Saviors of Remnant: Book 1 Beginnings
Made possible by the joint efforts of Keeper Of The One Winged Angel and TheBoredBoot
AN: Hello and welcome back readers both old and new. After months of waiting, my partner and I are happy to present the next chapter of Saviors of Remnant. I want to apologize for the long wait and reassure that hopefully for the future, we can start getting these chapters. As always when your done please leave a like/follow and don't be afraid to comment as well. Feedback and ideas are always welcome.
Chapter 8
"The strength of family, like the strength of an army, is in it's loyalty to each other."
: Mario Puzo
Atlas Headquarters
"Man my head is still killing me," Fenrir groaned finally coming too in the med bay. His hand immediately going and tenderly massaging the back of his head before looking around the med bay, he noticed that aside from Eve looking over a terminal he was alone. Gently touching his head he winched slightly before Glancing at Eve. He could see she was only looking over his x-rays so he decided to go ahead and break the silence.
"So give it to me straight doc how long do I have to live?" Fenrir said sarcastically hoping to lighten up the mood a bit. If there was one thing he hated it was awkward silence, so he hoped to at least make some conversation with Eve.
"Well I hate to say this Fenrir but it looks like it's not that long to be honest with you," she replied looking up and giving him a friendly wink laughing at the look of alarm on the young wolves face. Adding a, "Just kidding. You should make take into consideration maybe wearing a helmet. Head injuries seem to happen to you quite a bit and those can have lasting effects."
"Geez Eve don't scare me like that, and it's not my fault that I keep getting hurt ok I just have bad luck," Fenrir whined sitting up sharply and shooting a hurt look at her.
Looking up again at Fenrir Eve gave a little cough and like how one would expect a Grandmother to soothe an upset child gently replied, "I understand Fenrir. As you can see the life of a Specialist is a difficult one but it's your responsibility right now, and you need to understand part of that responsibility is to take care of yourself and not make overly risky decisions. Now as for your injuries you should be fine, just please try to be a bit more careful in the future."
Giving a sigh of honest relief Fenrir rolled off the examination table, stretching a bit before making his way to the door, where he paused checking his scroll to see a message from Morven. He was going to be late so he had already taken the liberty of having someone from the household coming to take him back to the Kenrich manor.
Turning and waving goodbye to Eve he resumed making his way down the headquarters main hallway, his thoughts drifting to the mission they just completed. It was his first mission with the team and despite getting knocked unconscious at the end he still clearly remembered Morvens praise, the feeling was nice, the first time in a long time that he felt that.
The other thing he couldn't stop thinking about was that anomalous reading he had found with Yang while gathering the data from the outpost. With technical things like that he could admit he didn't know much about things like that, but it seemed like too much of a coincidence, the outpost going down at the same time of the signal. "Ahh dammit thinking about this is making my head hurt," Fenrir muttered rubbing his head again, it was just too much of a coincidence.
As Fenrir exited the building he spotted standing outside by a parked black town car an old man in tailored attire. At the same time the man spotted him and called out, "Master Argyros. I was sent by the family to pick you up and bring you back to the manor, please come with me."
Looking closer at the man Fenrir spotted what he now recognized as the Kenrich family crest embroidered on the lapel of his coat. Nodding he muttered a quiet thank you and climbed into the back seat.
It wasn't a long drive back to the Manor but with the silence it certainly felt that way as he quietly stared out the window as they passed by the people of Atlas, he couldn't help but feel a little lonely again. Being around his new team constantly the last few days he came to realize that perhaps the people he had found himself surrounded by were more comforting than he originally expected.
After twenty minutes they pulled into the front of the Manor where another butler awaiting their arrival opened his door. "Master Argyros welcome back, I'm sure you're exhausted after you mission so please feel free to return to your room and relax. Dinner will be ready at 1900 hours, and if you need we can send someone to wake you beforehand."
"Yeah thanks but that won't be necessary," Fenrir replied entering the manor. Walking down the hallway with the butler in tow, instead of heading to his room as expected he began making his way towards the training grounds outside. The same grounds where Morven had him train during the month of preparation before the mission.
Not even looking back at the servant he called over his shoulder, "I'll make sure to not be late. There's just something I want to work on for a bit."
"As you wish Sir," the butler replied giving a slight bow before heading off to another part of the house leaving Fenrir alone as he made his way through the manor, pausing suddenly when he made it to the back door. He didn't notice it at first but there was a new scent in the air, one he couldn't quite place yet it seemed familiar. Shrugging he exited, drawing one of his swords switching it from whip to sword mode periodically as he walked to the center of the training grounds.
