Vale – 30 Years post Great War
The sword strike came in high from overhead. She saw the attack, shifting her stance and her halberd to deflect it to the side while spinning the pole and bringing the axe around for a counterattack all in the same movement. The sword was swatted to the ground, as expected, but her opponent brought up his shield in time to block her attack. No, he'd expected that and had instead thrust his shield out to meet her attack, pushing the halberd back and leaving her open for a shoulder charge. She took the hit full force, being thrown back and onto the ground with a loud thud. Before she could climb back to her feet, however, her opponent had closed the distance and held his sword at her throat.
"I yield," she said, scowling as her father sheathed his sword in the shield and collapsed it back into a scabbard at his hip.
"Well done, Sapphira," her father said, offering her his hand. She took it and immediately felt his strong arm pull her from the ground, making her feel weightless in the processes.
"It's not good enough," she complained.
"It's better than most children your age," her father argued, settling down on an old stump that acted as a chair. "Not to mention you choose an exceptionally difficult weapon to master. The halberd requires a fine balance of skill, fortitude, foresight, and adaptability. It's three weapons in one and while that gives it the strengths of all three that also means it comes with their weaknesses as well. It's easy to become accustomed to one of them and neglect the others, leaving your stance riddled with holes."
"Nicholas is going to inherit your weapon someday. I needed something distinct to set myself apart," she said.
"You don't have to learn to fight. That's what sons are for," her twin said jokingly.
Sapphira sneered before bringing the pole of her halberd around and behind his legs. The swift movement caught the boy off guard and he soon found himself staring up at the sky as well as his sister's vicious smirk.
"Did you say something little brother?" she mocked.
"You're only older by two minutes," he argued, rubbing his head where he'd smacked the ground.
"That's enough you two," their mother scolded, her long auburn hair tied back in a braid that bobbed back and forth as she strode towards them from their home. "Honestly, whether in my womb or out here sparring, you two are always bickering about something."
"She started it," Nicholas accused.
"No, you did with your stupid comment," Sapphira shot back.
"Only because I'm right," he scoffed.
Rather than answer him, Sapphira instead scowled and brought her halberd around for another swipe at his feet. Nicholas saw it immediately and instantly jumped, smirking as he waited for the pole to sail harmlessly under his feet. It never did, however, as he soon realized all too late that was a distraction. Before his feet hit the ground she shifted the pole's stance, ensuring it landed on his sword instead. Nicholas had barely enough time to regret his actions as a sharp pain emanated from his groan. He crumbled to the ground, clutching at his bruised pride.
"What was that, little brother? I didn't quite catch that last comment."
"Albert, do something," their mother groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose as she grumbled about her children's behavior.
"Children your mother's right. Sapphira, you need to learn to let such comments slide or ignore them entirely. You can't allow your pride and temper to get the best of you, otherwise they'll prove to be your downfall. Nicholas, you need to learn to hold such comments back and especially to respect woman, most notably those in your family."
"Yes father," the twins replied in unison, shooting each other a glare.
"I want you two to give me your word," he said. "An Arc never goes back their word."
"We promise," they said.
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Atlas – Military Compound – Calcipher
"Hold him down!" the doctor yelled.
Four nurses situated around the examination table that Calcipher was strapped to struggled to keep the young boy from wriggling too much. The leather restraints, while meant to ensure he didn't hurt himself, dug into his skin. He flailed violently against their grip and it was only through their combined efforts to hold him firmly still that the doctor was able to extract the necessary blood samples as well as administer his vaccinations.
Calcipher disliked doctors and he disliked getting shots even more. Today was no exception and it wasn't going to end anytime soon.
As promised his second day at the Academy had been far worse than he'd expected. He'd liked to have referred to it as a prison but his escort, a young avian faunus cadet named Fang, had informed him that General Mordan considered their institution a military academy. Calcipher disagreed and, to his delight, so did Fang. Much like himself Fang had been taken from off the streets a year earlier. He'd not come quietly, managing to knock one of the Generals men unconscious for their efforts, and he'd audibly laughed when Calcipher mentioned having bitten the man who attempted to manhandle him.
"I've heard it said some people's bark is worse than their bit but that's obviously reversed for you, isn't it?"
It was a shared moment that ensured the two would become allies while in this prison, something Calcipher had realized he'd need if he was to survive. Fang had escorted him to their appointments, watching with unveiled pleasure as the doctors struggled to strap him down for his shots and only putting in minimal effort to help restrain him when ordered to do so. He'd done the same when he was taken to the onsite dentist, making mention of Calcipher's preference to bit anyone who he considered his enemy. Calcipher had caught on immediately, giving the man a sharp glare while also barring his teeth threateningly. The man had paled in response and, instead of attempting to force him to comply, had smartly had him drugged to ensure he was as compliant as was needed.
Once the appointments were out of the way, and he was only just coming down from the numbness brought on by the drugs, Fang led him towards the cafeteria. Once more Calcipher found his senses assailed by the magnificent smells that came from the kitchen, a detail which did not go unmissed by Fang. After collecting enough food his friend led him to a table where they could sit alone and chat.
"So, I've got to ask, were you the one who sank a knife into that bastard's leg?" Fang asked.
"Fork," Calcipher corrected him between bits of his burger, "and yes that was me."
"Well done," Fang said, his praise causing Calcipher to preen a little, though his expression never showed it.
"It's not a big deal."
"To you, maybe, but that kid and his lackey's were always a nuisance. Thinks he's tough shit because he's the son of some beauracrate," Fang mumbled.
"Beauracrate? I thought everyone here was from off the street," Calcipher commented.
"The majority of us are, yes. Those the General didn't take off the street he gleaned from the orphanages. With the way the war turned out, they're overflowing with kids just like us who they can't adequately house or provide for. Others, however, come from good families. Some who are high up on the food chain and actively throw their weight around."
"Why send them here, though? This doesn't exactly look like the kind of place they'd want their kids spending their time in."
"You'd think that but the General has worked hard to give his Academy a top notch image. It's made to look like something capable of rivaling the Atlas Huntsmen Academy. Even the academics are some of the best. Not only that but students of those families who attend here often go on to achieve powerful positions in the military. That's only if they're the second or third child, though. Only the eldest inherit. The rest have to figure something else out."
