In the Kingdom's Shadow

All right, so I'm a little burnt out on my novels right now after speed-writing book five, and I need a distraction before I can get around to finishing the last one. And this will hopefully be good practice for future works, so here we go.

Obviously this story is a reference to Couer's "In the Kingdom's Service", and as with Student of Vacuo I received his permission to use his materials. All RWBY information obviously belongs to Roost Teeth and whoever owns them these days.

This particular story will follow a different format from my usual ones; each chapter will open with a third person intro of past or separate events, then will shift to first person from the main character's point of view. The outline isn't quite complete, but I have it hard-capped at 30-ish chapters.a

Enjoy, read and review, the usual.

~ Kat

Colossus of Rhodes

Ten Years Ago

The hotel was a lost cause. Fire crackled and raged inside, smoke billowing up into night's sky. The west wing had already collapsed, and from the looks of it the rest of the building wouldn't last much longer. Perhaps proof that, despite its glamorous exterior, that the building itself had been poorly or cheaply maintained. City firefighters were hosing down the neighboring structures, making sure the fire couldn't spread, but none had gone in so far as he could see.

Rhodes kept his hands in his pockets, standing at a distance along with with the city's civilians. Some quirk of Human nature had brought them all out to watch the inferno despite the hour.

A man's voice drew his attention away from the disaster. "Hey? You're the huntsman?"

"Yes." He turned to look over the firefighter who approached, the man's darkened gear hinting that he'd been in the building at least once. His features were vaguely annoyed. A common enough attitude from emergency services when they had to deal with Huntsman and Huntresses. "I apologize if I am a distraction."

That made the other man pause, sigh, and then relax a little. "No, it's all right. Nothing we can do now but make sure its contained. Police said you needed to ask about something inside. People or property?"

"People." He replied, lowering his voice. "One of the staff was... a friend. Did any of them get out?"

There was another quiet sigh, "I'm sorry, but we don't think so. At least we haven't found anyone willing to say that they worked there."

"If I could...?"

"This way."

Rhodes followed him through the crowd, past the police line, and then around to where a collection of exhausted and traumatised men and women were being treated. A single sweep of his eyes confirmed that she was not present. Neither were her mother or sisters.

"Were any taken directly to the hospital?" He asked, "I am looking for a dark haired girl with yellow eyes, perhaps thirteen or fourteen years old."

The firefight held up a hand, turning, "Hey! Grün!"

One of the police medics, a typically pale skinned woman, rose from where she'd been giving water to a young boy. She came over with quick, certain strides. "What is it?"

"Huntsman's looking for the staff."

She grimaced and turned to Rhodes. "Sorry, but we haven't seen any of them. Plenty of the guests and locals knew Madam White. No sign of her or either of her daughters."

It was Rhodes' turn to sigh. "What of her stepdaughter?"

A shake of her head. "No sign of her. She's... probably still inside."

Rhodes took a deep breath, then slowly let it out. That was very unfortunate. "I see. May I leave you my scroll information? If is she is found, one way or another..."

She gave him a sympathetic look and took his number, promising to double-check with the ambulances that had left already. Though from her tone it was clear she didn't expect anything to come of it, and that she'd only be calling him to say that the girl's remains had been found in the ruins.

Which he more or less expected as well.

Thanking them both a final time, he retreated from the scene. It didn't him long to exit the crowd and begin casually walking down the streets of Atlas. As he did, he carefully pulled out a headset, settling it in place while his other hand drew a second scroll from a pocket.

A few taps brought up a voice only line, a woman speaking into his ear. "Headquarters."

He lowered his voice, trusting that the microphone would easily pick it up. "Cat-Five report."

"Project?"

"Hound."

"Transferring."

There wasn't much of a wait before a man took her place, "Agent Colossus, this is Alpha. Confirm Cat-Five."

"Confirmed." He replied, turning down an empty side street. "The hotel is in flames and collapsing, authorities do not believe any of the staff survived. I am heading to verify with the nearest hospital and will examine the ruins when the smoke clears."