"Alright let's try what Morven did," he growled spinning his weapon.
Closing his eyes and visualising what he saw below the outpost again, switching out the dust type for his blade to lightning he began slowly swinging his whip around releasing a low electrical charge at first, slowly building up the charge. As the hum of the electricity increased and Fenrir thought it was ready he snapped his weapon from whip back into sword mode, attempting to mimic the move he saw Morven perform he gave a heavy slash trying to emit the lightning in the same manner.
To his disappointment the discharge from the attack almost immediately dissipate short of his targets. Sighing heavily, he muttered, "dammit and of course he had to make it look so easy. I guess it still needs some work but I can't figure out why my technique didn't have the same result." Drawing his others sword the young wolf repeated the process, this time using his fire dust from before. Just like at the outpost using the technique worked, and his blast of fire destroyed the targets.
Giving another sigh he switched back to lightning and tried again, once more having the attack dissipate before striking the target. Fenrir repeated the process three more times before falling onto his rear breathing heavily, thinking to himself, "I have to keep training, if I don't improve I'll just be deadweight to the team. And if that happens all the kindness that Morven and his family have shown me will be for nothing."
"That's quite the technique you have there," came a feminine voice from behind startling Fenrir. Turning around he found clad in her furs from before, the Faunus girl from the ice cave leaning against the railing. Her crimson eyes lit up with interest as she observed him.
"You know you sure are a quiet one, I swear people lately with everyone sneaking up on me, it's like you all just want to give me a heart attack. " Wiping away some sweat as Irithyll approached him Fenrir couldn't help but stare at her again. It was still hard to believe even though she was right in front of him, from all the stories he had heard from his mother he had never thought they were real. Yet here she was standing before him.
"This might sound like a random question but what part of Remnant did you come from, because everyone's heard about the dragon Faunus, but very few people have actually seen one in person before. It's almost like a fairy tale." Sheathing his swords Fenrir made his way towards the girl, intrigue written all over his face.
"My village was from the North-west region of Solitas," she said giving the handy work of his training an almost approving nod. "Like most places around Remnant that aren't under the protections of the larger cities it seems the Grimm finally overran it and everyone was lost."
Fenrir gave the girl a look of understanding he knew what it was like to have ones home destroyed along with your family, something like that is not easy to live with, especially when the grimm are involved. Memories of what happened to his own village flashed into his mind. Quickly shaking his head he banished those thoughts as to not worry his fellow Faunus with his own troubled expression.
"I know that feeling all too well, scars like that are hard to heal from but the fact that your here right now is nothing short of a miracle, so don't ever let stuff like that get you down. If anything it makes you stronger as a person." Placing a hand on her shoulder he tried flashing her a small smile.
"Well it's less of a scar and more of an inconvenience to be honest," Irithyll said slowly removing his hand from her shoulder and giving him an annoyed look. "Not having a home to return to would've been a pain but luckily I don't have to worry about that anymore."
Seeing the expression on her face and hearing her tone, Fenrir was at a loss for words. For him aside from his brothers betrayal, the hardest thing he had experienced was losing his village, yet for Irithyll she claimed it was just an inconvenience. Losing both her family and home an inconvenience.
Irithyll could see Fenrir was shocked by what she had said about her home and shrugged. She could tell that for him losing a home was a hard part of his life while compared to her. With living most of her life as an outcast she couldn't care less what happened while here she was welcomed with open arms.
"Well in any case it doesn't matter," Irithyll said with a yawn plopping down on a stone bench shooting another glance at Fenrir. "Because I'll be staying here until I find what I'm looking for."
His eyes widened in shock again Fenrir clenched his weapons tightly, making eye contact again with the dragon Faunus he asked roughly. "Oh and what exactly would it be that you're looking for?"
Not even batting an eye or breaking their gaze, Irithyll suddenly gave Fenrir a venomous smile.
"I'm looking for purpose little wolf, and I think I'm on the right track…"
Back at Atlas Headquarters
"And your telling me that this is what Fenrir and Yang found Morven?"
At a large table sat Morven along with several members of the Atlas Council and General Ironwood. In front of them, their scrolls all open with a copy of the files that were pulled from sensor outpost forty six as well as a detailed report of the events that transpired after the team had arrived.
"While the confirmed destruction of that Summoner Grimm is a relief, proof of the existence of a monster like that is cause enough for concern," called out one of the Council members looking towards General. "What if there are others, gathering in large numbers?"
"Yes but what of this anomaly that was picked up?" Gerade asked interrupting, looking towards the General with clear concern on his face. "Could it perhaps be the Winter Maiden?"
