Of Knights and Windmills

by GladiusNocturno

Jaune Arc has been offered to travel with and be trained by a Legendary Huntsman. An old eccentric man with a love for adventure!...and a little bit of madness. Follow their tale as they journey through the country side of Anima. A story of heroism, grief, loss, witchcraft and dreams. A story Of Knights and Windmills.

12. Spells, Witchcraft and Potions

Chapter XII

Spells, Witchcraft, and Potions

Smoke, ash, the smoldering smell of sorrowful regret. There is a point in everyone's lives in which fantasy is extinguished long enough for you to be hit with the grim reality of the world. When that moment comes…what will you do? You could stand up and power through it…noble…not easy though, sometimes life has a sad way of stepping on your dreams, push them ever farther and farther away from your grasp while you watch longing to one day reach them…always fearing that day may never come. The other option?...hide, retrieve into your fantasy world, run away from your demons….leave everything behind…it's foolish though.

As the flames consumed the windmill, a young man laid on his knees, with eyes dry from tears, he saw how the fires consumed everything he once knew and everyone he once loved. His home, his family, his hopes, and his dreams all gone in a single night. He stayed there, watching it all burn with not a single thought in his mind, not a single word from his mouth. Just the cracking sounds of the burning wood planks…and the loud cries of the baby in his arms.

It's foolish to run from your demons, because like Miguel told his little brother, "You can't escape from who you are, Dominique. Sooner or later, your ghosts will catch up…and drag you to hell with the rest of us".

---

"Don….Don…", A slight shake of his shoulder from his young apprentice and a rough movement of the carriage they were traveling in was everything needed to snap Don out of yet another trance. It's been a week since their encounter with the Sangrake, but the bright smile Jaune admired so much had not returned. In its place, a blank expression remained and a distant gaze that was as lost as his long-gone laughter.

"Wha-Oh. Sorry, kid".

"It's happening more often. Are you sure you are ok?". The young huntsman asked with concern. He had no idea what had his mentor in this state. A lingering effect of the Grimm they fought? An illness? Something he did or didn't do? All working theories in Jaune's head. What was clear though was what he could see with his own two eyes, his master wasn't well and he needed to help him.

"I-Yeah" Don rubbed his eyes and put his hand on his student's shoulder, giving him a faint smile "I just had a rough night, kid, that's all".

"Again?".

"Yes. Again", he answered rather harshly trying to dismiss his student's concerns. He stretched a bit and then looked around, "How much longer?", he asked, trying to change the subject.

Jaune saw him with frustrated and sad eyes before reluctantly answering his question, "If there are no other delays, we should get to a village in a couple of hours. From there, it's...maybe, a day to Gaviota, I think".

Jaune and Don had been traveling for months by now. What started like an exciting journey and a dream come true for the young huntsman, soon became a set of misfortuned events, obstacles, hardships, but also rather unexpectedly, it was probably the sort of journey Jaune needed. In his travels, he got to meet incredible people, grew stronger not only physically but also as a person. The memories of this travel were going to be treasured in his heart for as long as he lived…but every journey must come to an end and for the young huntsman…his path with his mentor was coming to a close. Gaviota was their end goal, where he had agreed to meet with his friend Ruby to continue their duty.

Don on the other hand had grown bitter. The man that once would have given anything to stay in this adventure forever, now just wanted it all to end. "One more day, huh?".

---

Steel clashed in an empty field right outside the small village of Castañuela. It was a small and humble town without much to offer to the main kingdom, except for one thing, warriors and dream seekers.

Castañuela had a reputation for training youngsters in the art of combat, enthusiastic young men and women ready to take the not long-established Huntsmen license exams. In a sense, these villages hosted one of the first combat schools that would serve as a training ground for those hoping to attend one of the 4 Huntsmen Academies founded soon after the end of the Great War.

Huntsmen, the title sounded heroic and exciting. Just hearing it made a young lad's mind go wild with hopes and dreams of adventure and heroism. Fighting evil beasts, saving damsels in distress, making a legend of your name, becoming the mightiest of all.

"IM HERE! IM…".