That made sense. Among the stories read to him at the orphanage, it was usually the younger children of the parents involved who went on grand adventures to seek their fortune. No doubt it was the same with these kids. Knowing they wouldn't see a single lien of their family's inheritance, they'd instead chosen a carrier path that insured they'd be well off while also gaining some political power of their own along the way. It was disgusting to think that the future leaders of their nation were attending this place alongside them, albeit with greater benefits that came from donations made by their families to General Mordan himself. Seems the old man's speech yesterday had been full of shit. Not that realization surprised him in the least.
"Who was he anyway? The kid I stabbed in the leg," he asked.
"I don't know. I'll have to ask around," Fang remarked.
"Guess it's better to be an only child, at least where his family is concerned."
"You'd think but no. He had older siblings. Killed in the war. Now he's the only one left."
"And they still sent him here?" Fang nodded in confirmation. "Wonder if that's his punishment or ours."
"Well, considering what you did to him yesterday, I'd say it's his," Fang replied with a smirk.
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The rest of his day came and went without much incident. With most of the usual processing procedures now out of the way, Fang led Calcipher to the various rooms that would house the classes he'd be taking. Many of the subjects revolved around the usual things such as Math, Science, Geography, but a few adhered more to the military aspect of the Academy such as Tactics, Combat training, and Diplomacy. It was obvious Mordan had spared no expense in ensuring his soldiers would be top notch, not only physically prepared but mentally as well.
"We have field exercises every now and then as well," Fang casually mentioned.
"Field exercises?"
"Yea, basically field trips where they teach us outdoor survival skills and the like. You spent most of your time digging holes, shivering around small campfires, and basically wishing to be back here where you have hot food, warm beds, and indoor plumbing."
"So, basically what life was like before but with better equipment," Calcipher concluded.
"Exactly," Fang confirmed with a chuckle.
Calcipher rolled his eyes, wondering how much easier his "field training" would be compared to the life he'd lead thus far. He could imagine some of the children who weren't as well versed in the challenges of living and sleeping in a fairly cold environment. Some of them like the brat he'd stabbed in the lunchroom had probably grown up in a comfortable lifestyle, never wanting for anything and thus never having to wonder what life would be like if it all went up in smoke. No doubt their first trip into the snow had been a wakeup call, the likes of which that had them praying for it to be over so they could crawl into their beds and never leave the safety of the sheets. The thought of it made him smile just a little.
Even when he'd lived in the orphanage, life hadn't been easy. Overcrowded and underfunded, the concept of heat only applied when they managed to get a fire going in the hearth or wrap themselves up in a blanket. Sadly, they were only provided the bare necessities, with many of those other luxuries such as heating and hot showers being as mythical as the treasure troves sought out by the heroes in the stories that were read to them. Life out on the street hadn't been better but at least he didn't have over three dozen extra bodies crowded around him, arguing and fighting over beds and blankets. Out on the street those who survived had the power to take what they needed and those who didn't simply disappeared. It was a harsh reality but, strangely, one he appreciated. It was honesty to a fault and one that didn't pull punches. Once you learned and accepted that He'd done the reality things became somewhat easier.
"Any chance that we'll be having one soon?" he asked.
"I wouldn't doubt it. Our last field exercise was a month or two ago so we should be having another one soon. Though, from what I've heard, this next one will be a bit different."
"How so?"
"I've heard this next one is going to be headed by one of the Council members, someone who's familiar with this kind of challenge."
"Really? Who is it?"
"Nicholas Schnee," Fang replied and, upon seeing Calcipher's surprised look, added, "though that's only a rumor. I doubt it's someone as important as him."
True, someone like Nicholas Schnee attending a field exercise with a bunch of military brats wasn't exactly something you pictured happening. However, even at such a young age, the man's name alone was not unheard of. His exploits in gaining Atlas some much needed revenue in the form of Dust had been something which had jumpstarted their economy. While the effects of this hadn't happened over night, with each new Dust mine discovered the Schnee industry grew and their economy along with it. What's more, the man's generosity and tendency to treat everyone like a friend had earned him great love and respect from them, even if you hadn't had the chance to personally meet him. Though it seemed a long shot, Calcipher silently prayed that he might actually have the chance to see this fabled adventurer, if only to make his stay here that much more bearable.
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Atlas – Schnee Manor, a few weeks' prior – Nicholas
"No one ever tells you just how much paperwork is involved with these expeditions," Nicholas mumbled to himself, signing another erroneous paper before moving onto another stack.
To say things had gone well for Nicholas and his family would have been an understatement. Born the son of a veteran of the Great War, Nicholas had essentially been left with very little in the way of funds to work with after his father's passing. Had it not been for his extensive knowledge and training, the expedition he'd later funded might have ended very differently. Then again, regardless of his knowledge and skills, the fact that their expedition had ended in success was nothing less than a miracle. It was just as likely to have ended in failure with the majority of them either dying from starvation, Grimm attacks, or simply exposure to the harsher elements of Mantle. Thankfully, everything had worked out and, as a result, Atlas, along with his family, had prospered.
As a result he'd managed to start a business, the Schnee Dust Company, which provided him with the necessary tools and funds to not only perform subsequent expeditions but also to refine, process, and send shipments of Dust to the other kingdoms. The increase in exports as well as jobs which his company had created had created an immense boost in their economy and it was already beginning to show. Unfortunately, not all change is instantaneous. Some people, such as General Mordan, still believed in the necessity of a strong military presence. While he didn't disagree with the man's philosophy, his methods were something else entirely. As such, he was having a meeting with the man in question to discuss some of his more "unsavory" actions he'd been rumored to have been performing under the Council's collective noses.
A soft knock resounded from his office door before a young man walked inside. He was in his mid-teens with short brown hair combed to one side. He wore a light blue vest over a white buttoned dress shirt and matching gloves with navy blue trousers. He balanced a large tray in one hand upon which was a steaming pot of coffee which he set down before Nicholas.
"Thank you, Klein," he said, taking a sip of the beverage and pleased to find it was freshly brewed, "though I don't recall requesting a drink."
"You didn't sir, however, considering how long you've been in here, I thought you might enjoy something to boost your spirits as well your body," he replied with a smile.
"You know me too well," he said with a chuckle. "By the way, when is Mordan due to arrive?"