At the mention of the Maiden the whole table fell silent, everyone exchanging slightly worried looks as Ironwood cleared his throat.
"We cannot confirm that," Ironwood said quietly meeting Morvens confused gaze. Giving him a nod he continued. "The Maiden has been missing for generations, and with no leads or clear evidence that her powers have been passed on, we could only assume that she went into hiding, though how she's lived this long one could only guess."
"Until we learn more about these readings or pick up a similar signal we will not know for sure," Gerade replied stroking his chin. Looking down at the report again he sighed and shut down his scroll. "I feel it will be revealed in time but until then we need to focus on the matters of our peoples security."
"Agreed," the other Council members said in unison all shaking their heads turning to the General and Morven, expectant looks on their faces as they waited for the military representatives to respond.
"For matters such as that we are taking every possible situation into account," Ironwood said trying to reassure the Council. "With the attack on Beacon that we were unfortunately present for, we made note of what our enemies had done, and since then measures have been taken to prevent the same tragedy from happening to our own people."
"What about the Specialists assigned in other Kingdoms on current missions or providing support to our allies?" Asked another Council member pulling up the list of active Specialists in the field. "Are we going to pull all active operatives back to Atlas like we did with our troops?"
"Well with him being one of our most active Specialists I believe we should ask our representative for operatives in the field right now," Ironwood replied directing the question to Morven who was silently thinking.
"As an active Specialist I'd have to say that maintaining our relations with our allies should be considered just as important as the protection of our borders and people." Morven reasoned pulling up the roster on his own scroll. "Specialists in critical positions or with diplomatic objectives should stay on their active assignments. To our allies this'll be seen as proof of our dedication to Atlas attempt to maintain positive relations with our allies, something that'll be good for our image after what happened at Beacon."
The Council murmured in agreement looking from each other to Ironwood and Morven before one of them asked, "yes but what about the ones in non-critical positions?"
Glancing towards Ironwood first Morven continued. "For those operatives they will resume normal operations here in Atlas, we recently had a class of Centurions graduate that need Specialist handlers, so we'll start with those and move onto readying more of a fighting force."
Hearing that seemed to reassure the council and after a few more minutes of debate the meeting was adjourned, everyone went their separate ways aside from Morven who followed the General who gave him a nod of appreciation.
"You know Morven you'd make one hell of a diplomat, but I assume you already knew that considering the work you've done for your family." Stopping in the hallway Ironwood turned to face Morven, looking him over sternly he then asked, "would you consider taking over as Commander for the new division of Centurions? You are more than qualified and with your experience it would greatly benefit them."
"I'm sorry Sir but my place right now is with my team," Morven replied without a hint of hesitation. "Though regarding the new division, if you approve I'd like to borrow a couple of the Centurions, preferably two of the highest ranking ones for a little test."
Ironwood raised an eyebrow about to ask why but then thought better of it and stopped nodding in agreement instead. "Alright Morven just let me know when you need them and I'll take care of arranging the meeting. Until then you are dismissed to your regular duties."
"Yes Sir," Morven replied snapping a sharp salute as the General continued on down the hallway leaving Morven alone with his thoughts. With the topics of the meeting still weighing heavily on his mind Morven made his way out of Atlas headquarters, pausing only to call for one of the Kenrich staff to come pick him up before moving on.
Later that evening
When Morven arrived back home to his surprise he found that instead of Lyla alone welcoming him back, he found himself greeted by Lyla, Fenrir, and their newest guest Irithyll. Returning their greeting Morven then turned to Lyla and gestured to Fenrir and Irithyll as if to ask, "why are they following you?"
"Irithyll has been with me since she arrived," Lyla answered giving the dragon Faunus a friendly smile. "When you called that's when she learned you were coming back, as for Master Argyros he asked to be informed of your return. Something about a couple questions he wished to ask you."
"Yeah first question, why is she staying here with us?" Fenrir snapped pointing to Irithyll, "How does your family feel about you constantly picking up strays everytime you go out?"
Irithyll who was about to open her mouth and retort back stopped when Lyla coughed holding in her laughter, and from behind her hand in a mirth filled voice added. "You know Master Argyros that would include you as one of the strays he's picked up."
"Well I…" Fenrir stuttered, turning red at Lyla's teasing. "Morven invited me to stay here. I bet she just came along all on her own and went ahead and made herself at home."
Seeing how Fenrir was starting to get upset Morven sighed and gently set a hand on the young wolves shoulder. "No Fen I personally invited her here. While you were unconscious on the ride back from the outpost, Irithyll and I had a conversation about her origins and where she was going. She seems to be looking for something or someone, but she doesn't quite know exactly what it is, so I offered her a place to stay while she searches. The General also has given permission to accompany us on certain missions."