"What is the authorities' view?"

"They haven't decided on arson or accident, though I am certain it is the former. They did confirm that the building was no longer up to code; the firefighting system failed entirely, as did the fire alarms. Several civilian guests are dead and others are still being treated."

A quiet grunt. "You believe Hellhound was responsible."

Rhodes rolled his eyes. "She has a flame based semblance, total access to the building's maintenance systems, and her resentment was reaching critical levels as I indicated in my last report. It seems likely that she snapped under the abuse and decided that she would bring them all down with her."

Alpha's voice turned cold. "This is not the time for I-told-you-so's, Agent. Nor is this a time for your guess work."

"Considering that we wasted three years training her, I believe it is the perfect time." He retorted. "I will not be blamed when I clearly informed you that we should have withdrawn her last year. Now we have nothing to show for it besides suspicion from the locals. And how often are my guesses accurate?"

Silence. Then his superior grudgingly allowed, "Perhaps you were right. Very well, we will adjust plans. Proceed at once to Greyhound's location and evaluate if that operation is also in danger. Another Agent will be dispatched to confirm Hellhound's fate."

He frowned. "I do not like leaving a mission incomplete."

"I am aware, it is why you are one of our best agents, but if Hellhound snapped then the others may not be far behind. I want both Greyhound and Bloodhound evaluated as soon as possible to avoid further incidents."

His feet slowed to a stop. As much as he didn't like it, there wasn't much else he could do besides obey orders. "Very well. I will maintain my current cover and report once I reach Mistral."

"Confirmed. Headquarters out."

Well then. That was that. Removing his headset and looking to the east, he watched smoke from the Glass Unicorn's corpse obscure the distant lights from the Academy. The only funeral marker that a young, angry, desperate girl was likely to ever receive.

Unfortunate. He'd been fond of her, beyond what his cover as a softhearted huntsman had demanded. She would have made an excellent partner with a bit more work. The ideal combat agent. It was simply too bad that she could not contain her emotions any longer than she had.

Then again, considering what she had been put through, it was a miracle he'd delayed the explosion as long he had.

"Goodbye, Cinder." He murmured. "Your sacrifice was for Vale, though you'll never know it. This will convince him to end this wasteful project early, and let us get on with proper work. Thank you... farewell."

Cinder Fall

Present Day

They always attacked from my left, the little fools. As though they expect the loss of my eye to equate to the loss of my brain.

It was the obvious point of attack, and I was always ready for it.

Midnight's left blade sang as it collided with the blonde's fist, aura crackling while purple eyes widened in surprise. At least until the right half of my weapon slammed into her gut, driving the girl back as she tried to reset.

I didn't give the little girl the chance. I pursued, hard, keeping just out of reach of her arms while cutting high and then low. She parried the first, took the second on her thigh, growling as more of her aura broke away. Dried dirt crunched beneath our feet as I drove her back across the field.

"This is it?" The taunts came easily. They always did. "This is the best you can do?"

Violet turned to scarlet as she surged forwards, fire and sparks trailing from her hair. Not that her wild haymakers hit anything. Her little visual hint was all I needed to see before I started retreating.

"Left." I mocked as I leaned away from a jab, my loose orange coat tugging a bit from the near-miss. "Left. Left. Right."

Her temper worsened as I called out each strike just as she began to throw it, "Shut up and stop running away dammit!"

I laughed, the flat of my right blade parrying aside another jab, leaving her open for a quick left thrust against her cleavage. Aura was a wonderful thing but it didn't stop pain, and she yelped in surprise, dancing back as her semblance sputtered.

Which was all I needed to surge forth once more. Golden light flared around her left hand, right bicep, and then left thigh as I cut more chunks out of her soul.

She recovered admirably enough, I suppose. Yelling in a mix of pain and fury as she finally managed to use her wrist-guard to block my fourth strike, then try an advance of her own... only to start screaming in frustration when I once more gave way.

