Disclaimer: RWBY is property of Roosterteeth, not me.
Author's Note: As always, thanks to anyone who reads and reviews. Your critiques are always welcome.
From Cinders Comes Fire: Doubts and Bonds
"It is most commonly believed by many that the military life is one of adventure and excitement. In truth, that life more often consists of long periods of routine, even boredom, with only brief intervals of challenge and danger.
Enemies seldom seek out their opponents, the warrior must become a hunter—searching and stalking with craft and patience. Successes are often achieved by a confluence of small things: stray facts, unwary or overheard conversations, and logistical vectors. If the hunter is persistent, the pattern will become visible, and the enemy will be found. Only then will the routine be broken by combat.
It's not surprising, therefore, that those seeking excitement are sometimes weary of long and arduous pursuits. They are relieved when the enemy appears of their own accord, standing firm and issuing a challenge.
But the wise warrior is especially wary at those times. For the hunter knows there are few things more dangerous than a skilled enemy on their own carefully chosen battleground."
Those words echoed through Ivory's memory. Her father had always been a brilliant tactician; Atlas' military had always benefitted from those of the Mineko bloodline. For generations dating back to the Great War, the Mineko family had provided Atlas with some of its most talented and gifted military minds and leaders. Her father, Captain Alabast Mineko, was no exception, having joined the army straight out of school like his father before him, and his father's father before that. His exploits against the grimm were already well documented to anyone who kept an eye on such things. In fact it wouldn't be much longer before he joined Ironwood as one of Atlas military's top Generals, if he continued on his current trajectory.
That wasn't to say that everyone in the Mineko family tree was strictly part of the military. Others had made their marks on history as huntsmen and huntresses, most playing key roles in aiding of settlement advancements into new, uncharted territories, or by eliminating dangerous grimm threats where others could not. They were all viewed as heroes in their own rights, respected and highly regarded by all, by military and civilian alike. A few others still had even made names for themselves in the engineering and robotic fields, specializing in prosthetic and cybernetic pursuits. Regardless of the generation, regardless of the profession, the Mineko's were always some of the best in their respective fields.
Always the leaders, always the best.
…Which made her inability to become the leader of Team Crimson stand out all the more when one compared her exploits to those of her family line.
Right now she was alone, awaiting her father's verdict to the news of her placement within the new four person team. Back straight, shoulders broad and rigid, carrying herself with the full discipline of a solider, even though no one else was present. A small part of her longed to, but did not dare, give voice to her growing disquiet thoughts on the situation. Long ago she had learned such things were frowned upon, and that it would only detract from her best efforts to appease her family, both for the long and short term.
"This turn of events is most unfortunate," her father declared at long last, his voice deep and commanding. Ever the professional, very straight to the point as he spoke. "To think something like that monstrous grimm got so close to one of the Kingdoms undetected... it seems we will have to adjust our strategies and defences much more urgently than we were hoping to. That you survived was fortunate to hear."
"Thank you, Father…"
Ivory had to resist hunching inward at the words, the faint creasing of her brow the only outward sign to her reaction. Father's words after that were filled with the usual stoicism; inquiries about if she was in fine health and how her training would be progressing. As long as she continued to move forward as one of the Mineko bloodline, then all would be well.
At times, she felt her own personal wellbeing meant very little. She knew it was wrong to think such, that deep down, her father truly cared about her, despite his professionalism requiring him to keep his distant bearing even when it was just the two of them alone.
She didn't always succeed in shaking off the worst of her inner turmoil.
If her father saw her reaction, he made no comment on it. "And so… You're finally part of a true huntsman team. Team Crimson, I believe it was? Congratulations are in order. Tell me, how does it feel to take your first few steps forward into a much larger world?"
She closed her eyes, bracing for the worst as she bowed her head. "Forgive me, father… I failed to procure the position of leader. I… There is no excuse for it."
"That wasn't the answer to the question I asked."