Hearing Morvens explanation Fenrir's jaw dropped. Shooting a look behind the Specialist at the subject in question he couldn't help but notice the smirk on her face about her special permission. "This is such bullshit!" Fenrir yelled clenching his fist, "I guess this means my opinion doesn't mean jack since it sounds like you have a new favorite!" Stomping off he paused glancing over his shoulder. "If you suddenly feel like sharing anything with me for once I'll be in the training grounds."
Watching Fenrir stomp away Morven could only shake his head before turning to Irithyll and Lyla. Apologizing and saying that he would talk to Fenrir about his decision later on he made to move into the manor when Irithyll stopped him.
"It's fine," Irithyll replied cutting off Morven again, from her expression Fenrir's outburst hadn't even affected her in the slightest, her crimson eyes flashing as she stared at him looked him over. "Perhaps now we can have that conversation you promised me earlier?"
"That may be some ways down the road before we have that conversation, so you'll have to be patient." Morven replied coldly. Turning and walking in the direction Fenrir went he left the two ladies alone to stare at each other.
Meanwhile at a White Fang Base
"I swear if I have to hear this fool ramble on any longer I'm gonna lose it," Caius thought as he sat in the meeting hall. It had been a couple weeks since their group had returned to Menagerie in order discussing the next phase of the plan, and since his failure to capture his brother before then he had been constantly mocked by his fellow Fang members. It also didn't help that Adam was unhappy with him. News had reached them from their spy in Atlas that Fenrir now was working for Atlas, and under the tutelage of a high class Specialist no less.
"Morven…" Caius muttered the name of the man who had gotten between him and his brother, the man who had humiliated him. "Not to mention he's traveling with that bitch Schnee."
Two people who were already on the White Fang list of threats from Atlas now found their way onto Caius's personal list of targets, along with his brother.
Speaking of Adam, the bull Faunus sat further down at the head of the table silently listening to the report as well, from what he could tell that his commander was deep in thought, a good chance about his former apprentice. It was no secret that as his student, Adam saw Fenrir's betrayal to Atlas as a personal insult.
Waiting till after the soldier fell quiet finishing his report Adam got to his feet. "As it stands we cannot risk an all out attack on Atlas. Not only do we lack the numbers right now for such an open conflict, but we wouldn't get even close to the same support as our attack on Beacon. Our losses would be too high and cause us to lose more of our following!"
"What about that infiltration team we're sending in then?" Came one of the Lieutenants looking to Adam before continuing. "Our intel still has that little party the Schnee's will be having to be heavily guarded, what good will a small infiltration team do?"
"While they have been given an objective the odds of them completing it are fairly low," Adam replied coolly turning his gaze to the rest of the table till the met with Caius eyes. "The main purpose of the infiltration team will be to send Atlas a message of paranoia. How can they feel safe when attacked within their own borders? How can they trust each other when clearly there is a traitor amongst them?" Adam couldn't help but smirk at the mention of their traitor within Atlas. "This mission is to mentally cripple the people's faith in the Atlas Government, and with that later on it'll be harder for them to fix their tarnished reputation."
"What about the group that backed us in the attack on Beacon?" Asked another soldier near the end, "The human that was representing them back when we were stealing dust from SDC is rumored to have died in the battle, who is going to be the one to speak to them on our behalf?"
The room fell silent and everyone exchanged looks at one another, no one stepping forward until Caius finally growled and jumped to his feet snarling. "You all are cowards, if none of you will do it then I will." Looking Adam before adding, "Unless you have someone else in mind."
Adam tilted his head and gave Caius's words a moment of thought before nodding in approval. "You know that might be the best idea you've had Caius, and if you complete your duties well I'll consider your past failures forgiven. How does that sound? Do you think you can do that for the White Fang?"
"I'll do it Adam," Caius growled giving his leader a toothy grin. "And in the end, the Faunus shall take their place as the rulers of Remnant."
Back in Atlas two days after the mission
It had only been a couple days now since the teams return to Atlas and since then Fenrir had refused to speak with Morven, while at the same time appearing rather cold and standoffish to the rest of the household. Well all except the youngest Kenrich.
It was another mid-morning as Garreth Kenrich sat quietly on one of the stone benches watching Fenrir, his feet kicking in the cool morning air as he watched his new friend begin his warm ups.
"Are you going to try to do that lightening thing again mr. wolf?" He asked as Fenrir went through his morning calisthenics, stretching and working his muscles over as he readied himself for his morning training.