"Your sister was a far more difficult opponent." I told her, smiling as I did. "You? You're predictable, prone to temper tantrums, and all too easy to bait."

"Shut up and fight me!"

If she wished. Keeping my smirk in place, I waited until she overextended on another wasteful haymaker before making my move. Dropping both halves of Midnight, I accepted the hard left she delivered into my chest as I came in.

"Ha-fuck!" Her sound of triumph cut off as I kept moving until my chest struck hers, my arms sliding around the small of her back. Locking my hands together, I kept smiling as I called on my semblance, bringing it up across my entire body.

"Shit! Hot! Hot!" The girl was foolish but strong, especially as she began to kick and flail in a desperate attempt to get away. One decent punch hit my jaw, then both hands slammed onto my shoulders as she desperately tried to push me away, tried to break my grip.

Her desperation let her miss my left leg snapped around hers, my calf striking the back of her knee.

She fell with me still on top of her, both of us hitting the ground hard. "Ow! Hot! Yield!"

That last word had been the one I'd been waiting for. Letting go of my soul's power, I quickly released my grip and rolled off of the girl. Her skin was red but unburnt, her aura hadn't quite broken yet, though her uniform was both scorched and soaked with sweat.

Smoothly rising to my feet, I stretched out my arms with a pleased groan while glancing down at her. "And did we finally learn our lesson about relying on our semblance?"

The girl groaned, still panting for breath like an overheated dog. "...I...hate... you."

I smirked, lowering my arms and carefully checking to make sure the patch covering my ruined eye hadn't loosened during the fight. "I hate you what, Miss Xiao-Long?"

"...I really hate you Miss Fall."

"Better." Smirking down at her, I turned to look over the audience sprawled beneath a nearby tree. "I trust that you all learned from your classmate's mistakes? Over reliance on a single combat style, or an aspect of it in the case of her semblance, left her incredibly predictable and easy to deal with."

One of green haired girls, Meral something, lifted a hand before speaking. "She should have opened the fight with her gauntlet-shotguns. Tried to wear you down before she closed."

I tipped my head. "That would have been far better of a plan, yes. Any others?"

A few of them had something resembling a brain between them and came up with more ideas. Mostly involving staying back, or involved their strongest member varying up her style a bit. I left them to the discussion until a distant bell rang, heralding the end of the day.

Most departed, except for my usual victim who was still sprawled out on the ground.

"Are you finished being dramatic?" I asked, walking over to pick up Midnight. "I went fairly easy on you, all things considered."

The girl heaved herself up to a seated position, scowling at me. "Why do I always get to be the test dummy?"

"Because your father insists that you can take it, and your uncle believes your ego needs to be brought down to size." Connecting the two halves of my weapon together, I waited for the mechashift to link the bowstring and snap it into place before slinging it over a shoulder. "Also because I find taunting you to be incredibly amusing and good for my ego."

Xiao-Long glowered some more. She had a better one than her half-sister, but I had been glared at by professional monsters. Hers was more cute than threatening. "I'm so glad that I'm graduating tomorrow."

"Oh?" I glanced up and behind her, "Evidently your loving niece is not so loving, Qrow. Not that I came blame her considering who she's related to here.."

Signal Academy's Combat Instructor gave me a lazy grin as he prowled into the training field. "You know you love my charm."

I made a point of flicking my eye up and down him once. "You're a three at best, Qrow. And only that high because I can't smell the whiskey on you from this far away."

He stumbled as if I'd just put an arrow into him, his niece cackling. "Burned!"

That quickly drew his attention to her, "I'm the not the only one. You let her get close again didn't you, firecracker?"

The laughter faded into a tired groan. "Yeah, yeah. I know. My temper sucks, control it, all that. I'll work on it over summer."

Qrow grunted, stooping down to pick up a bottle of water before tossing it to her. "You'd better, or you're going to embarrass me at Beacon. Anyway, Cinder? Catch."

I held a hand out as he threw an envelope in my direction. It was weighty enough to please me, especially when I glanced inside to see the golden sheen to the various cards of lien within. I nodded and slid it into one of my coat's pockets. "Excellent. Thank you."