It took considerable effort not to clench her hands into fists. Father saw right through her, like he always did. In truth, she was hugely disappointed in herself, worried she had already failed irreparably to accomplish the goals set in front of her. And yet the words refused to come out, trapped in her throat no matter how hard she tried to let them escape from their prison now that permission was granted.
… why was it so hard for her to give her honest thoughts a voice?
"Why do you remain silent, my child? You faced off against a monster long thought extinct. That you not only survived, but managed to wound it and then drive it off is proof of your skill."
Dammit. She was taking too long. "Forgive me… I… I don't know how to describe it all at once." Ivory sighed. "Just when I think I'm starting to understand it all, something unexpected suddenly happens to throw me off."
As if to only prove her point, her father laughed.
Laughed!
Not a mocking or insulting laugh, but one that was warm and comforting to the ear. The sound coming from him sounded so foreign, Ivory nearly didn't believe it. If she hadn't heard it with her own ears, she would have never have believed such a thing was even possible.
"F-Father? Did you just…?"
The man pinched his chin, any hint of amusement on his face already gone as quickly as it had appeared. "You would not be the first to think such things, so soon after joining a team. No doubt your mother thought much the same, once upon a time. Just give it some more time and—"
A sudden commotion out of sight suddenly drew his attention away. He disappeared from view of the terminal, speaking in a sharp whisper, too faint for Ivory to pick up his words or whoever it was that he was talking to. A few more moments passed in silence until he returned, giving a sharp nod that was in a clear form of dismissal before turning to his daughter once more. "Forgive me, Ivory. It seems my own duties pull me away for now."
"O-Of course, Father. I understand…"
"We can continue this conversation later, when things are free again. And don't worry about not becoming the team captain. Not all Mineko's were the best right from the start. Prove yourself the best in the years to come, and you'll rise up through the ranks in no time. You don't have to prove yourself to me. I already know you will make me proud."
The weight that had hung around her shoulders faded just a little with those words. If there was one thing Ivory could take comfort in from this exchange, it was the knowledge she had not failed. Merely suffered a setback instead. The faint traces of a smile touched the edges of her lips, unbeknownst to her.
"Remember this well, Ivory. You are strong, both in mind and body, and will continue to grow stronger still. But strength and ability alone mean nothing. You have to know how to hone both with your mind, your vigilance, and your will. Do not move forward blindly. You must learn how best to be adaptable. As you continue to train, you'll be facing more than just grimm; you must be prepared for anything."
Once more, she bowed her head deeply. "I will not fail, father. I swear I'll make you proud."
Her father smiled a second time. "I know you will, Ivory. I know you will."
The line went dead then as the call was disconnected. Ivory sighed, taking a few steps back until she was able to lean her back against the opposite wall, sliding down into a seated position on the floor. Her eyelids were heavy with exhaustion. Reporting back to her father was always a drain on her.
Pinching the bridge of her nose, she tried to calm herself, taking several silent breaths, willing her heart to still its rabid beating.
It wasn't as easy as she had hoped.
After a few more seconds, she rose from her seated position, striding over to her bedroom door. Perhaps if she shook the pressure from her system with a good training session, she'd feel more energized. All things considered, she would much rather prefer to go on a walk or find a nice spot to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounded Haven Academy, but that was unfortunately out of the question. Training came first, as did proper study.
She had her duty. She would do what must be done and as what was expected of her. That was the Mineko way.
The living quarters for the new huntsmen and huntresses in training were surprising, and a lot better than whatever Cinder had been expecting them to be like.
There were four bunks in the room, two on each side of the dorm room, with a retractable divider to ensure the young men and women had their respective privacies. Each bunk possessed large and soft mattresses that were not unlike the bunks in a nice hotel. As the room was designed with a forest aesthetic in mind, much like the rest of the school, the frames themselves looked to have been made from solid would, carved out of the walls as if they had grown out of them. There were a few desks, a couple chairs and even a workstation for their weapons if required. A sink and a shelf that was for a hygiene kit were nearby, also to the side of this sink was a very small table, an automated tea kettle and a few cups that were turned upside down lest dust accumulate on the inside. The students no doubt were required to supply their own coffee or tea should they want any. The rest of the room's furniture consisted of a small book shelf above the desk and a footlocker for each student that lay at their respective bunk's footboard.