"That's the plan Garreth," Fenrir muttered grunting as he went from push-ups to squats. "If Morven can do it that easily then with practice I should be able too as well."
"I hate to tell you this Fen but there is actually a bit more to that then just practice."
Walking up and taking a seat beside his younger brother, Morven glanced to Fenrir and gave him a nod.
Rolling his eyes Fenrir drew his sword and stabbed it into the ground before shooting Morven another glare, spitting out in an angry whine, "oh? And what is it then? Something I wasn't good enough to be born with?"
"Your not that far off actually but it's a little more specific than that." Holding out his hand palm up Morven focused for a moment and brought his aura into view creating a black glow around his hand and forearm.
"Everyone has their own aura but it's less commonly known that with that aura comes a specific elemental attunement. After experimenting with different dust elements I found that lightning and electricity reacted the most," Clenching his fist and opening it electricity could be seen arcing slightly between his fingers as he calmly continued. "With further experimenting and some help from the science division it was proven correct, so most likely that's the only reason you can't get the exact same results using the lightning dust."
Clenching his jaw Fenrir sighed, pulling his sword from the ground and sheathing it before asking, "alright so now what? We gonna do the same thing, experiment with some dust and hopefully find my affinity?"
"Yes, also I already took the liberty of inviting Winter and Yang who will be bringing various types of dust to test your auras."
"Any chance you can test me too?"
Fenrir, spinning around glared at the dragon Faunus who stood by the stone wall separating the training yard. "What do you want?" He spat, still irritated from his argument with her as she approached the group.
"I want to know my affinity too, obviously." Rolling her eyes Irithyll turned to Morven. "If I'm going to be helping you it would be a good idea, wouldn't you agree Morven?"
"I don't see a problem with testing you, but since it will take some time for the rest of the team to arrive why don't the two of you have a little sparring session." Walking to the center of the training yard Morven held out a hand to either side. "I will ref and in the case of one of you going too far, intervene."
Fenrir scoffed, walking up to Morven he bared his teeth. "Another one of your little tests for me huh? Fine I'll play," shooting another glare at Irithyll he snapped. "Don't expect me to pull my punches though, cause I'm gonna put this bitch in her place."
"That's bold talk little wolf," Irithyll shot back flexing her hands slightly unsheathing her claws. Taking her place opposite from Fenrir she smirked. "But from what I've seen so far, I can say that I'm not worried."
"Garreth please head inside," Morven called out gently shooing his brother away. Feeling the rising tension he waited till it was just the three of them before he turned to Fenrir and Irithyll. Raising his hand he paused, glancing from one to the other one last time he dropped his hand.
"Begin!"
Not wasting a moment Fenrir was the first to make his move, drawing both his blades he made a beeline dash right for Irithyll, as if intending to end the fight in one obvious move.
"Dammit Fen you should know better than to rush straight in," Morven thought shaking his head, watching as Irithyll easily ducked under Fenrir's initial swing before punching him heavily in the gut, the force of the blow knocked the breath from his lungs and sending him sprawling on the ground.
"I guess you are just bark and no bite," Irithyll spat, scornfully glaring at Fenrir who was slowly climbing to his knees. Glancing at Morven she shouted, "you probably think too highly of yourself Morven that it's deluding you, thinking he's a worthwhile ally for your mission could get you killed so just drop him and take me instead, I clearly have more potential."
Morven didn't even have time to respond as Irithyll was suddenly yanked off her feet and dragged back flinging her against the opposite wall. Shaking his head watching her now struggle to her feet he calmly replied, "Fenrir here has had some personal experience already and is a fairly quick learner, if anything you should perhaps focus on the fight and avoid deluding yourself."
Fenrir gave her a smirk while also being grateful for the fact that his training is finally paying off. He still took note of his mistake for jumping the gun though, something he had personally been trying to work on.
Still he couldn't help but get a little mocking in shouting, "You heard him girly, if you keep underestimating me your gonna end up regretting it later."
"Well the same trick doesn't work on me twice!" Irithyll shouted back, clearly agitated at her foul up. Jumping up into the air she aimed to land on Fenrir, claws outstretched and ready to slash him as she dived.
Standing his ground Fenrir didn't panic as he prepared for the incoming attack, waiting till just before it connected leaping over his shoulder a white aura wolf appeared knocking Irithyll out of the air and slamming her into the ground.
"So this is what it's like to have your emotions cloud your way of thinking during a fight, kinda embarrassing having something like that happen. When I sparred with Morven he almost used the same tactic, so if I continue I can make her lose her cool and she'll mess up, and when she does that's when I strike!"
