Chapter 1

Sinking

Billow

The ocean swayed and bobbed in anticipation, sitting on the cusp of dawn. Moonlight filtered through the waves, and the breeze caused my hair to stand on end. Or perhaps fear was the reason I was shivering.

Ahead, the dock ended, dropping off into a vast expanse of ocean whose water seemed black in the night's darkness. Moonlight fell onto a certain cargo ship with chipped paint near the hull and a stack of crates that never seemed to move. On occasion I wondered if it was a cargo ship at all, or if the crates were all part of an elaborate disguise. Its captain certainly had a few secrets.

Captain Goldenrod was waiting at the gangway, wearing crossed arms and a somewhat weary smile. A leather bag was thrown over his broad shoulders.

"Well if it isn't my favorite stowaway." he chuckled. "Would it kill you to tell Cycadia to, I don't know, schedule the handoffs during a more reasonable time of day?"

I couldn't decide whether to say 'good morning' or 'good evening', so I stuck with, "Nice to see you too. And Pine has good reason for having us meet when the sun's down."

"So you don't get caught and hauled off to Atlas by your little specialist friend?"

Unable to hold back a glare, I snarled, "So no one wonders why exactly a fugitive and Vale's most suspicious captain are ferrying bags full of paper. Honestly, I prefer it."

Goldenrod scoffed. "You're paranoid."

"Prepared."

He uncrossed his arms. "Right." I watched as he looked through the bag. "Let Pine know that Ginkgo's been running into trouble. They've apparently cracked down on security in Mantle, paying more attention to who goes in and out. A young girl with a bag full of nothing but paper going to and from the coast every month is rightfully suspicious."

"Is snail mail not a thing?" I questioned.

Leaning back, Goldenrod shrugged, "It's a dying business with the CCT running." He closed the bag, dropping it into my arms. "Do me a favor and ensure that Pine actually plans on doing something with this. If any of us get caught for something that turns out to be all for naught, I'll be rightfully pissed."

"I'll be sure to let her know." I kept a tight grip on the bag as I lifted it over my shoulder, making sure that it was fastened tight. I turned, walking back towards the city of Vale. "Safe travels, Captain Goldenrod."

Goldenrod chuckled. "You too, Captain Worrywart."

I paused for a moment, shivering in the wind. I shook my head and carried on.

The sidewalks of Vale held no pedestrians, and only on occasion would a car roll past. Street lamps were the only source of light, and even then they flickered.

The wind picked up, blowing a stream of autumn leaves past. They carried the scent of seawater, flowers, and… cologne.

I turned and scanned the darkness, spotting nothing but the flickering street lights. Still, my heart raced as I bolted.

There's one thing about Vale that the tour guides don't tell you. With the cookie cutter buildings, symmetrical and tall, with the same people, with a coffee shop on every corner, Vale feels more maze than city. The dark of night cloaks everything in shadows, making any street signs unreadable. Locals knew how to navigate it, but unfortunately, I was a foreigner who grew up in an unsleeping city, all too used to the everlasting lights of a utopia in the clouds.

Long story short, I lost track of my path rather quickly. When I stopped at a street corner, trying to decipher whether to go north or south, I became all too aware of the footsteps approaching me from behind.

Unsheathing my spear, (which was nicknamed Rhythmos Marina, a fact that few actually cared about.), on my back, I whirled to face my pursuer. His lavender hair, partly swept to the side, didn't quite match his specialist's uniform. His calculating yellow eyes did. He held one tonfa and was silently unsheathing the other.

"Isn't it past your bedtime?" I sneered. The wobble in my voice didn't help in terms of intimidation.

Aster sighed. "I'm too exhausted to deal with you. Hand over the bag and I'll tell Camphor that you got away."

I took a step back, growling, "Tell Camphor to come and take it himself instead of making his underlings do his dirty work."

"He's busy investigating the case of the late Luxia Gold."

"Tell me something I don't know."