Their quarters were clearly meant to be comfortable, but still functionary as much of their time would either be spent in training, in research or whatever labours the professors deemed worthy of preparing them for the lives of full Huntsmen once they graduated down the road. Creature comforts were few and far between, all things considered. Ironically Cinder felt she had more privacy here than what she had during the entire last four years combined.
"Well this is homey." Cinder said, testing out the comfort of the bed and finding it agreeable. Much better than the old flats and dingy one room apartments she had borrowed or rented out during her travels alone.
"I would hope so. This is gonna be our home for the next four years." Cy returned with a smile, causing Cinder to smirk as well.
Cy however did not return the smirk, indeed his features taking on a more serious expression, crossing his arms over his chest. "I was… hoping Ivory would come and see the room with us, but… Honestly, I haven't seen her since the ceremony." Despite his best efforts, Cy let out a defeated sigh. "I hope she's alright."
It was Cinder's turn to lose her smile. "She's disappointed about me being the team leader, isn't she?"
"Oh, no, nothing like that." Cy waved a hand back and forth in a placating gesture. "More like… she's got her own battles to fight. I don't think you're the reason for it. At least, I hope not, boss."
"If you say so…" She tilted her head as the one word registered in her mind. "Still intending to call me 'boss' are you?"
"Well, you are the boss, hence why I call you the boss. What, you don't like it?"
"I do like it, actually. Just… going to get some getting used to is all."
"It won't happen within a day," Cy nodded. "In fact I think it will take a great deal longer than that. But you'll lead Team Crimson well."
"You really think that?" she whispered, a part of her not sure if she wanted to hear the answer. When none came she closed her eyes for a moment. "Then I promise to prove you right for having that much confidence in me."
Her face remained impassive; her heart was anything but emotionless. Her own concerns over leadership still lingered deep, but to show it here even in the privacy of her quarters with someone who was slowly becoming a friend was not something that was affordable. It wasn't a lack of trust, but…
A pair of solid knocks echoed throughout the room. Then the doorway opened, Stone's giant form ducking and hunching inward to fit within the smaller doorframe. In his arms was a couple large boxes and a single large suitcase hanging from a strap over one shoulder.
"That the last of it, Stone?"
The giant set everything done before answering, brushing his hands off. "Everything."
"Perfect! We're almost all set then!" He dived into his bag then, pulling out a silver object that Cinder didn't recognize. "Once we get all our contact information sorted out, we'll be an official team in full!"
Cinder frowned, confused. "We already have that information though."
"Huh?"
"Haven already has all our information already recorded since we registered on initiation day, right? Why do we need to head to the registry to confirm it?"
"What are you talking about?" Now Cy was confused, head tilting to the side. "I meant exchanging scroll numbers, not going to the school registry."
"…Oh."
"What did you think I meant?"
Cinder looked away, suddenly finding great interest in the wooden decals on the wall and trying her best not to show her embarrassment. A part of hoped Cy would just drop the subject.
"… You don't have a scroll, do you?"
Dammit…
An awkward silence lingered for a few moments as Cinder remained silent. Then as it began to stretch a bit too long, she averted her gaze, clearing her throat. "Travelling and making a life for myself on my own left me a little short of free spending money…"
It was an unfortunate reality of hers. Having spent the last four years alone, she had to be careful with the income received from her various jobs, choosing her spending options more on what was essential over what she personally wanted. It was rare she could get away with indulging herself. A scroll would have been invaluable, but the price of one was just too much for her to get away with.
It was also not exactly something she wanted to discuss with her team, or for them to find out so quickly. Another thing to add when it came to her doubts as team leader.
