Chapter 1: Beginnings
The dojo echoed with the sounds of two skilled combatants sparring; one old, one young. With the loud sound of a body hitting the mat-covered floor, the younger fighter groaned; Opening scarlet-colored eyes, he looked up into the smugly grinning face of his wrinkled opponent. "Come, get up, Kane", the old man chuckled, "Or have you forgotten our bet?" Kane got up off the ground, running a hand through shaggy blonde hair, "No, Master Zhen, I have not forgotten." The wager in question was that Kane couldn't pin the old man, his teacher, to the mat within half an hour; should he prove the experienced martial artist wrong dinner would be on him, if not then Kane would be buying. The clock ticked down as they got in position, knees bent, arms at the ready. Teacher and student lunged at each other, punches and kicks executed with practised precision, blocking and dodging all the while. Zhen feigned a strike to Kane's face, and swept the young man's legs out from under him when he blocked. A buzzer signalled the time was up, Kane had lost; not that he realistically expected to win, his instructor had many years of experience over him. "A deal's a deal" he sighed, accepting the hand offered to him by Master Zhen.
After changing back into their civilian clothes, the two men left for a popular restaurant down the street. This was not the first time that this had happened, so he was lucky that his father was so generous, and had a good sense of humor about these things. "Hey Dad! table for two!" he called into the eatery his father owned; if this isn't going to cost the old man a cent, then it might as well not cost him anything either he figured. Kane's father, a rotund blonde Mystrali man by the name of Dimitri, made his way over to the pair and greeted his son with a bone crushing hug. "Kane, my boy", his father's Mystrali accent tugging at his words, "And good evening to you as well, Zhen." Smiling, Zhen returned the warm greeting. Realising he was still affectionately crushing poor Kane, he let the boy go and lead the two men over to an empty table. No menus were needed, despite the abundance of options contained therein, they ordered their usual, and favorite, choices; Chicken stir-fry served on rice and made with fresh veggies and a teriyaki sauce made in house for Zhen, Kane opted for the chicken fettuccini alfredo with grated parmesan and sauce that was also made in house. The men chatted with Kane's father until another group of hungry customers stepped through the door, Dimitri welcomed them like old friends, a smile on his face and warmth in his voice. Kane smiled, watching his father work always brought a smile to his face; His father treated everyone like old friends, the man liked people of all kinds, this included the oft shunned Faunus. Hot food being set down in front of him by a cute waitress caught his attention, pulling him back up from the ocean of thoughts swirling in his mind.
Finishing their meal, Kane shook his head, "I can't believe I'll be at Beacon by the end of next week…" he sighed happily. When he looked up, Master Zhen was smiling, pride in his student plain for all to see, "I'm very proud of you, Kane, you are one of only a few students of mine who have gone to use the skills I taught them for more than seeking fortune and fame. The last one was… many years ago, a man by the name of Taiyang; perhaps you've heard of him?" Kane chuckled, His teacher is proud of all his students, and you were in fact acquainted with this one in particular. Taiyang had been a teacher of yours while you were enrolled at Signal Academy; the hunter's skill was impressive, and he was without a doubt the source of his daughter's own natural abilities.
Opening his mouth to reply, he stopped as the door opened by a familiar woman with strawberry-blonde hair and eyes of scarlet. She spoke with Dimitri in hushed tones, before her face lit up like a christmas tree and she hurriedly made her way over, smiling ear-to-ear. "Hey Mom" was all he could manage before he was wrapped in another hug by his mother who immediately began talking excitedly. "Oh my goodness, your father just told me the news, I'm so proud! My little boy, going to Beacon, I almost can't believe it, I think I might be more excited about this than you." Her usual calm and somewhat serious demeanor gone at receiving this latest news. The acrid smell of gunpowder, weapon oil, and burnt metal clung to her; evidently she had just gotten off work from her job as Signal Academy's resident Weaponsmith, and "Principles of Weapon Design" teacher. Noticing Kane's exaggerated look of mock disgust, she let him go, rolling her eyes, and smiling all the while.
It was late when Kane showed Master Zhen to the door, the mutually respected fighters and friends bidding each other good night. Closing the door and turning the lock, he smiled as a thought crossed his mind, I wonder if he noticed that I wasn't using my semblance during our sparring? Kane's was something rather unique; he could predict his opponents next move during a fight, so long as he could see them. If blinded or being attacked from a blind spot, he can still sense an incoming strike, but only the direction; front, back, left, or right. Kane hadn't used this ability of his during his fight with the old man, knowing that even if he did, all he would accomplish would be to draw out the match.
Heading into his family's home behind the restaurant, he headed for his bedroom. Kane sat upon the carpeted floor, lights off, and The Achieve Men's newest album playing on his headphones. He crossed his legs, closed his eyes, and placed his hands on his knees; beginning his nightly meditation, as taught by Zhen. This was a habit formed many years ago, before starting at Signal, the practise helped to clear his mind and relax his body before the end of the day. When his eyes opened again, he was calm, the whirling vortex of thoughts usually occupying his mind was gone, leaving behind nothing but peace. He finished his nightly routine with a quick shower, before donning PJ's and diving into welcoming sheets of his soft bed. There was much to be done in the next two weeks, better to rest now while he still had the chance. Summer can't end fast enough was his last thought before he succumbed to sleep, dreams taking the place of conscious thought.
A/N: Thanks for reading, let me know what you think, more will come regardless of general opinion.