"No wonder your the last dragon Faunus if you run your mouth this much you probably talked them all to death with your consist yapping!"
Irithyll rolling to her feet suddenly froze, a sour look crossing her face. "Honestly how distasteful, resorting to comments like that, you should be ashamed." Seeing an opening from her words she dashed in again closing the distance between then slashing and parrying his swords as they engaged each other.
"Dammit I miscalculated," Fenrir thought desperately fending off this new onslaught of attacks. Rather than flying off into a wild rage, it had seemed that Irithyll was more in control then ever her jabs and thrusts slowly starting to pierce through his blocks and graze his aura. Flipping one of his blades back to whip mode Fenrir jumped back and lashed out again, trying to catch her arm, much to his surprise she almost seemed to allow it letting herself get pulled in closer.
"I got you now!" She yelled turning her body only taking a glancing blow as Fenrir went in for a stab, causing her aura to flash. Gritting her teeth she reached and grabbed his wrist and with a scream of rage and desperation she lifted and hip tossed him to the ground cracking the concrete beneath them, throwing dust into the air.
When the dust settled Morven nodded his head thoughtfully looking them over. Fenrir was put on his back by Irithyll who had him disarmed and pinned, yet as he looked closer he noticed that Irithyll had a fairly deep cut across her cheek, as well as one on her thigh. Both places where her armored scales didn't cover, indicating it wasn't just wild swings during their melee.
Watching as Irithyll climbed off Fenrir he also noticed a shallow cut on her side. Fenrir on the other hand continued to lay on the ground with eyes closed, exhausted from the fight but not unconscious.
Breaking the silence he called out, "Fen are you all right?"
"Yeah I'm fine, I just need to take a little breather," Fenrir gasped opening his eyes and taking a moment to focus he then reached up and took the hand Morven was offering and climbed to his feet. Shooting a glare at Irithyll he then turned back to Morven immediately asking, who had won?
"I think it's obvious who won," snapped Irithyll, now standing somewhat off to the side. Beside her one of the butlers had appeared and was pouring her a glass of water. Thanking the man and taking a deep drink she glared again at Fenrir. "When the match was called you were on your back, and clearly the winner wouldn't be the one whose down. Wouldn't you agree, Morven?"
"Actually your fight ended in a tie," Morven announced keeping a straight face as both Fenrir and Irithyll's jaws dropped. Waiting for the two of them to finish yelling about wanting an explanation he continued turning to Fenrir first. "While you did break her aura and inflict actual wounds, which in an official fight would count as your win Fen, the match ended with Irithyll having pinned you and under the effect of her semblance. In a real life or death situation you'd have to agree that it would count as her victory. Therefore, since the two of you both met different victory standards, I consider it a tie."
"Oh this is just bullshit," Fenrir muttered under his breath accepting a glass of water from the silent butler and downing it in one go. Looking across at Irithyll he could see she was just as irritated with the results of their match.
Patting Fenrir on the shoulder Morven continued. "While you might be upset with the results Fen, I think you'll be happy to hear that from watching your fight it's clear that you have been making progress. Your own personal training that you've been putting yourself though is showing. And Irithyll, now that I've seen you engage in combat I have a grasp of your fighting style, I'll take some time to analyze its strengths and weaknesses later and do what I can to help you improve as well."
Sulking slightly Irithyll just nodded and took a seat, "so now what? I guess we just wait till your girlfriend arrives and then go through your aura test thingy, how long till she gets here?"
"I'd say within the next twenty to thirty minutes she'll be here," Morven answered checking his scroll again completely ignoring her girlfriend comment. "In the meantime, why don't we have someone bring us morning tea and come treat your injuries Irithyll."
As soon as the words left his mouth two more butlers has appeared, the first holding a first aid kit and gestured to Irithyll while the other began pouring tea for everyone else.
Fifteen minutes later all of her wounds were treated and as the butlers left, Winter, Yang, and Weiss finally arrived. The blonde brawler toting a large case which she dropped with a bang.
"Hey watch it Yang!" Snapped Weiss jumping slightly at the sound, "jeez you and your sister are so alike. Did you know that when I first met Ruby she almost blew us up on the same way, I swear the two of you can be so irresponsible."
Fenrir still sitting off to the side watched as the two continued to playfully argue before noticing Winter, approaching Morven she took a seat beside him. He noticed once again that her normally reserved and haughty attitude crumbled when she was with him.
"So how do you want to do this Morven?" Winter asked flicking her hand and activating her Semblance, pulling the dust case to her and opening it. "Are we just going to start with testing for different reactions to different dust types or did you have another way of going about this?"
