Author's Note: It's certainly been a while since I last posted a chapter. I apologize for the delay.
Special shoutouts to Jarl of the North, who gave me permission to use his character Mordin Revolantis, and to Dunedan for assisting me in the creation of Azure von Shiroe and other various elements of this chapter.
Disclaimer: RWBY is property of Roosterteeth, not me.
From Cinders Comes Fire - Friends and Dangers On the Horizon
The city of Mistral was beautiful. There was simply no other way to describe seeing it for the first time.
Nearly every inch of the mountains and forests had managed to achieve a perfect balance between advanced technological improvements and mother nature's simplistic, open appeal. From where she sat in the shuttle, Cinder couldn't help but admire the sights through the windows, losing track of time gazing over lush mountains, picturesque buildings snuggled into the slopes, and lots of people interacting in beautiful, colourful sceneries. Everyone was going about their business or engaging in quality time with friends and loved ones, without fear of ridicule or scorn for their choices.
The interactions between people was different from the villages she had frequented. Whereas the villages seemed to be content as they were, making no effort to improve themselves, Mistral was all advancement and progress. There was life and activity here, a heart beating strong and giving the city life. A land of opportunity for anyone and everything, limited only by imagination and determination.
This was her home now. This is where she would become a Huntress.
There were no landing pads for Haven Academy. The main quad was large and spacious enough that the transports could use it as a landing area without issue. Disembarking from the transport, she saw that all around the campus were forests of deep green cedars, poplars and countless other saplings, as if the Academy was one with nature. Bright cobblestone walkways added to the beautiful environment, complete with a large fountain at its centre, and some shrubbery, wooden benches and lamp posts lining along the perimeter. Flanking the quad were the kingdom of Mistral's two Cross Continental Transmit towers, bright white and shimmering in the sun. She took this all in, preserving it to memory.
If she thought the initiation test was crowded, it was nothing compared to what she was seeing now. A few of the faces she recognized from the initiation test, but others—countless more—were completely new to her, the majority of which were already wearing the black and light grey uniforms of the academy. No doubt they were all second years or above, already familiar with the routine.
From the din of the surrounding crowds, a single familiar voice rose up above everything else, getting her attention.
"Oiii! Cinder!"
She stopped in her tracks, turning towards the source of the voice. After a few moments, the familiar smiling face of Cy came into view, one hand waving at her while the other was being used to excuse himself as he tried to make his way through the crowds to her. Behind him, Stone was having no such issue; given his massive size, little incentive was needed for the other students to get out of his way.
"There you are! I was starting to think you wouldn't make it in time! We've been waiting here by the landing area all morning and I was starting to wonder where you were!"
She gave a small shrug. "Wouldn't look good if I was late on the first day now, would it?"
That earned her a laugh. "That is true. It's good to see you again!"
He stepped forwards, an arm outstretched as he grew closer. To anyone else, the movement would have been a warm invitation, but to Cinder, it was the type of physical interaction with another that she was unaccustomed to, especially with someone she had only just met just days before. Her movements were swift to avoid the friendly limb, but subtle, gentle enough that he would not notice her evasion, or more likely chalk it up to the hustle and bustle of the crowd surrounding them.
It seemed to work. There was a brief flicker of surprise on his features when his arm appeared to miss the mark, but it quickly faded, replaced with a friendly grin as he scanned the many, many people around them.
"Sure are a lot of people here at the academy." He turned back to look at her as he continued. "Seems the number of people wanting to become Huntsmen and Huntresses keeps growing every year. Think you're ready for that?"
"As ready as I'll ever be." Cinder shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. "I worked hard to get here, and I plan to do nothing short of my best."
"And your partner? Anyone you see filling in that spot for you?"
That part, Cinder didn't know. In truth she hadn't really thought about what she wanted in a partner. She was so used to working on her own that the idea of a partner was still something she was trying to wrap her head around. Sure, having someone to watch your back was always nice, but they were just as likely to get in her way or hamper her ability. If they were a great help, she would appreciate their assistance, but if not…
"I'll deal with it, no matter what happens." Was all she said about it.