"He already has, sir. He's currently waiting in the foyer. Shall I escort him here?"
"Please," Nicholas said, taking another pleasing sip of his coffee and feeling the effects of his beverage perking up his spirits.
It was a few minutes before Klein returned with the General in tow. Donning his dress uniform, the General looked every bit the part, though, in Nicholas' opinion, he looked a bit pretentious. He greeted Nicholas, taking a seat across from him, before accepting a glass from Klein containing a dark amber liquor. He took a small sip, basking in the effects in had on him, while Klein bowed respectfully before leaving to return to his duties.
"Mordan," Nicholas greeted him curtly.
"It's good to see you again Nicholas," General Mordan said.
"And I you. Tell me, how have things been going with your recruitment?"
"Slow and steady. Not as many applicants as we would have liked, especially from some of the more notable families."
"Really? I would have thought there would be more. As I recall, the council did authorize you to start recruiting suitable candidates from the local orphanages as well. Are those proving at all satisfactory?"
"I'll admit, the orphanages are not lacking at all in way of meat for the grinder," Mordan said jokingly, his comment earning a wince of displeasure from Nicholas, "but that doesn't mean they are all suitable for the military lifestyle. To put it in laymen's terms, we're finding a great deal of scrap metal and not a whole lot of gold."
"Is that why I've been hearing reports of you and your men taking children off the streets in order to fill your quota?" Nicholas asked.
His questioned caused the man's disciplined and stoic face to falter, not enough to be noticed by others but enough for someone life Nicholas to catch as a tell. The man leaned back in his chair, fixing the General with a disapproving gaze. He had hoped the rumors had been just that; rumors. Unfortunately, that was quickly proving to not be the case.
"Mordan, we discussed this," he began.
"There's nothing wrong with my methods, Nicholas," Mordan attempted to argue.
"In your eyes, perhaps, but the morality of your actions are questionable at best and illegal at worst."
"They are runaways and undesirables. Most of them came from the orphanages and were either pushed out due to overflow or an inability to take care of them all. What we're doing is giving them a life, a purpose."
"It's kidnapping," Nicholas snapped.
"And what would you have me do, hmm? Throw them back onto the streets to die within a year or two? Or shall I drop them off at the nearest orphanage and wish them the best of luck?" Mordan snapped back, silently pleased to see his argument had silenced his counterpart. "These children have nothing. They came from nothing. Unlike you they were not afforded the same opportunity to study, train, and eventually make something of themselves. Those who managed to make their way through the orphanage and into adulthood will simply be spat back out into the system and expected to make something of themselves. Most will either starve to death or be taken by disease before that happens. What I'm doing may be immoral in your eyes but it at least gives them a chance at a better life."
Nicholas was silent, his neutral expression hiding the turbulent emotions which warred within him. He didn't agree with Mordan, not one bit, but, unfortunately, the man had a point. He himself had come from a poor family, one in which both he and his father had worked in the mines to help support the others. When his father passed, he took what money he'd been given and, by some miracle, created a company that had rejuvenated the dwindling life of his nation and people. Unfortunately, the same couldn't be expected from everyone who shared his background. War was a terrible thing and it was unbiased as to whom it affected. Even if all of these children who had been taken into Mordan's care had managed to make it to adulthood within the walls of the numerous orphanages, there weren't enough jobs or food to support them all. Many would die, it was simply the nature of the beast.
Still, he didn't feel right knowing Mordan purposely took these children off the streets in order to fill positions at his academy. There were better ways. In time, perhaps, he would see to it that those other avenues were explored and implemented but for now he would have to bite his tongue and admit defeat. The battle had been lost, perhaps, but the war was far from over. Besides, failure was the greatest teacher out there and, if he couldn't convince Mordan that his methods were wrong, perhaps he could go about things a different way.
"Very well," he said, releasing a slow breath to calm his nerves and smolder his temper. "I will admit; I do not have another solution available to me."
"As I thought," Mordan said with a victorious smirk, sipping at his drink tentatively. "It is noble of you to admit defeat, old friend."
Nicholas scowled at the comment but bit back the comment that threatened to leap out. "I will, however, like to see for myself how the curriculum at your academy is progressing."
"Of course, of course. We are always happy to host guests of note at our school. We can discuss some future dates when such a visit might be appropriate- "
"Actually," Nicholas interrupted, "I was thinking of something different. I've been told you host field missions every few weeks or so for the recruits."
"You heard correctly," Mordan replied with a hint of suspicion. "We use those as an opportunity to instruct them on subjects such as wilderness survival, first aid, Grimm attacks, and the like. I take it you have an interest in these due to your expeditions?"
"Indeed I do. In fact, I'd like to offer my services to you during your next session. Having led quite a few expeditions myself, I can pass along some personal experience to the cadets and hopefully reinforce what they are being taught with my own knowledge."
"I see," Mordan said, taking a moment to consider the offer.
From a completely tactical standpoint, the offer was a very generous one. Nicholas was known quite well for his leadership abilities, not only in the boardroom but out in the field as well. With several successful expeditions under his belt, all of which he'd insisted on leading himself, having him take some time to teach his students would be of great benefit to them and might even be used to spin some useful PR. However, the sudden offer was quite suspicious, something he knew Nicholas wasn't blind to. He knew he had other motivations for wanting to spend some time with his students, time he might spend looking for reasons and evidence to have him shut down or placed under scrutiny by the council.
Both men eyed each other across the desk, neither one daring to blink out of a sense of intimidation. The cogs in their minds spun furiously as they each worked to predict the other's next move and motivation. Ultimately, Mordan rose from his seat, extending his hand out to Nicholas in a sign of trust and compliance.
"Very well," he said, "I'll forward you the details of our next exercise and plan accordingly. I'll make sure my students are informed that this will be the event of a lifetime and one that is not to be mistreated."
"Thank you, Mordan, I look forward to attending with you," Nicholas said, taking the man's hand.
They shook only slightly but their respective grips were ironclad. If one had taken the time to observe them they would have noticed how taunt their skin was as each tried to crush the other man's hand in their own. Eventually they parted, Mordan downing the last of his drink, before excusing himself and seeing his way out of the mansion. In his wake, a cold silence pervaded the air. A new battle was on the horizon though only they were aware of it. The silence didn't last very long, however, as Klein soon returned, sensing the necessity of his presence at his employer's side.
