corner of the paper. It read "Age of admission is seventeen."

Jasper gave Nyx a flat look. "You're ten."

Nyx shot an equally flat look back. " Yes, I noticed, but anyway, the thing is that in seven years I will be able to enter Beacon, so all I want to ask you is…" he leaned forward expectedly" …to make a deal."

"A deal, you say?"

"Yes, all I want is a fair chance to get ready. I want to dedicate those seven year to becoming the best I can. I need you to help me."

"Help you how?" last time he checked he did not have any hunter skills, well sure his dad di- "Oh!" realization dawned upon the mans face. "You want me to ask your Grandfather?"

Nyx nervously drummed his fingers against the table as he answered. "Yeeeeeees?" asked Nyx more then actually answering the question, waiting for his fathers reaction.

Jasper looked a bit conflicted. His relationship with his father was bit akward. His old man wanted that he became a huntsman. He did not. He always liked the act of creating something more rewarding, which is why he became a blacksmith in the first place. The heat of the forge, the rhythmic hammering of the iron, the smell of coal in the morning. It fulfilled him. Part of him wished that his son would choose the same path as him but that would mean he is the same as his father.

He clenched the paper.

No. No, he wasn't like his father. He would believe in his son. He'll put his trust in him and support him as best as he can.

Cause that is the duty of a father.

He sighed but his smile betrayed his intention. "Fine. I'll give him a call."

Nyx punched the air in relief, both at his fathers willingness to help and his acceptance. He jumped out of the chair and around the desk, hugging his father. Jasper replied in kind, patting his son on the back.

"So, is there anything else that you want me to do?" asked Jasper after they separated.

Nyx scratched the back of his head. "Well, there is this one thing. Would you help me forge a weapon?"

There many things that could make Jasper Cage happy just from hearing about it.

Blacksmithing with his son was definetly one of them.

He ruffled the young boys hair. "Sure, how could I refuse."

Nyx beamed at him. "Thanks dad. I swear I'll make you proud." Said the boy before running out of the house. A cheer could be heard from the outside.

Jasper smiled. You already have.

He sighed as he leaned back against the chair, one hand still clutching the flyer.

…I better call dad soon.

And to give him credit, he would have called him that day. 'Cept as he felt two slender arms wrap around his shoulders in a loving hug, the smell of cinnamon which always drove him crazy all over them…did he feel his blood freeze.

"Dear, what has Nyx so worked up?" asked his wife, Liadan, as she nuzzled his check.

Aw,shit.

"And whats that flyer?"

Aw,shit!

What followed were the loudest twenty minutes of Jaspers life.