"Fair enough. Well, my mind's already made up. Here's hoping Stone and I are still partners when all's said and done! Right, Big Guy?"
"Hmph." was the giant's only reply.
"Ha! Just you wait and see! All I'll need is one good swing of my sword, and any grimm are as good as... as good as..." his smile faded into a frown of worry, noticing something was missing. "Hold on, where's Torchy?"
... Torchy?
His searching became more frantic. "I swear it was on my back just a minute ago... Craaaap, I don't believe it. My Torchy's missing!"
"You lost your sword again?" He didn't move one inch out of place, but there was a faint note of exasperation audible in Stone's tone. "That's three times you've lost it this month alone!"
"I-I didn't mean to! There's so many people here! Someone must've... I don't know, knocked it loose from my back or something!"
"Wait..." Cinder frowned, not quite understanding yet. "You named your weapon... 'Torchy'?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah! Torchy's a genuine Atlas Tech ALT-25, Greatsword variant, with magnatomic attachments so it sticks to the back of my vest and specially designed adhesion grip to fit my hand perfectly. I figured every Huntsman's weapon has to have a cool name to go with it, so I called her Torchy. You like it?"
"…"
She didn't know if she was more stunned at the professional detailing of his weapon's unique characteristics, or by the almost comically simple name he had given his weapon with a completely straight face.
Fortunately, another voice called out before she had to give her opinion.
"Cyrus Reiner?"
All three of them turned to see a young woman approaching, dressed in a military uniform that easily identified she was of Atlas origins. It consisted of a white long sleeve shirt tucked underneath a closed, tight fitting overcoat with prominent navy blue collar, black cuffs on top of the shoulders and around her wrists, and gold-colored lining. Four all white coattails with grey emblems and gold lining reached down past her waist, two on each side, giving the illusion of a warrior's fauld. A pair of matching leggings were tucked into a pair of knee-high, low-heeled black boots with golden metallic plates attached to circle around the knee.
Just like how her uniform was clearly Atlas in origin, her expression and body language was that of a soldier. Straight backed and professional, with no wasted effort behind her graceful movements. Her expression was no different, a stern, no nonsense gaze enhanced by angular features and a pair of sharp, mismatched coloured eyes. The right eye was a rich cobalt, the left one a light grey. Bright, metallic silver hair was tied into tight bun at the back of her head, with only a few loose strands sticking out, all kept in place with a single golden tiara-like hair clip.
As she closed the distance between them, she pressed two fingers to her left temple as if she had a headache, while in her right hand was a familiar looking weapon. "I believe this is yours?"
Cy's eyes lit up in delight, a big grin on his face. "Torchy! Thank god you're safe! Thank you! I was worried I had -
But to his surprise, the woman pulled her hand back before he could grab his sword. Her eyes narrowed into a cold stare, stunning him further with her sudden aggression.
"You haven't been taking proper care of your weapon." Her words were icy, biting as they came out of her mouth, "The magnatomics in the hilt have been damaged for quite some time. That's why it keeps disconnecting without your say so. They need immediate replacing."
"I-I… I'm sorry!" Cy was stunned, clearly not expecting the hostility in the other woman's tone. "I-I promise, I'll get it fixed soon. I had no idea…"
"See that you do. As a Huntsman, your weapon is your life. Treating it poorly will get you killed." She then shoved the weapon, rather forcibly so, into Cy's chest. "Do not expect me to be there to watch your back in the future."
With that, she turned and left without another word, quickly disappearing into the crowd as suddenly as she had appeared, leaving a stunned and slack jawed Cy in her wake.
"Well," Stone's voice rumbled after a respectful pause. "She was… pleasant. Are you alright, Cy?"