"Yes, though I have a slight idea of what the attunements of our students might be. After all they seem to have quite a few similarities between the two of them." Reaching down into the case and grabbing a crystal Morven suddenly whipped it around and threw it towards Fenrir.
Snatching the crystal out of the air, Fenrir gave Morven a confused look before glancing at the crystal again. From its red color and the slight warmth it gave off in his hand he realized that it was a fire dust crystal.
"Remember what I did earlier Fen." Morven said in a stern voice holding his hand up, "focus the aura into your hand and then push it through the crystal."
Holding the crystal up Fenrir hesitated. He could feel everyone's eyes on him and could help but feel a bit bit nervous with all the attention. "Alright it's now or never I guess," he thought clenching his teeth, closing his eyes he tried focusing his aura into his hand and through the crystal. Five minutes passed and Fenrir awkwardly opened his eyes meeting Morvens slightly amused gaze.
"You are much to tense Fen," He said gently setting a hand on the struggling Faunus's shoulder. "You shouldn't have to force it, the aura should flow naturally. With some practice it'll come to you like breathing."
Fenrir watched as Morven who took a deep breath before suddenly releasing his own aura again. For what felt like a split second yet also a lifetime Fenrir felt something, more than just the weight of the Specialists hand on his shoulder, more then the tingling of his electrically tempered aura. A feeling from deep inside his soul Fenrir felt what he could only describe as recognition within.
"Try again now Fen and this time I'll guide you," Morven said with a nod still quietly watching him.
Closing his eyes Fenrir took a deep breath and let himself go, his aura naturally following the release of Morven's seemed to flow at a steady pace through his body into the crystal. Opening his eyes he gasped in surprise, in his hand surrounding the dust crystal was a blue flame that caused even Morven to raised an eyebrow, but just as fast as the flame appeared it vanished.
"Well that was something," Fenrir said as the flames vanished completely, noticing the surprise on a Morvens face he cocked his head. "So what does that look mean then, did something else happen?"
"No, it's just my hunch was correct. Your natural selection of the use of fire dust was a good choice Fen. If I had to guess the strength of the match, it's in the upper percentiles similar to my own. So now comes the next part." Moving back to the case and reaching down, Morven pulled several more dust crystals, glancing at them and coming to a decision tossed another to Fenrir. "Alright try this one next."
For the next ten minutes Morven helped guide Fenrir, going through the various types of dust until he was satisfied.
"So fire and wind seem to be your affinities, a good combination to have since naturally they can be used to strengthen each other. Alright Yang you're up next." Gesturing to the case of crystals Morven added, "if you think you have an idea of what your affinity is go for it."
"Right," giving Morven a nod Yang went over to the case and without a second of hesitation also pulled a fire dust crystal.
Everyone watched in silence as Yang struggled like Fenrir before sheepishly glancing at Morven and nervously asking, "ummm can I get a little help too?"
Moving to stand beside Yang, Morven set his hand upon her shoulder and focused his aura again through her.
"Eep!"
Yang squeaked in surprise and started blushing in embarrassment, the feeling of Morvens aura had surprised her, shooting a glance at Fenrir she noticed a confused expression on his face as well.
"Don't worry, I'm fine, the feeling just caught me off guard," she reassured everyone still blushing at all the attention she was receiving. Shaking her head she went back to focusing her aura into her hand and after a few tries just like Fenrir she got a reaction from the crystal. In her hand a large orange and red flame flickered before Yang released her aura and it went out
"Another strong reaction to fire, not that I'm surprised or anything you always were a bit of a hot head Yang," Weiss teases glancing over between Morven and Irithyll. "I take it she's next?"
"Yes and I assume you as well want…"
"Yes a fire dust crystal," she snapped snatching the other that Morven had just pulled and holding it up before adding haughtily, "I know what I'm doing so I don't need help, unlike those amateurs."
Hearing that everyone else shot her a glare while Morven graciously waved her to continue once again taking a seat to watch her.
Ignoring the looks everyone gave her, Irithyll began pushing her aura through the dust crystal. Baring her teeth the crystal she held began to glow before bursting into a controlled blaze in the palm of her hand.
Seeing the blaze Fen and Yang fell silent and gave Irithyll a surprised look. Compared to his blue flames, hers were a black with a red tinge as well as being smaller than Yangs wild blaze.
"Of course she would have that much control over her aura," Fenrir thought to himself as he gazed at the small black fireball, watching it fade away all the while Irithyll watched him smugly.
"What's wrong, still surprised that I'm leagues ahead of you? I don't know why you'd expect anything but that."