"Klein, make sure any appointments I have during the General's field exercise are cancelled."
"Of course, sir. Should I also check to make sure your gear is in working order and replaced as necessary?"
"Indeed. Thank you Klein. By the way, have the packages which I requested arrived yet?"
"The packages containing Lady Schnee's gear arrived yesterday, Sir. I take it you'll be taking her along with you?"
"Only for a few days, more should she find she has a liking for the outdoors," Nicholas said, leaning back as he took a sip of his now lukewarm coffee. "She has been insisting that I take her on one of my expeditions. This will be a good introduction for Kat, at least in terms of knowing what to expect."
"I completely agree, sir," Klein said with a curt smile as he turned to leave the room.
"Do you agree because you feel the same way or because you won't be berated by her complaints the moment she realizes it's nothing like she imagined it to be?" Nicholas called out.
"Yes," Klein said with a smile before ducking behind a corner.
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Military Compound – Current Day – Calcipher
"Listen up, maggots!" one of the numerous soldiers working at the military compound bellowed as he walked back and forth on the stage.
Calcipher had never taken the time to memorize the names or faces of his instructors nor the others who worked there. At best he was able to correlate them with the various subjects he was being taught, each with some degree of veiled disgust and annoyance. Even now he watched the man before them, a vague feeling of recognition niggling at him from somewhere in the back of his mind, but otherwise going ignored. They'd been woken up early in the day and dragged from their warm beds to stand in the auditorium while this man shouted some semblance of instructions at him. At best Calcipher managed to catch a few key works such as "field training" and "soon," things that told him to expect it within the week at best.
"During this exercise we will be testing your overall survival skills as well as taking into account the areas where you are struggling. Considering that, for most of you, this will be your first field exercise, any mistakes you make will have a lax reproach."
The tension that had hung in the air visibly lessoned, but Calcipher wasn't fooled as he quietly mumbled under his breath "but…"
"However," the man continued, regaining the rooms collective attention, "not all of your mistakes will be over looked. Continued mistakes made while performing the same task or ones that could potentially endanger your life as well as the lives of others will not be tolerated. They will be severe punishment.
On a side note, we'll be entertaining a special guest during the exercise. Councilman Nicholas Schnee has graciously agreed to accompany us and impart some of his own first hand knowledge to the next generation, namely all of you." Excited chatter rose up from the mass of children. Even Calcipher perked up at this revelation, Nicholas Schnee's name being one even he was familiar with, albeit in the aspect of common knowledge. A quick clearing of his throat and a stern look from their instructor, however, had the room silent once more before he continued. "Keep in mind you will be expected to be on your best behavior. All of your actions are a reflection upon our institution and therefore negligence and outright disobedience will not be tolerated.
Now, your schedules have been rearranged to accommodate topics relating to the field exercise itself. These will include wilderness survival skills that will teach you how to set up camp, create a makeshift shelter for yourselves, and even basic hunting and foraging skills. Do not slack off during these lessons. Everything you'll be taught will be vital to this exercise as well as your future. Consider the field exercise as a final exam which will test your knowledge and abilities to perform. Dismissed."
As expected the congregation of young children began moving towards the exits, chatting amongst themselves about what they'd just been informed of. The atmosphere was a mixture of of excitement and nervousness as some regarded this new information as an opportunity to stand out and possibly rise through the ranks through the merits of their skills while others regarded this as a punishment, the ire they felt at having to leave behind their warm beds and hot meals evident in their voices. Calcipher, as expected, was neither excited nor nervous. He'd spent more than enough time on the streets to learn what he needed to survive and this added training exercise would simply add to that roster.
No, what had him intrigued was the fact that Nicholas Schnee himself would be accompanying them on their exercise. His feats alone were legendary and the fact that he had started out life in such humble circumstances like himself only made the image he had of the man that much more grand. The very thought that he would be spending little over a week in his presence had enough affect on him to cause a smile to grace his lips, a detail that did no go unnoticed by his companion Fang.
"Someone looks happy," he commented as they fell into line with one another. "You get some good news?"
"Maybe. We're apparently going to be having a field exercise soon," Calcipher remarked.
"Really? That's what has you smirking like that? Most kids would be mortified."
I'm not like most kids Calcipher thought to say but suppressed it. "It's not the exercise itself but who's coming with us that has me smiling."
"Who's coming then?" Fang asked, cocking an eyebrow.
"Nicholas Schnee," he remarked.
Fang stopped dead in his tracks, his surprise plastered all over his face. "So it's true? The Nicholas Schnee is going to be joining us?"
"Apparently so. Not sure if he'll follow through, though. He is a Politian and therefore prone to saying things he doesn't really mean."
"Bullshit!" Fang barked. "The man's as good as his word. No way he'd say he'll join us only to bail at the last second."
Calcipher couldn't help but silently agree, his smile evidence enough of his excitement. Granted he wasn't at all pleased with how things had turned out but it seemed there would be a silver lining to all of this. He would get to meet a man he admired, or at least work alongside him, and possibly even learn from him. Knowing all that his thoughts then turned back to escape. His first attempts to leave had been thwarted but now, with the addition of the field exercise, his chances of success were sure to increase. It would only be a matter of time before Mordan let down his guard and gave him the opening he needed. The old man obviously expected him to break first but that was never going to happen. The only way he'd break was if he was dead and even then his will to survive would push him forward. In the end it would be he who stood victorious over Mordan, that he could guarantee.
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"F-f-father, I t-thought you said w-w-we'd be going on an e-e-expedition?" Katerina Schnee complained, her voice barely discernable due in part to the loud chattering her teeth were making as well as the fact she was shaking horribly despite the many layers she was wearing.
"We will, my dear, but you can't just embark on an expedition and expect everything to go smoothly. Any number of things could go wrong and it's imperative that you be amply prepared to adapt to the situation. This field exercise General Mordan is hosting is as much a training opportunity for his cadets as it is for you. Think of this as the shallows of the pool. You'll get your start here and work your way towards joining me on my next expedition."
"F-f-fine," she managed, the sharp glare she gave her father conveying her feelings that she still felt a little cheated despite the fact that her father hadn't exactly gone back on his word so much as he had pushed it to a later date.