The young huntsman nodded silently, then seemed to remember that he could speak. "Yeah," he said, a tiny hint of unsteadiness in his voice as he held his weapon close. "Yeah, I'm okay… That was sure something, though. I feel sorry for whoever ends up being her partner."
At that moment, what sounded like a mix between a bell ringing and a buzzer echoed across the quad, drawing everyones attention.
"All first year students are to report to the Grand Hall immediately. The opening ceremony will begin shortly. Repeat, all first year students are to report to the Grand Hall immediately."
A murmur wove its way through the massive crowd. Most of the student mass responded quickly enough, while others gave last minute farewells to friends, family or loved ones before moving to follow the rest. Then they began to move in the direction of the doors.
"Race you guys inside!"
Cy suddenly raced right passed the others, so fast that it was as if the early verbal thrashing had never occurred. Cinder couldn't help but do a double take.
"… Is he always like that?"
"You learn to get used to it." Stone replied. "Or at least I have. Come. We have a ceremony to attend to."
Thanks to his size, neither Stone nor Cinder had any difficulty with crowding as they started moving. They had only gone a few short feet when Cinder noticed something she had previously overlooked.
Tied to Stone's back, resting in an over-the-shoulder leather harness was a heavy looking, two-handed weapon mostly a metallic silver in colour with streaks of back around the grip. From what Cinder could tell, it appeared to be a fusion of two weapons. The first was the head of a large battle axe, combined with a back spike typically found on medieval halberds, good for pulling limbs or ensnaring an enemy's weapon. The other part was a single, thin spearhead like a pike set up in between the two other pieces, good for thrusting attacks. Even though it was in its collapsed storage form, the hilt of the weapon still reached over the man's shoulder, allowing Stone to reach up and draw it in a single, fluid motion if needed. No doubt it was a weapon that relied heavily on strength and power to use, as did the man who wielded it. A fitting weapon for a giant who towered over everyone else.
"Does your weapon have a name as well?" Cinder asked, curios about Stone's weapon. A part of her was hopeful, thinking it would have something powerful and imposing to go along with it. At the same time, a small part of her dreaded the answer, hoping it wasn't something as… unique as Cy's choice of name for his weapon.
The giant turned his head just enough to look down at her, a single shrug making its way through his broad shoulders before he spoke. "Valour."
She thought it over a moment, then shrugged. "… It's better than Torchy." she decided, before moving to follow in step behind the giant as she and every other new first year student slowly made their way up to Haven's Grand Hall.
Seriously, who names their weapon 'Torchy'?
The Grand Hall was just as striking and spacious as the main quad outside. A good thing too, given how many students were currently filling in. Most of the interior was coloured with various greens and browns, creating a warm, friendly environment like the forestry outside. There was a large statue in the centre of the room, flanked by two stairways that joined together at the top, as well as an upper walkway accessible by flanking stairways near the outer walls. The walls were decorated with various paintings and blue and golden banners bearing Mistral's symbol. Despite all the people obscuring the floor ahead, Cinder could just make out what appeared to be several trophy cases filled with various awards, medals and such.
She made her way as far as she could inside, finding Cy was beside her on the left, while Stone's giant form towered slightly behind her on the right. Looking around, Cinder spotted the woman that had returned Torchy to Cy, mostly keeping to herself, arms folded in front of her and standing with military precision.
On the upper level, the professors of Haven Academy were already assembled. Cinder had done some research on each of them over the last couple months, and was able to put a name to each individual.
The first one was Hyacinth Bles, a woman that was rather new to Haven Academy, having only been officially hired just a couple years ago. Despite being only twenty-five years of age, she had already established a strong reputation for herself as a deadly warrior and huntress, earning the position of Lionheart's second. She had long, flowing and wavy metallic silver hair that reached to the small of her back, a long red ribbon keeping any of it from obscuring a pair of matching red eyes, the left of which was slightly marred by a trio of faint scars, the redness contrasting pale skin. Her posture was proud and noble, carrying herself with a warrior's grace, one hand resting atop the hilt of a beautifully designed rapier. She looked like she was wearing a heavily customized Atlas uniform, leaving the tops of her shoulders bare and replacing the standard leather belt with a scaled-plated, armoured variant, but it was all black instead of white, with bright silver highlights and deep navy blue cuffs and a pair of tight fitting gloves that left her wrists exposed. An all black knight's fauld hung from the belt overtop a pair of tight military leggings tucked into a pair of knee high, metal plated boots.