"Late. Again. Just take a seat, Cervantes, you are hopeless". The instructor said, a big man in his mid-20s, black hair and tanned skin but with deep blue eyes, clad in armor and with a tower shield on his back as shiny as a mirror. This was Roberto Celestino, a recently licensed huntsman who had taken what seemed to many as an easy mission, train the aspiring huntsmen and huntresses in his home village for the upcoming huntsmen license exam and Academy entry test.

"Sorry, Sorry, but on the way here, I had to save an innocent farmer from a fierce Sabyr and…".

"Sabyrs are native to Solitas. You can't bring them this far south because Grimm can't be kept in captivity. You'll know that if you were ever in time for class or training. And finally, if YOU had fought a Sabyr you'll be walking without a head. Now, sit down". Roberto responded with an aggressive tone, he was known for his lack of patience and Don had an innate talent to piss him off.

The young lad sat on a log next to his fellow students, arms crossed and mumbling like a kid who just got told he couldn't have dessert.

"I could totally beat a Sabyr". He whispered to the classmate next to him, just to get an elbow to the side to shut him up.

A 16 years old boy with a reputation of being a brave and heroic warrior…in the stories he kept repeating to his friends and the occasional grandma just wanting directions. No, Don wasn't a brave hero, he was a kid with a love for fantasy books and an ego the size of a castle. A boy without much training, barely any experience but quite some talent and his heart set on one thing, making his dream come true.

Don was a trouble maker, there wasn't a day in which his crazy ideas didn't cause troubles to his town. He used to spend days just being lazy around town, telling his crazy stories. The days he wasn't being an annoyance to his neighbors were the days he spent reading his fantasy books at the local book store. Tales of brave heroes, knights from the Great War, and even before it. Don's head was filled with dreams of adventure, dreams of finally becoming someone worthy of praise. He wanted to be a warrior, a strong knight that wandered the land saving people and being loved by everyone just like the heroes from his books. He already sold himself as a great hero, not that many believed him of course, but if you believe in yourself you will definitely make that dream come true, right? Well, in his head that's how it worked. And to him, there were no braver heroes than Huntsmen.

Roberto took a deep breath and continued with his announcement. "Ok, dirtbags. Some of you may have already heard, but the Academies are about to open up their entry exams and host the license test. I have in my hand the list of participants I have selected to go this year. If you are good enough, you'll take the test to get into an Academy. If you are even better, you can directly take the license exam. And if your name isn't on the list, well tough luck, you'll have to wait until next year, was I clea…Gods Damnit, what do you want?".

Don was raising his hand with an exciting smile and hooping on his seat to get his instructor's attention, "Oh! In which list am I?".

"You?".

"Yeah! I mean, of course, I'm getting in the Academies, but If I can skip all the class thingy, Why not? Hehe, so, when do I get my license?". Don said with a big arrogant smile on his face.

"You? Oh, right, how could I forget? You are getting your license between the day the sun explodes and never". Roberto said followed by chuckles from the rest of the students.

Don looked at him in confusion, "Wait! I'm not on the list?!".

"Of course, you are not on the list! To be on the list, you kind of have to come to class and train". The students just kept chuckling as Roberto just rolled his eyes. Don a huntsman? Not a chance in Roberto's mind.

Don stood up, he started to breathe heavily and exasperated. "What are you talking about?! I come every day! I'm stronger than anyone here, everyone knows that".

Roberto walked up to him, a vein popping from his forehead "You come ALMOST every day, you always come late, you always have an excuse to not train and then bring a new story about how, oh so great, you are".

"Well, I'm mean, I am great. I don't really need training. I'm already badass enough to become a huntsman. Easy job for someone like me". Don responded, kissing his arms as if he had big muscles, which of course he didn't.