He crossed his arms. "You sure we can't convince you to stay on next year? You're good at making the kids realize they aren't nearly as good as they think they are."

Xiao-Long pouted while I merely smiled, "I have seen you and Taiyang dealing with the Headmaster. Can you imagine me doing the same?"

"You do have some real authority issues. Might be fun watching you go at him." He drawled. "Still. You did good filling in for me. Could make a decent living here."

My smile faded, and the playful tones in my voice went with it. "No, Qrow. I told Taiyang no yesterday, and I will not waste my breath saying it again."

The drunkard held his hands up in mock surrender, "Right, right. I got the message. Shuttin' up. Should I keep your number if I have to go out on a mission again?"

"So long as it is temporary, and so long as you never attempt to ask me out again."

"That was one time."

His niece snorted. "Three times."

The man frowned. "What was the third time?"

Rolling my eye, I turned away from them and waved a single hand. "I will be late for the ferry."

Qrow muttered something that was probably uncomplimentary, while Xiao-Long called somewhat cattily. "I'll tell Ruby you said goodbye!"

"Do so." I said without turning back or slowing down.

More grumbling faded as I left Signal's yard, exiting by way of the nearest gate. The two would probably be complaining about my 'attitude' for some time. Something a lesser woman may have found irritating or embarrassing, but that was for those who lacked confidence in themselves.

I was who I was, and I would not change how I behaved for anyone but myself. If they didn't like it that was their problem. Especially since Qrow was the one who kept coming to me when he needed someone to instruct his class for him. Honestly I had no idea how he hadn't been fired yet, considering I'd probably taught one in three of his classes over the past few months.

Bribery was possible, I doubted he spent his salary on anything but booze. Connections were more likely though, given his links to Ozpin and Beacons own relationship with Signal. Well, that and the fact that he was probably the most skilled huntsman in Vale at the moment. That level of talent could buy forgiveness all on its own.

Not that it truly mattered. I wasn't in Vale to investigate why a substance-abusing Huntsman held the job that he did.

I strolled casually though the streets of Patch, ignoring the civilians out doing their afternoon shopping. Most recognized me as the Huntress that I was, and quickly cleared out of my path. More than a few were clearly taken with my bared stomach or shoulders, at least until they got to the patch and scarring on my face.

I ignored both the lechery and the disturbed expressions. I'd long grown used to both, and could deal with anyone foolish enough to make a comment.

"Cinder!"

Well. Mostly anyone.

I braced myself before the girl collided with me, not caring that I didn't return the hug. "Emerald. Not. In. Public."

"I'm sorry!" My disciple quickly let go, shuffling backwards. If my wardrobe was drawing attention then hers was drawing far more, given how tight her dark pants were along with the fact that her crop-top revealed even more skin than my loose coat. "I know, I'm sorry!"

Part of me wanted to smack her across the head for drawing more attention in my direction. Our direction, I supposed. The more practical part of me throttled that urge, burning it away. I was many things, but I would not become like the creatures that made me.

I would be better than them, stronger than them, and I would educate my followers properly.

"It's fine, but do remember for next time." Reaching out, I patted the girls head gently. "Come."

She fell into stride with me at once, staying on my right so that I could see her as we made for the harbor. "How'd teaching go?"

"As it always does." I glanced at her, "Do not try to distract me. Your grades, now."

Emerald swallowed, looking down at her feet. "...second in combat, eleventh in academics. Fifth overall."

Truthfully that was far better than I'd expected her to do, at least in the second category. Teaching her to read had been the most extreme test of my patience since I'd freed myself from the Madam's shock collar. Even after she'd picked up that skill she remained a slow and easily distracted reader.

And second in combat rating was... acceptable. I would have preferred first, of course, considering the work I'd put in to training her.

"Who was ahead of you in combat? Your partner?"

"No." Her hair shifted as she shook her head. "That timid little Scarlatina bitch with her mimic bullshit."