Beside her stood another woman, Mordin Revolantis. Everything about her showed she was a warrior, fierce and outgoing. She was a full head taller than all the other adults around her, dressed in what could only be described as a medieval themed red tube top with golden edging and matching detached sleeves that highlighted her strong, athletic build. A pair of long black pants tucked into a pair of matching red boots, and a long and worn red fauld hung around her waist, kept in place by a leather belt with a golden buckle. Her hair was styled in a rough and rather unkempt looking braided ponytail that at least tried to keep things in check, but still managed to reach well past the small of her back and waist. The bangs were left loose in a jagged fashion that evenly framed either side of her face, particularly a pair of deep orange eyes, with a touch of electric blue around the edges. From the base of her spine, a long, thick tail extended, slowly lashing back and forth, coated in red scales with large spines running down the centre of its length. A Faunus, then, and a really imposing one at that.
Next to the both of them was Doctor Azure von Shiroe, Haven's historian. He had deep blue hair, slightly spiky but well kept, and a pair of round lens glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. Compared to his two women, he was several centimetres shorter and his build was noticeably slimmer, more like a runners. Even as she studied him, he adjusted his glasses with his left hand, before folding his arm behind his back. This motion was enough to open the white mantle cloak he was wearing, revealing his right arm was missing everything just above the elbow, a metal ring-like item encasing the stump. Beneath the mantle, he wore a brown turtleneck sweater with a harness-like contraption wrapping around the chest and shoulders. He wore dark blue-black pants that changed to a lighter shade of blue at the knees and down to his ankles. A large duffle bag was resting at his left side, held in place by a pair of black belts. He had a metal bracer on his forearm, as well as a matching pair of greaves.
And standing at the centre, directly above the statue and at the top of the grand hall stood Haven's Headmaster. Professor Leonardo Lionheart was dressed in his finest clothes for the ceremony, which consisted of a brown great coat with matching mantle, over top a white button up dress shirt and tie, with dark brown slacks and dress shoes to complete the outfit. His hair and full beard had faded with age, losing its tannish hues and assuming more greyish tint, but he wore it well, a lion's mane that showed he still possessed the energy of his youth. He moved with confidence, capturing the attention of the entire hall with a simple gesture.
"I have never been one for drawn out speeches, so I promise to make this quick." He waited for the murmurs to fade, then continued. "A true huntsmen does not fear death. A true huntress does not fear danger. Instead, they embrace the danger, challenge death itself. Defy it."
He raised his hands up and out, as if trying to take in everyone in the hall. "You have all been blessed, each and every one of you, to find yourselves here, at the esteemed training grounds of Haven Academy. Purveyor of the finest huntsmen and huntresses in all of Remnant! Prove yourselves in the hard days, no, the hard years to follow. Prove yourselves more than just a simple men and women. Prove yourselves more than just capable warriors. The path to becoming a Huntsmen is filled with adversity, small and large. But if you succeed, you shall stand proud among brothers! Sisters! All as mighty as titans!"
A round of applause and cheers erupted from the crowd. Cinder was impressed by how well he played to the crowd in front of him. It was a simple enough speech, but it had the desired effect. Quick, yet inspirational, encouraging the students and motivating them all at once.
As Lionheart backed away from the forefront, Hyacinth stepped forward to take his place. Her voice was sharper, more professional, but not without a polite air to it.