Roberto had enough, arrogance was one thing, but disrespecting huntsmen work was another. He stood right in front of him and looked him dead in the eyes, the other students rapidly stopped chuckling, shutting each other up as soon as they felt the anger pouring from Roberto's face. "You think you can become a huntsman? You? To become a huntsman you need to sweat and bleed every single day honing your skills because if you don't, people die. Don't come at me with bull crap of how great you are. That dream of yours? It's not gonna happen, buddy, you don't have what it takes. Lazy liars like you are not Huntsmen material. Get over yourself". With those words he turned around and walked away, leaving Don speechless and his pride shattered. There were very few things that could enrage Don, seeing someone being treated unfairly, someone hurting his family, and finally, someone stepping over his dream.

"You are wrong". Don said under his breath.

"Have something to say?".

Don clenched his fists "You are wrong. I will be a Huntsman. I will be a brave hero" He lifted his face with raging eyes, "I don't need your stupid school! I'm already the strongest fighter in this gods forsaken village! I will take that test and I will become the greatest huntsman in Remnant! Just watch me!".

"You can barely tie your shoes! Do you think you can kill a Grimm?! The first Beowolf that comes at you will bite your face off!".

"I'm stronger than you think! Don't underestimate me! I know I can beat everyone in here! Especially you!".

"DEAL!".

"W-What?!". Don had been yelling out of inertia, words just came out of his mouth without him thinking about them, and his arrogance had finally gotten him in a situation he couldn't run away from, his pride wouldn't allow it.

"You and me. If the 'All-mighty warrior' can beat me, I'll let you take the entrance exam. If you don't, you'll leave. What do you say? Or are you just big talk?".

Don gave it a thought, there was a side of him that was telling him to decline and be smart…but he rarely listened to that voice, instead, his damaged pride made him run his mouth. "Deal", he said, before grabbing his sword and shield and stepping into the little makeshift arena.

Roberto had a confident smile as he took his shield and walked towards the arena.

The knight covered in armor stood firmly while the young apprentice took his stance and the audience of other students sat in anticipation, all taking bets on how long will Don last against a Pro huntsman.

Don struggled to keep his breathing under control, he was exalted, nervous, his hands were shaking and sweat covered his face. Don knew he was a talented fighter, he knew all he needed was to believe in himself and he would be able to accomplish anything, even beating a pro huntsman in single combat. Or at least that's what he kept telling himself. His opponent was more experienced than him. But there was no turning back now. Winning this match was Don's only chance to take the entrance exam at a real Huntsman Academy. Roberto was a roadblock to achieving his dream, and he was determined to go through him if he had to.

"Arg!".

"Come on, Cervantes! Don't tell me you are just words!". Said the big man after he had easily sent the young boy to the ground.

Don stood up and tried again, charging with all his might. As he got close though, Roberto simply stepped to the side and avoided his strike. He kept doing the same thing over and over again. Roberto was wearing heavy armor and caring an even heavier shield, but Don's strikes were so sloppy, he didn't have any difficulty just avoiding the strikes and slamming Don with his massive tower shield.

A swing and a miss were followed by a shield bash to the face. Don managed to keep standing and charged but Roberto simply evaded and slammed over and over and over again.

Shield to the face, shield to the stomach, shield to the toes, shield to the chin. Don was getting slammed and thrown to the ground repeatably, but he was a stubborn man.

"I'll count to three! If your ass is not off the ground, I'll kick it out of my training camp!..1, 2..".

"I'm up! I'm up!" said the beaten-up boy before spitting blood from his mouth.

"Try again, then! Now!" Roberto ordered, slamming his shield on the ground challenging Don.

Don held his sword and shield tightly, clenching his teeth in prideful anger and determination. He rushed for a new assault, giving his all just to break Roberto's impressive defense.

As the blade slashed the shield, Don recovered some of his confidence and pride, his strike was hard and had a lot of weight to it, he knew…he felt it on his chest just seconds later.

Don stepped back a little, trying to quickly recover from the effect of Roberto's semblance, CounterPoint. Roberto was able to return any damage dealt to his aura right back at the target that caused it, in combination with his aura infused mirror shield, Reflejo Brillante, the knightly huntsman was an almost impenetrable fortress.

The young dreamer continued his assault, not letting the pain in his body slow him down, but every slash from his sword met the reflective surface of the shield and ended up hurting his body instead.