Despite that comment being all sarcasm, Aster thought for a moment. "Asha's currently the highest ranked student in her class." His eyes softened. "Your entire team would've ranked top of your class if-"

"Leave the wishful talk to the tabloids." I tightened my grip around my bag. "I really should be going. Tell Asha to check her scroll when you go back to Atlas after inevitably deciding that chasing me around isn't worth it."

"Don't you wish to see her face to face?"

I shivered as a gust blew past. "Of course. But what I want more than that is to live in peace without Camphor's bullshit. So do me a favor and tell him to quit while he's ahead."

Aster began to approach me, tonfa in each hand. "You know I can't do that."

Sighing, I readied my spear. "It was worth a shot."

Pressing a button near the handle of Rhythmos Marina, a slew of water erupted from the spearhead. I activated my semblance, and the water flew towards Aster with enough force to knock him backwards.

I turned and ran, only for bullets to hit my back, aura preventing them from sinking into skin. A growl of, "Not tonight." hit my ears before I was smacked sideways by a tonfa.

"You've gotten faster…" I managed to murmur as I stumbled backwards. Parrying a blow from Aster, I swung my spear towards his neck. He dodged with ease. Perhaps I had gotten slower.

The wind carried the sounds of weapons crashing into each other, as well as the grunts of the two combatants too stubborn to surrender.

I dodged a blow only to receive another. "When will you just," I swung my spear back and unleashed a wave of water, "leave me alone?!"

Aster was knocked backwards, and it took him a moment to shake the blow off. He grabbed his scroll, muttering, "This is Lieutenant Aster Pentas, requesting-"

Aster's scroll was suddenly shot away from his hand. It clattered to the ground with what appeared to be a small coin stuck in the screen.

The wind carried sounds of clapping.

"Wonderful brawl, as always." From the shadows stepped a man with black and white hair, and yellow eyes that glowed in the darkness. "However, I'm tempted to agree with the lady." A catlike grin crossed the man's face as he stepped in between Aster and I. "Don't you know when to quit?"

Aster's eyes narrowed in a wary glare. "Who are you and what do you think you're doing-?"

"You'd know who I am if you kept up with the news. However, you're so fixated on chasing this poor girl around that I doubt you even glance at the morning paper. So you could say that I'm making an investment for my reputation." the stranger extended a hand, helping Aster to his feet. "Now, wouldn't it be more productive if you report back to your commander, and perhaps read 'Vale Post' while you're at it?"

There was something off about the man. The glow of the streetlights emanated all too strongly from him, and for a moment too long, he merely stared at Aster.

Aster blinked, and although the color of his eyes made it difficult to decipher, there was a pair of thin golden rings surrounding his pupils. Blinking again, Aster stepped back. "Yes." he muttered foggily. "Yes, of course." He turned and walked away, albeit slowly, forgetting to take his broken scroll.

Instead, the stranger nabbed it for himself. He removed the coin-like object and examined the scroll for a moment before tossing it to me. I fumbled to catch it. The stranger chuckled and motioned for me to follow him.

"You'll not want to be in sight when the suggestion wears off." he remarked, glancing back at Aster, who was still walking.

"Suggestion?"

"My semblance. It's essentially a boost to my already high charisma."

"I see…" I trailed off as I followed the man down an alleyway. "Who are you?"

The man scoffed. "My reputation doesn't precede me after all." he sighed before turning with a flourish. "No matter. Alpin Rockafeller, at your service Miss Grey."

"You know me?"

"I'd be a fool to not. Do you and plum-hair never check the news feeds?"

"Right… the news…" I paused. "Though I can't recall the last time citizens of Vale were interested in Atlesian drama."

Alpin gave a dramatic sigh. "Ah, you caught me. I'm just a fan of Atlesian politics, being the obnoxiously wealthy circus your military is."

Glancing to the side, I scoffed, "I was supposed to join that circus."

"That you were." Alpin hummed. "What happened anyways? Well, besides the unfortunate demise of your teammate."