"Your initiation tests will begin tomorrow at eight o'clock sharp. This test will determine not only your placement at Haven Academy, but also your future teammates for the entire time you are among us. We wish all of you the best of luck, and hope you are fully prepared for every possible outcome. Tonight, you will rest here in the grand hall. Once your teams have been set up tomorrow, we will have proper accommodations set up for each of you. For now, the rest of the day is yours to do as you wish. Dismissed."
The crowded grand hall was a buzz of new conversations almost immediately. Some moved to depart right away, while others lingered to talk or perhaps look around the grand hall some more. Cinder was part of the first group, both Cy and Stone following close behind until they were out on the quad once more.
"Welp! My schedule is open for the whole day." the blonde man declared, rubbing his hands together. "You're not really from around here, are you Cinder? If you want, we could show you around, help you get acquainted with your new home a bit?"
It seemed like a friendly enough offer. A good chance to learn valuable information about Haven and the surrounding area that she could use later.
"I would like that. Thank you."
"Any time! Mistral's architecture tends to scaled upward, with the really big buildings at the top and the more unique and colourful elements further down you go. We can start with the workshops and the library, then maybe move on to th-"
"This is simply ridiculous. I mean, really—this needs to stop right now."
Cinder stiffened at the voice, eyes narrowing in anger. Of course he was here…
Sure enough, like a dark rain cloud on a sunny day, Otho Rost was making his way over to her, a smug grin on his face and, if possible, even more of an annoyance than ever.
Still, no reason to let his attempts to provoke her go unopposed. "What's wrong, Otho? Still mad about not being the best?"
"You see?" He sneered, eyes narrowing a bit. "That's a perfect example. No respect for your betters. An ignorant thug like you does not deserve to be a huntress. You haven't earned the right like I have."
"Oh, grow up Otho..." Cy started to say, but Cinder cut him off.
"Did you forget the part where I set the best time during the initiation? And broke a twenty year record when doing so?" Her tone was not boasting; simply stating the facts.
"Anyone can shoot a few targets and rush their way through a few obstacles." A dismissive wave of the hand to go with his sneer this time. "True, you can do all that faster than most others, but when's the last time you actually picked a fight with something other than mindless grimm? That's where the real challenge is. I've been duelling with actual huntsmen since before you could hold a bow."
Was he serious? Even after seeing what she had done, was he really going to discredit her that flippantly? Jeez, what an ego.
"If there's a point to your boasting, Otho, then get to it." Stone's voice rumbled. Somehow, the giant had positioned himself directly at Cinder's side, casting her in his shadow, while towering over Otho as well. He seemed to take a hint, though remained ever sure of himself.
"Very well. I challenge you, Cinder Fall. You and me, one on one. Pull out your blades. Let's see if you know how to use them!"
"H-Hey guys, c'mon!" Cy tried, but no one was listening to him.
"You think you scare me? Don't flatter yourself."
"You are nothing. Just a wannabe girl with a bow trying to join a training school for the elites. I'll gladly squash you into the dirt!"
"I sure hope you're not going to cry when I win. I could beat you in any fight blindfolded, you stuck up, little sh-"
"Alright, alright, that's enough!" Cy stepped in between the two, pushing both of them away from the other before a weapon was drawn. "No fighting here on school grounds. Save it for tomorrow, if you want to fight so bad!"
Otho swatted Cy's hand away, but otherwise did not react. If anything, he seemed rather pleased all of the sudden. "I like that idea. Go ahead and tend to your needs, Outlander. Rest, do whatever you need to get ready. And tomorrow? We'll revisit that remark."
"Can't wait." Cinder growled, then moved to leave, only vaguely aware that Stone and Cy were following her as she did so. Otho stood unmoving, letting her go past, as arrogant as ever. She watched him, keeping her guard up even as she refused to turn around once she moved past him. He merely cast a glance finally over his right shoulder as she left.
"Watch your back." He quipped. "You wouldn't be the first to suffer an 'accident' when trying to find a partner."