"Language." I admonished at once. "We remain in public."

She winced and nodded. "I'm sorry, Cinder. I'm sorry I failed."

"You did not fail, this was one year of four." I reminded her. "I told you I expected you to graduate in the top of your class, which means you are off to an excellent start."

The hope and relief in her red eyes was almost painfully intense. " I am?"

"You are." My voice sharpened. "But we will not be slacking off over the summer. Expect daily training under your second year starts, and I will expect you to improve to at least the top five in Academics next year. It will not do to have an ignorant disciple."

Emerald nodded hurriedly. "I understand. I'll work hard, I promise."

I patted her shoulder gently, and tried not to notice how her cheeks darkened further at the touch. "I know. Did you come all the way out to this island just to tell me your grades?"

"No." Her voice lowered. "One of your friends left a letter for you at home. I thought you'd want to read it right away in case it was important."

Clever girl. That earned her another gently pat, and a held out hand. She quickly pulled a folded up bit of paper from her pants and handed it over.

Unfolding it carefully, I slowed my pace down to read as we neared the ferry's dock. The ship itself was visible in the distance, coming in from Vale, so I had some time to analyze before we boarded.

"...is it good news?"

I hummed as I finished the short message, the smallest effort of will incinerating it between my fingers. Emerald watched the ashes fall while I considered matters.

"It is news." I said finally. "Neither good, nor bad. We will know later tonight."

She perked up at once. "We have a mission?"

"Yes. Call your team leader and tell her you are staying in the city tonight." I instructed. "Make whatever excuses you wish. Step away while you do so, I need to consider the plan."

The girl obeyed with commendable speed, leaving me free to lean on a railing while I considered matters.

This would be the first genuine target we'd had in better than six months, which made me wary of its reliability. Either my informant had stumbled across something new, our enemies had made a mistake, or there was some form of treachery in evidence. That last was always a principle concern. My informant should know better than to cheat me, but... well, I knew first hand how unreliable people on that side of the law could be.

We'd have to be prepared for that, just as we would have to be ready to deal with the target itself. Considering their own notoriety and fame it would be a difficult job on such short notice. My usual allies would not be up for a mission, it would disrupt the other matters they were attending to. That left only one option.

Could we do it without them? Possibly.

Would it be foolish to try? More than likely.

I felt myself scowl as I stared out to see, reluctantly pulling my current scroll out so that I could write a short message.

Potential Target located. 7381 West Triumph Street, Northern Vale. Require you.

Hitting send, I half-listened as Emerald raised her voice, furiously denying that she was heading out to party without her team. Then even more furiously denying that she was going to a love hotel with her mentor, even as several passersby snickered.

I watched them until my scroll vibrated, glancing down. You'll owe us for this, Cindy. We'll be there.

"Mental note." I murmured as I closed the device. "Incinerate that fool's poor excuse for fashionable clothing for calling me that."

The deep horn of the approaching ferry had me straighten up, rounding up Emerald with a glance. She quickly hurried back over, still flustered as she closed her own scroll over the sound of her team leader coming up with even more childish, if inventive, ideas of what was actually going on.

I smiled in amusement, which only made her embarrassment grow. Such little defeats were good for disciples. It helped keep them in line.

We stood together, waiting for the ship to unload. Waiting for it to be ready to bring us back to Vale.

To bring us back to the people hunting me, so that I could face them.

And kill them.

For those that missed it, the point of divergence from canon is that Cinder snapped about a year early while Rhodes was out on a mission. That and various groups from Couer's work obviously exist and will be involved at varying points of the story.

At the moment I have no particular release schedule planned, so this story may come and go as I divide my attention between my various projects.

Please read and review, criticism is welcome, flames not so much, as usual. Reviews are my lifeblood as a writer.. every-time my email goes off with a review it makes me want to write more, so please take the time to leave one. Guests can leave them as well, and it only takes a minute, so please. Even if it's as simple as "I enjoyed it, please continue."

Thanks, Kat