Nicholas smiled warmly at his daughter despite her sour mood. While he did feel slightly guilty at skewing his words when it came to keeping his promise, he had good reason to. At the time he'd gone on his first expedition he'd completed years of grueling field and combat training. He'd been more than prepared for the dangers he was leading his team into and, dare he say it, he'd also been prepared to sacrifice everything on the slim chance they'd strike Dust and come home heroes or fail and die. There'd been no guarantee at success when they'd struck out, all of them had known that. At best they'd give their lives in one last hurrah that was focused on securing a better future for the lives of their families as well as their fellow countrymen. At worst they'd return, empty handed and shamed, having wasted all that time, effort, and funding on a fool's bargain.
Obviously they'd been successful and that success had lead to further expeditions, all of which he'd led personally, each one yielding unprecedented results. With each new expedition they accomplished gained a wealth unlike any he could have dreamt of as a child and the stories he told his daughter about the dangers they'd faced and overcame had only helped to fuel the fire in her own soul as she begged for him year after year to take her with him on the next expedition. While he'd gently refused her at first, her consistent requests proved he'd done little to put out the fire and, he realized, if he didn't do something to redirect it she'd either sneak off with them on their next outing, putting herself as well as his crew in grave danger, or he'd have to take a much firmer stance against it.
With neither option holding any great appeal to him, Nicholas instead opted to give her a trial run. Mordan's field exercise was the perfect opportunity for him to test her resolve. If she showed potential and tenacity out here then he would consider training her further, ensuring she'd be more than capable to carry her own weight during an expedition. However, if it proved too much or she became bored with everything that was being taught, he'd have sufficient evidence to show she wasn't ready to join him and might never be. Either way, this was a make or break situation, one which couldn't have come at a more opportune time.
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Calcipher, along with about two dozen or so other cadets, stood at attention as they faced their instructors. Despite their disciplinary training, they were having a rather difficult time maintaining their rigid posture while their bodies shivered in the cold. Well, most were anyway. Calcipher, along with a few other street born cadets, managed to suffer the cold without much complaint. They'd spent most of their life attempting to survive in the harsh environments created by Atlas's geographical location and with that came a natural necessity to acclimate themselves to the plummeting temperatures of the winter months. Even with how cold it was out in the wilds, with the added protection and warmth of their combat gear, what might have been a dismal situation had quickly shifted into something a little more tolerable.
"Before we begin we will hear a few words from our honored guest, Councilor Nicholas Schnee."
The applause, though generous, was greatly muffled by everyone's need to wear gloves. The man showed little, if any, disappointment in that fact as he stood to speak, gazing out on them with a genuine and a warm gaze. Calcipher couldn't help but find himself standing a little bit taller, a small part of his mind wishing the man would make eye contact with him for even a moment. He felt there was so much that could have been communicated, so much he might learn from this man or find they shared in common. It was a rare moment where it didn't feel the need to rebel or construct some sort of elaborate escape plan. He truly wished to be here in the presence of this man.
"Good morning," the man greeted them, receiving a disjointed reply from his audience. "As your instructor has already stated I will be here serving as a guest during your exercise. While I may be a council member and honored guest, don't let those traits intimidate you. This exercise is meant to instill within each of you a firm foundation from which many useful skills that may one day come into play and enable you to survive in some of the most hostile conditions should you ever find yourself in a similar situation. As such, my presence here is meant to give you another outlet of support and experience to draw from. Do not hesitate to call upon me for critiquing or to ask my advice on areas where you maybe struggling. Doing so will have no negative impacts upon your overall scores and, if I'm being honest, I would feel greatly insulted if you didn't take advantage of my presence here to help yourselves overcome some challenges you may be facing. That said, I wish you all the best of luck and look forward to working alongside you in the future."
With his introduction out of the way, Nicholas stepped aside with a curt nod to the instructor as he handed the microphone back over to him. "Alright cadets, now listen up. Each of you have been given a survival pack that has been carefully crafted to each of your strengths and weaknesses as observed during your preliminary classes. Most of it will be focusing on areas you require improvement in and will test your ability to adapt. It will also provide you with an accurate scenario in which you may find yourself without the tools necessary to survive and are forced to scavenge or manufacture your own out in the wilderness. Your progress will be carefully monitored throughout and those who fail to meet standards will be required to take extra makeup courses."
An audible groan rose from the cadets but it was quickly silenced by a sharp glare from the man up on the stage. "Keep in mind, you will not be required to work alone. Seldom, if ever, will you find yourself in a situation by yourself. Teamwork is encouraged and those who learn to recognize and seek out those who possess the necessary skills that you lack will find themselves not only excelling during this exercise by passing it as well. That said, collect you packs, prepare your campsite, and try not to disappoint."
With those final words dismissing them, the cadets moved over to the pile of equipment which had been placed into convenient piles, each baring one of their names. Calcipher found his easily enough and wasn't at all surprised to see how small it was in comparison to the others. He opened it up, taking inventory of what he'd been given as well as what he had to work with as a result. A weeks' worth of food rations, a combat knife, a flint, a trowel, some rope, a blanket, and a first aid kit. He snorted, none too surprised that he of all people would have been give the greatest challenge. Looking around he took note of various other cadets, most having branched off into groups of two or three, already setting up small camps. What was consistent was that either one or more of them had been issued a tent, bed roll, and hatchet, allowing for some comfortable living conditions. What's more, most of the instructors looked at him from the corner of their eye, ensuring he was in their line of sight despite being turned towards the others.
"Challenge accepted old man," he muttered and looked to find a decent spot to start digging a foxhole.
He moved himself further from the main group, finding a spot uphill and away from the forest. His position would afford him some advantages such as being elevated should it rain, ensuring everyone downhill would be flooded while he maintained some comfort. It would also give him a bit of warning should the Grimm attack as his distance from the forest would allow him ample time to retreat back to the main group once they'd formed up. Taking out his trowel he unfolded the small shovel and bit down into the ground. The earth was hard and unyielding, which was to be expected given the weather and low temperature. He grunted, jumping on the shovel to put his full body weight behind it and forcing it deeper into the dirt. There was a satisfying crunch as the ground gave way and he shoveled earth out and away before repeating the process. It took him nearly an hour to make himself a foxhole just deep and wide enough for him to sit comfortably inside with his blanket draped over him for warmth.