"It's that it?! You just have a big mouth, kid! You said you'll kick my ass, THEN PROVE IT! PUNK!".

Don was getting angrier with every word that came from Roberto's mouth. He had been talking all morning with the villagers and aspiring huntsmen of how he was talented enough to kill every Grimm and beat every Huntsman the Academies could throw at him. Earlier to the town kids, he brought up stories of that time he slew 50 beowolves on his own, which of course was actually just one he killed by accident. The boy had a dream but not much training, he boasted about his talent but his pride kept clouding his view of the world.

"GIVE UP, YOU USELESS MOR…" Roberto was about to say, but to his surprise, the idiot in front of him caught him off guard. Don threw his shield at him which Roberto easily blocked, but it was just a decoy, Don had managed to distract him long enough to move behind the tower mirror shield and slash his opponent in the face.

For a second there, Don's pride rose up once more. The undefeated pro huntsman had blood on his cheek courtesy of his blade. He stood there with a big smile…that promptly shattered when he felt blood running down from his own cheek.

Roberto turned with a disappointed expression in his face. The cut in his cheek had healed yet the reflected injury in Don's remained open. "You ran out of aura, dumbass". He said, before bashing Don with all the strength of his tower shield, launching him to the ground and making him lose his sword.

"Pathetic".

Don struggled to stand up, but he was too weak to do so, he could barely support himself with his elbow on the ground.

"You are hopeless".

"I'm not done yet…I can still" Don tried to say, drops of blood in his mouth and his face covered in dirt.

"Yes, you are. You see, kid. You are not made for this. That cut? It's as good as it gets for you and that's not enough to call yourself a huntsman", Roberto's anger had calmed, only disappointment and a cynical look remained in his face. "You can't escape from who you are, Cervantes. A lazy liar with delusions of grandeur. Not a shred of effort. Do you think that's how you will become a true huntsman? Do yourself a favor…give up".

Give up? That was a phrase that haunted Don deep down. It scared him, the idea of losing a dream and resigning to just be another nameless background character in his own story. That fear and terror often came with uncertainty…but when he heard it from others, when others would tell him that his dream was worthless or impossible, no matter how often he heard it from the people of his village, it always pained him and angered him, more than people realized it.

Don stood up, he didn't even try to take his sword, he simply ran towards his opponent, ready to beat him with his bare hands if he had to, but an attack in anger was even more pathetic than what Roberto had expected, and he had expected very little of the boy.

Don punched the mirror shield and immediately felt an impact in his stomach, taking the air out of his lungs.

"We are done here".

"N-no- cough. We are NOT!"

"Yes, you are. Dominque". A voice came from behind Don, approaching the pained boy and his instructor. The man had light brown skin and a 5 o'clock shadow. The man was in his late 20's but looked a bit younger, yet he had an aura of maturity that inspired respect in all the villagers in Castañuela. He was wearing a simple white shirt with a brown leather vest and his iconic hat.

The man stood next to Don looking directly at him. "Pick up your weapons, Donny.".

"Miguel! I can still".

"Did I stutter?! Pick up your weapons, we are going home. Now!". Miguel Cervantes said. Don was very confrontational; he had a real issue with figures of authority…all except one. His older brother basically raised him, there was no one he respected more than him, and that look of disappointment in his eyes, it felt like needles stabbing him all around his body.

Don couldn't reply, he just stood up in pain, picked up his weapons, and licked his wounds.

"He can't keep coming if he continues being a little brat".

"I know. I know, Roberto. Just…let me talk to him".

Roberto and Miguel kept looking as Don was limping trying to get to his shield, all the while his classmates watched his disgrace.

"If you do, then do him a favor. Talk some senses into his empty head. Make him quit now before he gets himself killed, or wor…".

"I said, I will talk to him". Miguel saw Roberto straight in the eyes. Roberto just like everyone else in the village had a deep respect for Miguel. Castañula didn't really have a Major or a Governor of any kind, but when it came to leadership, people felt Miguel was the person to come to. He was a former Kingdom guard, a smart man, and a well-mannered person who always lent a hand to anyone who needed him.