The pause stretched almost painfully long, both sides not entirely sure where to go after the revelation. She couldn't bring herself to look in their direction.
"Hmm..." It was Cy who broke the silence, cupping his chin... followed by a small but reassuring smile. "Well, are you busy right now?
"Nothing that can't be put on hold, I suppose…" Cinder murmured her reply, her eyes jumping to each of her teammate's faces.
"Great!" Now Cy was positively beaming. "I had to head into town for some parts anyways. Care to join us?"
"Into town?" Cinder raised an eyebrow. "I'm... not opposed to the idea, but would you care to tell me why?"
"School supplies for the semester, and new parts for his weapon." Stone replied, "As good a time as any to get things set up before we get going for real." A small beat, then Stone added. "Plus the megatonics are acting up again. Cy nearly lost Torchy again."
"Oi, don't bring that up!"
Now it made sense why Torchy was missing again. If nothing else, Cy really did try to take care of his equipment, despite more than occasionally misplacing it.
"But yeah…" Cy recovered quick, "Why not use this as an opportunity to live a little! It's as good a first team bonding experience between the three of us as we can get, right? Plus it's strategic, fixing things before there's any problems down the road. It'll be fun, I promise." He nudged Stone with an elbow. "Besides, when was the last time the two of us hanged out together?"
"Never," Stone deadpanned, shoulders slumped slightly for effect.
"Exactly!" Cy laughed, turning his attention back to Cinder. "So, what do you say, boss? Want to come along? Maybe get some new stuff as well as a new scroll for ya!"
Cinder frowned, crossing her arms protectively across her chest. Truthfully, she hadn't planned on going shopping for anything, as she already had everything she felt was needed. Even if she did require something later, she knew how to keep stock of appropriate necessities, and would tend to them herself. There was just no need for her to shop for clothing of all things. She had more than enough as it was.
Plus, she didn't… really know how. She cared for general upkeep of course, but otherwise Cinder wasn't extremely experienced in this area. She never wore make-up, she didn't particularly bother with her wardrobe outside of what she usually wore, and she certainly never went shopping for 'cute' or 'pretty' clothes. Such things were far from practical out in the field.
While the prospect of spending the day with her new team and doing something normal for a change was appealing… Cinder feared she wouldn't make for the best company on expeditions like this.
"I-I don't know…" Cinder faltered, scratching her cheek sheepishly as she avoided the man's gaze.
"Oh, no you don't."
This time, Cinder did yelp as she was suddenly tugged off the bed and towards the exit.
"Ivory might not be available, but you don't have any reason not to come. You are our team leader, are you not?"
"I... I am," Cinder sighed, but she smiled slightly at her friend. "I'll gladly come along, if you really want me to."
"Why wouldn't we?" Cy blinked, looking caught off guard by Cinder's sudden insecurity. "This outing wouldn't be complete without you, boss. What fun would it be if we weren't all together?"
"We are friends, aren't we?" Stone added. "Why not work together from now on?"
Cinder's eyes widened.
Very rarely had she ever done something like this with 'friends.' Before, she didn't even have any strong friendships with other people. The closest she could think of was the attachment she had towards her old hunting bow, but that was much more different than what one would expect from a normal friendship. It didn't count as an actual relationship.
So, to hear Cy and Stone saw her as her friends made her… happy. It was hard to decline the offer when it was worded it like that.
"Very well."
Cinder's smile grew as she closed the door behind her.
"Then, let us be off."
"That's the spirit!" Cy laughed, taking Cinder's hand again as he led the group down the hallway.
The town was bustling. Students, citizens, and even some of the school faculty alike were buzzing around the buildings in a hurry, their hands filled with paper bags and other goods they had purchased that day. Within seconds, Cinder could already spot some vaguely familiar faces among the crowd. It seemed that team Crimson wasn't the only new team taking advantage of the down time.
"Well, this is a bigger turnout than I was expecting," Cy hummed softly as he examined the groups all around. "Not that I'm complaining, of course."