My breath hitched. "That isn't any of your business."

"I saved you. Does that not earn me any merit?"

"Thanks for the help, but I could've handled that situation by myself."

"Oh, like how you barely escaped a week ago? And a few days before that encounter as well?"

Stopping in my tracks, I examined Alpin. "S-stalker."

He shrugged. "Just a street fight enthusiast. I've been meaning to ask, who is this 'Camphor' guy that plum-hair seems so enthralled about? The media likes to throw his name around too."

My veins turned to ice. A moment passed before I was finally able to mumble, "He was my advisor during my time at Atlas Academy. Me disappearing is obviously his business, so Aster's working under him to bring me back to Atlas." I crossed my arms. "Never happening."

"Why?"

"I already told you that it's none of your business-" I froze when I realized a familiar bag was tossed over Alpin's shoulder. "Give that back."

A grin spread across Alpin's face. "I would, but there might be some interesting gossip in here."

He opened the bag and was about to dig through it when I lunged forward for his wrist. "Don't. I'll tell you whatever you want to know, just give the bag back."

Alpin smirked. "Very well." he dropped the bag, which I scrambled to pick up. "We'll meet at the sushi place just down the street this weekend. After all, gossip is more enjoyable over food, no?"

"Sure…" casting a dubious glance his way, I secured the bag's clasp. "I should be going now."

As the first light of dawn crawled over the buildings, I caught a glimpse of rings on Alpin's fingers. He still held the coin-like thing in one hand, and upon closer examination I realized it was a bladed... poker chip?

With a flick of the wrist, the blades slid into the poker chip, and parts moved and shifted so the odd thing now resembled the rest of Alpin's rings.

A gambler.

I had to wonder what kind of bet he was placing on our weekend meeting.

"It was a pleasure formally meeting you, Billow Grey." He gave a nod and a wave before turning and walking further into the alley's shadows. After a moment, they engulfed him completely.

A rather suspicious gambler...

Asha

Dust and fireplaces lined the walls of my childhood home, but never had fire felt so cold.

My footsteps echoed along the linoleum tile, and while subtlety was never my intent, breaking the foreboding silence again and again was akin to walking barefoot on shattered glass.

Hearing another set of footsteps appear was like running across the shards. Smoke filled my nose, coiling around my lungs and strangling my throat.

"Look who finally decided to pay a visit." the voice drifted across the hall like smoke. And where there's smoke…

A woman a few years older than me stood with clear-cut eyes of turquoise, and a smile of steel. Aphanite smirked. "What brings you to this wonderful hellhole, Ashes?"

...there's fire.

Turning to face Aphanite, my voice iron, I scoffed, "I wish to discuss some things with you."

"Aw, did you miss me?"

"Hardly."

Aphanite pretended to pout, approaching me with footsteps as silent as fog. "That's not a way to treat family."

My expression hardened. "There is no blood binding us, I have no allegiance to you." I took a few steps forward to meet Aphanite. "Especially not after what you did."

Reacting to the accusation with a thin smile, Aphanite stood her ground, purring, "Oh? And how exactly have I offended you?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about." I snarled.

"I'm afraid I don't." Aphanite's smile suggested otherwise. "Why don't you enlighten me?"

I strode forward with a growl of, "You were there that night. During my last mission, I was separated from my team and confronted by Tephra. There was smoke. My teammate died covered in the stench."

"Oh." Aphanite's smirk only grew. "Poor Ashes." She snatched my wrist, nails digging into my palms. "So burnt by fire that even the scent frightens her." Releasing me, Aphanite turned. "I had nothing to do with your teammate's demise. If you're only here to accuse me, it seems we have no other business."

"Where are you going?"

Aphanite paused. "To pay Char a visit. You know how… lonely he gets."

"Then why did Tephra mention you're going overseas?" I eyed the bag Aphanite gripped in one hand.