"Humh beginners luck..."
Clenching his fists, Fenrir stormed off leaving Yang, who Morven noticed attempted to reach out for him but stopped herself at the last second letting him slip away with a sigh slumping dejectedly in her seat.
"Three people with strong attunement to fire dust," Winter shook her head before giving Morven an amused look. "If this what you had in mind when Ironwood suggested we get more fire power then I gotta say you took it far to literally."
"While I get the joke I think it's exactly what we need. The future is uncertain so we need to be prepared for whatever is coming our way." Narrowing his eyes slightly Morven muttered, "there's something coming Winter, something that if we don't prepare for will destroy the fragile peace that we're struggling to protect. After all our purpose as Specialists is simple, to protect those who cannot protect themselves, all the red tape and bureaucracy aside that is our mission."
"I know Morven," Winter replied fiddling with a dust crystal to play off her concern. "We're in the service to the people of Atlas, sorry Mantle as well."
"For all the people of Remnant Winter," Morven corrected before shaking his head. "It's not just for our own citizens. After all life is sacred and needs to be protected. Who else if not us can do that?"
Hearing those words Yang couldn't help but shudder slightly. The reality of what they were trying to accomplish sounding all the more important. "It's like the whole world's problems are on our shoulders, is this what Specialist's and registered Huntsman have to deal with? A mantle of responsibility for all people."
Winter noticing the tense look on Yangs face elbowed her partner gently jerking her head gesturing towards Yang. "Good going Morven, your freaking her out with all your serious talk of protecting the world."
"Yeah it is a lot to take in but I'm ok really," Yang stammed, rubbing her hands together. "A few months ago I was just a student who just happened to get caught up in fighting the White Fang, and now here I am apprenticing. Becoming a protector to the people of Remnant," she added gesturing to Morven.
Giving her a reassuring nod Morven put down his tea. "You have a lot of potential Yang. If the burden of our duty becomes too much, know you can always rely on Winter and myself for help."
Thanking the two Specialists and flashing a smile Yang turned and left, deciding on going after Fenrir. Unaware that the newest guest to the Kenrich household was watching her closely as she walked away.
With Fenrir in the Kenrich training room
Now that he had left the group behind Fenrir returned to his training room to collect his thoughts, currently the wolf Faunus sat in the center of the room in the lotus position collecting his thoughts.
For a little over a month since he first was picked up, Fenrir felt he was making progress. Yet with the arrival of that Gaunus girl it now seemed all the hard work he had put in did nothing. "Her natural talent like that of a highborn," Fenrir thought bitterly replaying their sparring match in his head.
"Sometimes I wonder why Morven even bothered to save me from my brother."
Laying out the wind and fire dust crystals he lifted from the dust case he tried thinking of ways to better implement the power they held into his weapons, but still couldn't keep his mind clear. Giving a heavy sigh Fenrir took the wind dust crystal into his left hand trying to channel his aura into it again.
"Already practicing your aura control? I gotta say Fen for the air you put on you really work hard on honing your skills."
Turning and giving another sigh Fenrir put down the crystal and turned to Yang, a somber look on his face while on the inside he smiled slightly knowing she came after him. "It's not like I'm not happy to see you blondie but shouldn't you be with the rest of the team," Fenrir asked turning his attention away from the dust crystals.
"Oh that? No we were all just having a little chat there Fen, and Winter looked like she wanted to talk to Morven in private so I felt now would maybe be the best time for us to talk… About anything really there's not a specific thing I want to talk about," Yang stammered slightly embarrassed at how forward she was being.
"Well I'm always free to talk about anything so what's on your mind Yang, though it does seem like you have something you want to talk about." Fenrir asked smiling at her bashful behavior.
"Well we've only had the chance to actually talk a couple times and it was kinda nice. I think if we are going to be working together it might be beneficial for us to know more about each other, maybe build up a bit more trust. I mean you trust Morven it seems right?"
"He's done a lot for me, without even knowing me he took a big risk pulling me from a bad situation, and then going beyond that by putting his own career on the line. Vouching for me in front of the Council with nothing to gain," Fenrir shook his head in mock frustration before turning back to Yang.
"If that isn't a sign of his trust in me then I don't know what is, but as for between us you have a point. So while we have this time Yang, let's chat."
AN: Another chapter finished and with somewhat of a cliffhanger so guys will have to wait to see what happens next. Let me also apologize for the long wait, (real life has been a pain) also for anyone expecting the next chapter to be up quickly this will be the last chapter for 2019 so on behalf of TheBoredBoot and myself, happy holidays and cheers to the coming new year.