Cinder nodded, glancing at the two men behind her. Cy was all smiles as expected, clearly relaxed and in his element, but she noticed how Stone appeared to be slightly off balance. He did not seem to be comfortable among the large crowds, even as his large size made parting through them much easier. Everyone immediately moved to get out of his way, some looking a tad fearful, given how he towered over everyone else around them. A part of Cinder felt slightly guilty for seeing him in that position, knowing it was partly her fault they were here in the first place. but she really did want to get to know him better. Still, it would be nice if they could share some happier moments together for now.
Unbidden, the image of him kneeling before her, vowing to be a worthy partner to her, entered her mind. He really was a gentleman deep down, despite what his initially intimidating appearance might suggest.
She shook the thought from her head, then cleared her throat.
"I know I'm supposed to be the team leader, but since you know more about this particular area than I do, I'll be using you to get through this," Cinder explained. "No offence."
"None taken," Cy laughed. "I gotta admit, I am not very experienced when it comes to buying a scroll for someone else, so I'd wager that was a wise decision. What about you, big guy?"
"Hmph," Stone grunted, though not unkindly. "I just use what works. I don't really care for what's the best."
"Hey, if it works, it works." He turned to Cinder directly then. "I think a secondhand shop will work best, since we don't want to go too overboard. Shall we? I don't want to rush anyone, but as you can see, it's pretty busy today."
A small nod from Cinder. "Lead the way."
Cy nodded as well, motioning for the others to follow behind him. "I personally haven't been here much," he quickly clarified before continuing. "But I think I know a place that is really nice. Sells a ton of different scrolls and the like, new and old. I'm sure you can find what you're looking for there."
Cy grabbed Cinder by the hand, taking the reins as he led the other two towards the place he had mentioned. She wasn't opposed to the sudden physical contact, but it did surprise her. She hadn't expected him to leap at the opportunity so quickly.
A few minutes passing through the crowds later, Cinder spotted the nearby shop that had computers and other articles of technology hanging up in the window. She hoped this was the location Cy had been talking about.
"Looks like we're here," Cinder declared, nodding towards the building. He squinted his eyes as he read its name. "Safi's Scrolls and Tech?"
"That's… a curious name," Stone mumbled, his gaze moving to the displayed appliances. "But their selection does look rather impressive."
Cinder pushed open the door to the store. A bell rang from somewhere within.
The inside of the store seemed impressive, but Cinder couldn't discern what constituted as an 'impressive' selection when it came to these types of establishments. The shop as a whole appeared to be expertly crafted, their scrolls, tech and various other new appliances neatly placed and organized along the walls, with several large shelves strategically placed, dividing the floor into three different sections. Was this place as good as Cy claimed? Cinder wouldn't know any better. She doubted she could tell the difference between a store worth its expensive prices and a cheap knock-off that loved to swindle people like her who lacked knowledge regarding tech.
The air of the shop smelled of freshly done laundry. It was a nice aroma, she thought.
Having heard the bell ring, the nearby shopkeeper raised his head from his work, his eyes immediately landing on the three new customers. He seemed to be wiping down the various counters. Despite the man's age, he clearly took great care of his shop. Though Cinder could have sworn she had seen him elsewhere, working at another shop as well. Maybe she was just imagining things.
"Good day, young sirs and madam," the man greeted politely, tucking his arm in as he bowed slightly. "How may I be of service today?"
"We're just browsing." Cinder nodded her thanks.
"Then, please, have at it." The man waved at his selections. "If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask."
With the pleasantries out of the way, the shopkeeper returned to his task of maintaining the shop, leaving the three to their own devices.
Cinder turned to Cy, looking at him expectantly.
"Don't worry, boss. This is why I wanted to try somewhere familiar first." He moved her towards a shelf with several scrolls of various shapes and designs, from very simple to super complex, with price ranges to match. "If you see any that catch your eye, don't be afraid to pick it out."