Cinder merely paused to calm herself and collect her thoughts. Otho was nothing more than an obstacle in her path. A thorn in her side she could not wait to get rid of. How long he continued to heckle and provoke her was going to be out of her hands, but sooner or later, she knew she was going to shut him up. If he wanted to pick a fight with her so badly, she would gladly give him a fight.
… No, scratch that. She wasn't ready to give him a fight.
She was ready to give him a war.
"Sooo…" Cy's voice broke into her thoughts, cautiously, as if unsure how it would be received. "You… still want to go on the tour? Or no?"
It was a full moon that night, or as close to a full moon as could be, given its shattered appearance. No clouds hung in the sky, the moon's light casting over the forests where Haven's initiation test would take place in a few hour's time.
The air throughout the forest was peaceful, various animals and wildlife settling down for the night, taking shelter within the trees. There was a near countless number of different species that called the forests of Haven their home, ranging from small rodents and birds, to larger deer and elk, entire herds ranging in the grassland areas, and even larger beasts as large as the trees themselves. Unfortunately, the only creatures lurking about at the moment where the creatures of grimm, seeking any prey that had wandered too far from their herds or packs, easy to catch and kill at a moment's notice.
Not only were there a massive number of animal within the forest, but the remains of entire kingdoms could be discovered the further one travelled. Ancient castles and the remains of long extinct villages were scattered about, stone and rock partially buried or overrun, taken back by nature's timeless reach. A reminder of what once was, as well as a chance to truly prepare Haven's initiates with a naturally designed training field.
*Thud...*
The impact came from the distance, quiet at first, but distinct that it could not be mistaken for a random noise.
*Thud...*
Another impact, louder this time. Whatever was causing it was still very far away, but the distance was closing.
*Thud*
The ground began to shake, each thunderous step heavy and powerful. Wildlife all around sensed the approaching monster well before they saw it, and began to flee.
After another booming footfall, even the grimm began to run away as well.
*Thud!*
Soon, even the most territorial of the grimm had vanished from sight, the entire area abandoned out of fear of this massive, mysterious beast. Far larger than anything that came before it, and far more deadly.
*THUD!*
It moved about on all four legs like a great lizard, though it was just as capable of walking on its hind legs if needed. It stopped its menacing walk to do just that, rising into the air and breaking through the treeline with ease.
It was a nightmare made flesh - darkness illuminated in the light of the shattered moon overhead like a terrifying demon, its entire body sheathed in bone-like armour that bore the scars from countless wars. Its eyes, two serpentine pairs on each side of its head, shone an eerie red-gold light in the dark; its head, a streamlined demonic, dragon's skull with a maw large and powerful enough to crush even a Goliath with its bite, lined with sharpened fangs meant for equal parts tearing and crushing. Large, sweeping horns stretched from its head and over its neck, a row of spikes running along the base of its spine in-between the heavy plates, and intense scarring along the entirety of its head and body only served to further accentuate this fearsome monster's features.
Worse still, the creature was heftily built, powerful muscles rippling beneath the cloak of shadow, its legs almost seeming to struggle beneath the creature's weight but still carrying it with ease, the claws upon each of its arms flexing almost spastically, its long, thick tail, a whip-like tapering limb that slithered behind the beast, silent as a blade drawn from a sheath without a sound, but no lesser for it.
And its roar, powerful enough to seemingly warp the stone, earth, possibly the entire forest itself with its intensity… A mighty bellow beyond description erupted through the air as the monster claimed its new territory for itself, unchallenged by even its fellow grimm.
With the shattered moon still shining brightly overhead, the monstrous grimm continued its advance forward, an ominous warning lingering through the air as it vanished once more as suddenly as it had appeared…
Author's Note: Once again, my sincerest apologies for the delay. This chapter too much longer than it should have, and I promise the next one will not take nearly as long to come out.
This one was more of a world and character building chapter, as well as setting up events for future chapters. Things will most definitely be getting interesting from here...