"Oh." Aphanite turned. "That. Well, after visiting our dear little Charlie, I plan to reconvene with my brother. I've heard Mistral is lovely this time of year. You should stop by. The, ah, family business is flourishing."

My voice was flat. "That's wonderful news." I walked past Aphanite, back the way I entered. "However, I doubt I'll have the time. There's much to do before graduation."

"Right." Aphanite sneered. "Your little academy." She turned, but not before adding, "Well, in that case, send Camphor my regards."

Smoke billowed around her, and just like that, she was gone.

"Aphanite sends her regards."

Removing his reading glasses, a man in his early thirties with brown hair peppered with white streaks sat with an unmoving disposition. "Is that so?" his gaze grew tight when he met my eyes. "Tell me, what business did you have with your sister? Did I not specifically instruct you to stay on campus grounds?"

"Unless I had a mission," I folded my hands in my lap, "or I was running an investigation."

"An investigation you will not partake in without my explicit permission. And I cannot recall giving you such a thing." Camphor revealed a blank notebook, a pen already in hand. "But since you insisted on visiting the White's estate anyways, why don't you enlighten me with your findings?"

The air was cold, yet suffocating.

Sitting a little straighter, I began, "Although she denied it, it's clear that Aphanite was there the night of the mission."

"And what exactly does this prove?"

My breath tensed. "Proving that Aphanite could very well have contributed to Luxia's death-"

"Nonsense, the security cameras didn't provide evidence of a fourth person being in the room. Besides, we already have a reasonable suspect."

"There was smoke-"

"Did you forget that all three of your teammates possess some form of dust or firearm?" Camphor set the pen down with an uncharacteristic amount of force. "Now, if that is all I suggest you return to the dorms and refrain from investigating your family without my permission-"

I bit my lip, holding back for a moment before blurting out, "Aphanite is going to Mistral."

Camphor paused. Picking up the pen, he instructed, "Continue."

"She's going to visit my step brother. While she didn't state it outright," I hesitated, "it was implied that she intends on involving herself with Mistral's black market."

After jotting down some notes, Camphor raised his eyes to mine. "I can't say that I'm especially surprised." A moment of silence passed. "The Pentas twins are both busy elsewhere, so you will be going to Mistral to investigate in their stead."

"But what about my studies-?"

"You will attend Haven as a transfer student." Camphor snapped the notebook shut. "I'll ensure that you will be assigned missions pertaining to the task at hand. Ensure that you bring any necessary valuables." he retired the notebook to its drawer before once again meeting my eyes. "You will embark on the first airship tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? Won't a departure that sudden draw suspicion-?"

"Asha." Camphor had stood. "I suggest you begin packing."

He strode past me. The door slammed behind him, leaving me in the herb scented darkness of Camphor's office. Literally and figuratively left in the dark.

It wouldn't be the first time.

Conifer

"You're telling me some street thief did this?"

I nodded silently, sweating in the afternoon heat. Even as autumn approached, Vacuo refused to cool, especially in the small aluminum trailer. The coin sized injury in my palm didn't make it any more pleasant.

The woman across from me, somewhat preoccupied with wrapping the wound in gauze, voiced her disbelief. "That's bull. Street thieves carry guns or knives, not… whatever you described." The woman's donkey ears lowered as she shook her head in disapproval.

"She bumped into me at a crowded marketplace and took off with my bracelet." my fingers toyed with the chain of golden links fastened around my wrist. "When I tried to get it back, she resisted."

"Still, her weapon is suspicious. Is there anything special about that bracelet?"

Giving a sideways glance, I mumbled. "It was a gift from a friend. My former teammate."

The woman's ears perked. "Teammate? Don't tell me you're one of those Shade brats."

My voice softened. "Atlas, actually."

With a scoff, the woman eyed me with a peculiar type of gaze. "The daughter of an old friend went there. Didn't end well, poor thing didn't make it past third year."

"...me neither."