Satisfied, and with a few hours left of daylight, he marched on towards the forest and into the tree line. He kept close to the camp, enough to keep them in sight but strayed just far enough inside to make out the various tracks of small animals. He followed them a ways until he found a spot with the most traffic and started work on making a small trap. Using the rope he'd been provided, he would at least be able to nab himself a rat, squirrel, or even a rabbit if he was lucky. Anything larger, like a fox, would be more trouble than it was worth as he'd likely walk away more bloodied by the animal's attempts to escape and need to survive than it would. Once the trap was set and covered in leaves, he rose to go and set another trap when a snapping twig caught his attention. Moving on instinct, the combat knife flew to his hand and he readied himself for an attack. He was not prepared, however, for the frightened face and startled yelp of the girl who'd stupidly walked up from behind him.
In all honesty, Calcipher never expected that it would be a girl, especially one around his age, who would have snuck up on him. He suspected a Grimm, one of the other cadets, or even one of the instructors, but never did he think it would be a girl. She gazed back at him, icy blue eyes wide with terror as the combat knife maintained steady aim with her throat. Her long white hair, pulled back into a pony tail, was frazzled from the hat she'd worn a few minutes earlier and her pale skin showed she'd spent little to anytime outside. Even now, as her teeth chattered vigorously, it was difficult to determine if that was due to the cold or the threat of her life hanging in the balance. It took only a second for Calcipher to read all these signs and determine that she was little to no threat to himself and he replaced the knife back in its holster, earning a relived sigh from the girl. He turned back to the forest, skimming the tree line as he looked for other areas to set small traps, all the while hearing the girl crunching the leaves and twigs underfoot as she followed, much to his annoyance.
"Hey, you," she said, in an annoyed voice that mirrored his own mood at how well she was scarring off the game. "Hey, I'm talking to you."
"Then maybe you should use my name rather than hey you," he shot back, crouching to inspect a good spot before setting another trap.
"Then what is your name?" she asked in a huff.
"Calcipher," he answered flatly.
"Calcipher what?" she asked.
"Just Calcipher."
"Don't you have a last name?"
"Would it matter?" he asked.
She grumbled, obviously annoyed with his answer. She seemed to be annoyed by a lot of things.
"Do you want to know who I am?" she asked.
"Not really," he answered honestly, wanting more than anything for her to simply go away and leave him to his business.
She growled, finding his answer even worse than his previous ones. "Do you have any idea who I am?"
"Your Nicholas' daughter," he answered in a matter of fact tone.
"Y-yes," she said, momentarily surprised by his retort. "How did you know that?"
He glanced back at her with a flat expression as he pointed to his hair. She shot him a quizzical look before one of her stark white strands fell over her face, making it painfully obvious. "Oh, yes, of course," she said, her cheeks turning a slight pink from embarrassment. "I'm Katerina Schnee, by the way."
"Hmm," he said, hardly paying her any mind as he set his next trap.
"What are you doing anyway?" she asked, looking over his shoulder as he pushed some leaves over the trap to conceal it.
"I'm setting traps to catch food," he replied.
"Weren't you provided food?"
"You mean those field rations?" he asked.
Katerina nodded, cocking an eyebrow as she questioned his reasons for foraging when he already had enough.
"You ever eat a field ration before?" She shook her head. "Try one and you'll find yourself setting traps as well."
His answer, while not very distinctive, was enough to get the point across. She'd heard some of the men her father worked alongside voice their complaints in regards to the food they had to eat while on their expeditions. They were apparently a staple from the last war, one of the main innovations Mantle had created as a means of providing for their troops in a cost effective manner. Apparently they were meant to be edible for up to a hundred years or more, ensuring they'd always have food at the ready. Unfortunately, they hadn't done anything to improve the taste and, as a result, it was considered common sense that most troops would starve themselves to death rather than chock down whatever abomination had been packaged into their rations.
"What are you hoping to catch?"
"Squirrels mostly, though if I'm lucky I might be able to snag a rabbit or two," he replied, somehow coming off more relaxed in the conversation. Perhaps it was the topic?
"Why not try for something bigger?"
"Too much of a hassle," he replied.
"How so?"
"Squirrels and Rabbits will try to run rather than fight back. They're easy to catch and even easier to kill. Anything bigger, like a fox, would be too much of hassle because the bastards will try to bit and claw me to death as a means of escape."
Katerina flinched at his language and was even a little disturbed by easily and freely he used it. Granted, she'd heard just as abhorred language being used by her father on occasion and his friends but to hear a child her age use that same language without flinching was a bit disconcerting.
"Why are you out here, anyway? Shouldn't you be with your father or better yet sipping tea back at your mansion?" he asked offhandedly.
"Do I honestly look like the type of girl who would waste her days sipping tea while gossiping with her friends and having her servants wait on her hand and foot?" she glowered, crossing her arms under her nonexistent chest.
Calcipher took a moment to look her up down, cocking an eyebrow in retort. "When was the last time you actually went camping?" he asked.
"Uh…" she hesitated, her irritation quickly deflated once the more obvious aspects of her appearance were brought to light.
"I'm guessing this the first time you've ever been outside your house."
"I've been camping before," she said in an indignant manner.
"So you've actually pitched a tent, stacked firewood, and lite the fire?"
"Not me so much as the servants," she admitted sheepishly.
"Have you even slept on a sleeping roll before?"
"A what?"
Calcipher rolled his eyes, not at all surprised by her response and growing less and less impressed with her by the moment, not that she'd started out at all impressive to begin with. "Talk about pampered," he muttered.
"That's a lot to assume considering you don't know a thing about me. You hardly even knew I was Nicholas' daughter, let alone that he had a child," she shot back.
"Well then, Miss Schnee, tell me, is there anything you can claim you did that didn't require the help of your servants," he asked, giving her name a slight drawl to illicit a reaction from her.
"Of course. I'll have you know I personally oversaw to the inventory of our supplies and making sure we not only had enough for our trip but that they were all in serviceable condition," she said proudly.