Cinder nodded, scanning over the displays with a calculating gaze. She picked one of the scrolls up that caught her eye with its fiery red cover, twisting and turning it over in her hand, then placed it back with a small sigh.
"It's a good thing I have you and Stone coming along to help me with this," Cinder mumbled as she looked around at the various scrolls in front of her. What little smile she had had very quickly faded into a grimace. "Honestly, I don't even know where to begin…"
"Don't worry about it. You'll figure it out. Is there anything in particular that you want your scroll for? Or are you just using it for calls between teammates?"
Cinder shrugged. "I'd probably be happy with something simple, in all honesty."
"Simple is always good. What do you think, Stone?" Cy looked to where his friend was once standing, only to find that there was no sign of the giant. "Stone? Where'd you-?"
"Would this one work for you?"
The giant stepped out from behind another row of scrolls, holding one in his hands that was marble white and came with a protective case already attached to it. It was an older, slightly used design, but definitely well maintained.
"This one's just like mine. Good for a first scroll to get the hang of."
Cinder took the scroll, looking it over. It fit the palm of her hand quite nicely, and while it was currently turned off, the screen seemed about the right size. Simple, easy to use, just what she wanted.
Then she saw the number on price tag on the back and winced.
"It's perfect, but there's no way I can afford it right now. Maybe later, when I have the lien, I can—"
"No need."
Then, to Cinder's shock, Stone pulled out a small bag full of Lien, placing it in her hands on top of the scroll. "This should cover everything, plus a little extra if you want to buy anything else for it."
"I can't accept this!" she tried to give it back, but Stone backed away before she could. Still, she persisted. "This is way too much!"
A small rumbling laugh escaped from the giant, one that was neither dismissive or mocking. "Consider it a reward for becoming team leader. The first of many rewards, if you're lucky."
"Just because you're the boss doesn't mean you have to do everything, you know." Cy added. "You got us to help to help you, and Ivory too. We're a team now, aren't we?"
The unshakable faith. The gentle support. It was so alien to her after so long working and doing everything alone, but it was by no means unwelcome. It would take time to adjust, but the idea of having others there to help was a far greater gift. One they had no idea how much she welcomed. She closed her fingers around the scroll her team had given her, finally relenting.
"…Thank you. Both of you. I promise, I'll find a way to repay you for this."
"No worries." Cy beamed, clapping her gently on the shoulder. "Just be the team leader we know you can be, and all will be well. Now come on, let's go and—"
The bell at the edge of the door ringing sounded again. "So this is where you all have been."
All three members of CRMS started at the voice. Turning towards it's source, Cy's face lit up immediately as he saw their forth member quickly approaching.
"Right on cue! Ivory! So glad you could make it! Where have you—?"
"Miss Fall," Ivory addressed her team leader directly, the sharpness of her tone betraying her urgency, all but ignoring Cy's greeting as she walked past him. "I've been trying to find you for some time. I would have called you, but you don't have a scroll number to-" she faltered, seeing the new scroll herself. "Ah… So you were here trying to acquire one then?"
"I was." Cinder nodded. "Something to help improve communication between all of us, wouldn't you agree?"
"…I see. Very well then." The Atlesian said at last. Her hand moved to her own scroll, pulling it out. "I came to let you know that Professor Lionheart just sent out a new announcement. He's planning a new tournament for all first year teams."
"Already?" If Cy was bothered by Ivory ignoring him again, he didn't show it. "We haven't even started classes yet."
"A way to help distract us from recent events." Stone rumbled. "Get everyone's mind off of what happened and back on track."
"Most likely. I admire his decisiveness. He even added a roster chart. I think you'll be interested in our first opponent, Ms. Fall."
Curious now, Cinder took Ivory's scroll. Scanning through the tournament pairings, it did not take her long to find Team Crimson. She froze as she saw the team they were facing.
Team Force would be their first opponents.
And specifically, she would be facing Otho, one on one, to kick things off.