There was a thick silence in the room as the woman's eyes widened. "What's your name, Sapling?"

With a hesitant pause, I answered, "Conifer Black."

Another wave of silence passed.

"Well I'll be damned." the woman shook her head. "You're that Conifer Black."

"Pardon?"
"That friend's daughter I spoke of was your teammate." The woman wore a somber tone in her voice. "Luxia Gold. That ring any bells?"

That rang nearly every alarm in my head.

"Yes." I answered breathlessly. "Yes… you… you know her?"

"Child, there wasn't a soul in this village that didn't." a sad smile crossed her face.

A heavy weight settled on my chest, and the air seemed to lack oxygen. My head had turned foggy.

Noticing my silence, the woman cleared her throat and finished bandaging my wound. "Well, if you're feeling nostalgic, my door's always open."

"Nostalgic?"

"This was the Gold's place back when they lived in Vacuo. They gave it to me when they left. The guest room belonged to Luxia." she glanced out the grimy window. "I know you lost her not too long ago, and I understand if you'd rather walk away and forget all about this place. But perhaps staying here could give you some closure." she turned her brown eyes back to me. "Besides, someone's obviously on your tail and I'd hate to see a young huntress like yourself vanish thanks to some… street thief."

I fidgeted with my bracelet for a tense moment as I weighed my options. Perhaps I weighed them too quickly, for when I answered, "I'd like to stay here if it's alright with you.", the woman laughed.

"Well, aren't you the eager one." she extended a calloused palm, "The name's Lime, and as long as you keep the grimm at a reasonable distance you're more than welcome to stay."

Switching from fidgeting with my bracelet to fidgeting with my sleeve, I said, "I can handle the grimm, but I can't promise I won't bring trouble of the human variety."

Lime scoffed and reached across the table to grab hold of my uninjured hand and shake it herself. "Don't you worry Sapling, if I didn't want trouble, I would live in Vale or Atlas." She stood and made her way to the kitchen area of the trailer. "Now tidy up, supper will be ready soon."

Luxia's old room carried the scent of dust and something burnt. A small bed sat in the corner, adjacent to an empty bookshelf. The desk was nothing more than a fold out table, complete with a dull pencil and a cactus decorating the surface. The rug underfoot depicted a screeching bird surrounded by lightning. However, the faded colors made the bird look more like a forgotten god than a fearsome beast.

I set my bow and quiver on the bookshelf before noticing a slew of paper on the shelf above. Only having to stand straight to see the contents, the air around me seemed to stop when I examined the papers. Each one had scrawled handwriting. Some were accompanied by photographs, and some photographs were unaccompanied by a letter.

Taking a random one from the stack, I scanned the contents.

Yo Lime! It's been a while! I dunno why you asked to hear about Atlas, but the city is amazing! There's so many lights that it doesn't get super dark at night! There's lots of tech and gadgets to play around with, you'd love it here! Mom and Dad are doing fine. Actually, Dad's really shaken up, but Mom told me not to talk about it (which is why I sent a whole 'nother letter secretly that explains everything). Also, guess who just started their first year at Atlas Academy? Slaying grimm's a blast, though some of my classmates are pretty stuck up. The leader of my team (Team BLAC, cool name right?) is a total killjoy. Same with 'A'. Connie ended with us though! She's a little timid with the whole idea of killing stuff, but don't worry, I'm warming her up to it! Anyways, I got class tomorrow, and Camphor (our team's super mean advisor) will get mad if we stay up late, so I'm gonna wrap this up here. Tell the folks back in Vacuo that I said hi!

-Lux

The letter also included a picture, which was laying face down. I flipped it over and felt the air tighten around my chest. The picture itself was faded, with dust and dirt lining the edges, but the faces were clear. Team BLAC, we all stood together, each one of us projecting the first letter of our name via our scrolls to spell out 'BLAC'.

The team that everyone thought would rule the academy.

The team that no one expected to fall apart.

Yet it did, and I didn't even know why.