Her moment of pride was short lived, however, as Calcipher didn't seem at all impressed. Instead, he wore a flat expression that was quickly covered up as he pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation. "Dear gods," she heard him mumble, "you're completely useless." That comment alone was enough to set off her temper but before she could take it out on him he asked her, "why are you out here with your father then?"
"Huh?" she said, momentarily surprised by the question. "Oh, um, well, if you must know, I'm here to learn all the necessary skills I'll need to accompany him on his next expedition."
"Wait, hold on a minute, you want to go on a Dust expedition with him?"
"Of course," she replied.
Calcipher starred at her for a moment, his expression neither annoyed nor unimpressed, but something completely different. He seemed to be staring into, studying her, and, if she were to be honest, it was starting to make her feel uncomfortable. She squirmed under his gaze until he finally broke the awkward silence that had coalesced between them.
"Why?" he asked, the question simplistic but, as she already knew, encompassed a great deal more.
"I love my father a great deal," she said. "He's sacrificed much for my mother and I, long before I was ever born even. I was barely a toddler when he led his first expedition, one that he had no guarantee of succeeding, but he did so with the hope and belief that he would be able to give us a better life. He was successful, obviously, and has since then led several more to ensure that the life blood which now flows throughout Atlas, as well as our own home, continues to flourish.
My family's wealth has provided me many things but that doesn't mean it will always be there when I want it. My father is getting older and the weariness of each expedition is beginning to show, despite how he tries to hide the fact. That's why I'm out here. I want to join him on his next expeditions, learn as much as I can, so that when he does retire I can take over and continue his work for him."
Katerina kept her eyes glued to the frozen earth beneath her feet. She'd spoken of this desire on numerous occasions to her friends and adults alike, all to the same reaction. Her friends, the girls at least, thought her foolhardy. Why waste her time pursuing the same knowledge and skill her father had achieved when she could simply marry a man of notable birth, let him handle things, and spent the rest of her days in luxury? Leave the life of adventure to the barbaric machinations of soldiers and huntsmen. The adults were no different, albeit, their reaction fell more along the lines of finding her desires cute, her goals adorable but not something to be taken seriously. She was a child, after all, and all children must eventually grow up, their dreams along with them either to evolve into something more suitable or cast aside due to a lack of interest.
When she finally did look back at Calcipher it was due to the intense feeling of his gaze. The boy had stared at her for so long he was liable to burn holes into the side of her skull. Any longer and her head might begin to smoke. She expected the same uninterested, deadpan expression he'd worn the entirety of their time together. She expected him to blow it off, call her a child, and generally show little to no interest in her goals whatsoever. She expected him to act like so many others before. She hadn't expected him to act so different from what was expected, though.
His expression was, to be frank, quite different from the few he'd worn thus far. It was not unlike the quizzical look he'd given that made her feel like she was being studied by the boy but it certainly wasn't condescending, unempathic, or uninterested. On the contrary, he looked very interested in what she'd just said. His expression, having softened somewhat, had shifted. There was a warmth to it, a light of recognition that shown just a little in his eyes that she hadn't seen nor noticed before. If she didn't know any better she'd have said it felt like something akin to respect. The thought caused a trill of excitement to worm its way into her heart and she blushed slightly out of embarrassment. No one, aside from her father, had looked at her in such a way. No boy, for that matter, had ever seen her as anything less than a means to an end and she was only five. To have him, a child like herself, look at her in the same manner as her father, was quite pleasing to say the least.
"So, you came here to learn," he mussed, breaking the silence that had grown between them. "Is that why you were following me around?"
"Yes. I was curious about what you were doing," she freely admitted, though any hint of irritation she'd once had was absent from her tone.
"Why not ask your father or one of the other cadets? Why choose me?"
"My father is busy being entertained by some of the instructors. I'd be hard pressed to steel his attention away at any point during this exercise. As for the other boys, well…" her voice trailed off, recalling the galling manner in which they'd acted, "they were more interested in performing tasks for me rather than with me, if you catch my meaning."
"I think I do," he said, chuckling slightly and showing just a hint of a smile, the first she'd seen him wear. Their conversation was soon interrupted by the sharp sound of a twig snapping before a shrill squeak penetrated the air. Calcipher's head snapped immediately in the direction of the sound and Katerina recognized the direction from where it was coming. It was one of his earlier traps he'd set earlier which had proven successful. "Dinner," he said, moving towards the noise without a moment's hesitation.
"May I accompany you?" she asked quickly.
He stopped for a moment, looking back to regard her with that same quizzical expression as he looked her over. She stared back eagerly, hoping he would relent and say yes but all the while feeling bitter doubt beginning to pool in the pit of her stomach. She didn't know what he saw in her but, whatever it was, it was enough to convince him and he motioned for her to follow.
Katerina wasted little time catching up to him, following close as they came upon the trap which held a small rabbit by it's hind legs, the creature kicking with all its might as it attempted to break free but only managing to swing itself back and forth in the trap. Katerina felt a twinge of pity for the poor creature, something that was not shared by her companion. Calcipher took hold of it, holding its body firmly against his own with one hand while cupping a hand over its head with the other.
"Cover your ears and look away," he instructed.
"What are you going to do?"
"Snap its neck. It'll be quick and painless, a mercy kill," he replied coldly.
Katerina inhaled sharply, feeling tears beginning to form at the corners of her eyes, but forced them back. He starred at her with a hard expression, waiting for her to do as instructed so he could end the animal's life. She didn't, however, and kept her gaze firmly on the furry creature in his arms, the rabbit having gone still a moment earlier, as if it sensed its fate would engulf it soon.
"I'll be fine. I can handle this," she said in as brave a voice as she could manage.
Calcipher waited a few more seconds, a curtesy should she suddenly change her mind, before snapping his wrist in one swift motion and the rabbit's neck along with it. The sharp sound of it's neck breaking, while muffled against his clothes, reached Katerina's ears like the deafening clap of thunder. Its body lay limp, all life having left it in an instant. She felt nauseous and used all her will power to force the vomit that threatened to erupt all over the forest floor back down. She instead glanced up at Calcipher and was both pleased and surprised to see him gazing back at her with that same expression of respect, this time a bit more noticeable. Her feeling of nausea soon dissipated, replaced with a sense of pride at having earned such acknowledgement from a boy she hardly knew.
"Dinner," he said, holding the dead rabbit out by its ears.
"Dinner," she echoed back proudly.
/-/
The rabbit's tiny body glistened in the fire light as it was turned slowly over the flames that licked hungrily beneath it. The stick that had been shoved through its mouth and out the other end of its extremities had been long forgotten by Katerina once its glistening skin and alluring smell drew her attention, and that of her stomach, to how delicious it looked. Calcipher had proved quite adept in both making a fire, skinning the animal, and preparing it despite their field rations holding nothing more than salt and pepper as its more exotic spices. She'd enquired about where he'd learned to do such things and received a curt response about being taught by some of the instructors at the academy.
"So why don't the others do what you've done and hunt?" she'd asked.
"Laziness," he'd replied easily. "That and they're more content to choke down field rations than take the time to set traps that may or may not prove successful."
She couldn't fault that sort of logic. The fact that they'd caught anything at all was astounding and was certainly something the others had taken some offence to. As the night drew dark and cold, the smell of roast rabbit had wafted down to the various campsites below. Faces of angry and jealous young men illuminated by firelight starred up at them and while Calcipher had assumed it was due to their catch, Katerina knew that was only half true. The other half most likely had something to do with her presence and the fact that out of everyone she'd chosen someone who been exiled to the outskirts of the camp.
She'd been quite taken aback by how little he'd been provided by the instructors. Nearly everyone down below had been provided tents and bedrolls, ensuring they would have some comfort throughout the night. Calcipher, on the other hand, had little more than a blanket and a hole he'd dug for himself into the ground with a small ledge carved out for him to sit on and lean against the wall while he slept. Despite this he voiced no complaint for his situation, earning more respect and admiration from her in turn but also eliciting a small degree of curiosity that had her wondering how he could find so much comfort from so little. While she knew some of the more notable families in Atlas had sent their sons or daughters to the academy to be trained, she was also aware that most of the cadets had been overflow from the orphanages found throughout Mantle. There were even rumors, though not confirmed, that General Mordan had taken children off the street as a cheap and simple way to increase his numbers. She wondered where on that spectrum Calcipher landed but decided it was best not to ask.
"Here," he said, interrupting her thoughts. Katerina stared down at his combat knife which he'd used to carve off a piece of the rabbit's flesh.
Its browned skin glistened in the dim light and she could see steam rising from the meat itself. Despite herself, she felt her tongue drag itself across her lips as she took the meat and popped it into her mouth. To say Katerina had lived a pampered life was far from an understatement. With all the money her father made and the luxuries that came with it, she was privy to some of the most divine and gourmet dishes ever created throughout Remnant. Yet, here and now, they all paled in comparison to the taste of the juicy rabbit meat she'd just had and even now craved more of. It must have shown on her face as she glanced over at her host wearing a cocky though pleased expression of his own as he carved off a small piece for himself.
"It's good," she replied, attempting to keep her tone neutral and unbiased.
"Just good?" he asked.
"I could get used to it," she replied.
"You'll have to if you want to follow your father around on some expeditions," he pointed out.
"That's fine. I wouldn't be so arrogant as to assume I'd be able to take a troupe of gourmet chefs with me to cook each night," she admitted.
"Not for a lack of trying," he replied in a snarky manner.
"Shut up and carve me off another piece," she said with an amused smile.
They laughed good-naturedly, carving off pieces of the rabbit until there was nothing left but bones. Those Calcipher placed into a neat pile, stating he'd bury them out in the woods for other animals to dig up and eat while he kept the pelt for future use. There was apparently a class on turning animal skins into clothing and he wanted to try his hand at making some fur gloves. The chatter lulled into silence, with Katerina steeling glances at him from the corner of her eyes, too nervous to ask the questions that were gnawing at the back of her mind. To her surprise, it was Calcipher who broke the silence.
"I was a street rat," he said suddenly.
"I didn't ask," she replied defensively.
"No, but I could tell by your face you were dying to ask it."
"Sorry," she spoke in a quiet voice.
"Don't be," he said in a carefree tone. "I don't feel ashamed about it so neither should you."
"What about your parents?"
He shrugged, "dead, or so I've been told by the nuns."
"That's terrible."
"That's life," he said in retort. "Not everyone can be born into a life of luxury. You rolled the dice and won the jackpot. I rolled the dice and got diddly squat. Not much use in complaining. I could either accept my fate and move on or complain about it and watch as nothing changed. Its just the way life is."
"Still, don't you want to know if they're alive or not?"
"If they're alive then they're a couple of assholes who abandoned me. I'd have considered it my own form of revenge to have managed to survive this long on my own without them. If they're dead though, well, then they're dead. Not much use in complaining. Not like its going to change anything."
"That's just sad, though," she murmured.
"Yea, well, like I said, not all of us are born lucky. Some of us have to fight for our right to live in this world." Without waiting for a reply, he stomped out the last remaining embers of the fire, kicking some dirt onto it for good measure before hopping down into his foxhole. "I'm going to sleep. I suggest you do the same."
"Alright. Goodnight Calcipher," she said before heading down to her father's tent.
He didn't reply or watch her leave. Wrapped in her blanket and leaning against the wall, his eyes remained open as he stared up at the sky. He didn't know why Katerina's questions had bothered him so much. He'd wondered the same things a few times, usually at his darker moments of life, but they'd never had the same effect they'd had on him as she had. He tried to ignore it, closing his eyes as he willed himself to sleep to prepare for an early morning. It did not come easy and with it came dreams he never had of parents he never knew.
Man, I took my sweet ass time getting this chapter out. To be honest, this one was more of a hassle for me to deal with in the beginning, but it grew on me more and more as it started to take on a life of its own.
I had actually meant for this to be a shorter chapter with the field exercise encompassing this one before moving on. To my pleasant surprise, My ideas have ensure that this portion of the story may continue forward for another chapter or two, giving us some development between Katerina and Calcipher. For those of you who've read my first instillation of this story you'll know these two have some history. I wanted to at least give them some more background to work with and develop their feelings, adding a bit more meat to the story.
Speaking of, we see Sapphira for the first time as well. I wanted to give her some screen time as well and will most likely see her in later chapters leading up to her eventual "partnership" with Calcipher. I won't give away too much but, needless to say, there are exciting things waiting to be put to the page and I can't wait to share them with you all.