Roberto put his shield on his back and approached Miguel once more, "You can't protect him forever, Miguel. But you can protect others. Listen, I've seen what you can do. Take the license exam. We can really use more good huntsmen".

"You already have all these kids. They all seem more than capable of protecting the world".

"…Not all of them".

Miguel took a deep breath as he looked Don dropping his shield and trying to pick it up again.

"Sigh. I'll talk to him, Roberto. I promise".

"Suit yourself. But the kid is no huntsman, I'll tell you that. My advice? Make him work at that windmill of yours, might keep him out of trouble…or might poison us all, who knows?".

"Heh. I'll keep it in mind" Miguel said, chuckling a bit. He patted Don's shoulder twice and the two walked away.

"What am I going to do with you, Donny?".

---

The carriage finally stopped at a small village. Jaune was happy to finally be able to stretch his legs and take some fresh air.

"This is as far as I can take you, lad".

"Thank you so much, sir".

"Don't mention it. It's the least I could do after you saved our town. I would still be a plant zombie if it wasn't for you. That road over there will take you to Gaviota. You and your grandpa take care".

Jaune turned for a bit to see Don, still with that empty look in his face, kicking some rock in the ground.

"We'll do. Thanks", He said and right after, the merchant they had hitched a ride with drove his carriage away.

The village was very small, but getting some supplies to get to Gaviota wasn't a bad idea and from the market in front of them emanated a delicious smell of roasted pork.

"Come on. I don't know about you but I'm starving. What do you say we get some of those ribs over there? Oh! I see a noodle stand! Man, I don't remember the last time I had some of those. Maybe we could…".

"Kid…I've been meaning to tell you…" As soon as Don started talking, Jaune's enthusiasm banished. The boy was trying really hard to cheer his mentor up, but not even putting in a smile or the prospect of delicious food could bring the old man back to his cheerful self.

"Maybe…Maybe we should call it here".

Jaune was a bit shocked, "W-what do you mean?".

Don had his hands in his pockets, he couldn't even look at Jaune in the eyes while he spoke, "Maybe, it's best for you to go on. Gaviota isn't far away. You are a big boy; you don't need me to take you there. Just…go. See your friend again and tell Maria I said hi".

"What are you talking about? D-Don, you said we would travel to Gaviota. We are a day away, why do you want to quit now?".

"What difference does it make? Either here or in Gaviota, it's over. We will walk our separate ways. Listen, kid, I just don't feel like going on, that's it".

Jaune couldn't believe what he was hearing, he knew the end was near for their mentorship, but end things like this? "So that's it? You are giving up after all we have been through?".

"Jaune..".

"No! Don, I don't know what happened back there, but you haven't been the same ever since the Sangrake. What did it make you see? Don, talk to me, please".

"Everything must have an end, kid, that's just how life works, so why keep goi..".

"That's not an answer, Dominique". Jaune said, the boy was getting worked up but mostly he was fearful.

"Dominique". Hearing Jaune calling him that sent shivers to Don's spine. It sounded…far too familiar.

"Mig…".

"SOMEBODY HELP ME!", A woman cried from the village's market.

Jaune and Don were surprised by the commotion. The villagers were screaming and running while bandits in horseback rode away kidnapping people with their nets.

"HELP ME! PLEASE!". Yelled a woman covered in a net and being pulled by a bandit.

Don hesitated, he wanted to rush and save the woman, he felt the need to fight and protect her…but his legs didn't move. The weight in his shoulders didn't let him, the fear he was feeling didn't allow him to lift a finger. That woman needed a hero…but a hero was something he knew he wasn't. A hero would have rushed to save her…and a hero did.

While Don stood there lost in his conflicting emotions, Jaune was already slicing the net and freeing the woman.

"That's mine, punk!" The bandit said, firing his gun at Jaune and the woman. The bullets met his shield and with every shot, the woman yelled louder in terror.

When the gun finally ran out of bullets, Jaune picked his head out and got ready for his counter attack, but another bandit blew a whistle and caught everyone's attention.

"WE ARE MOVING! GO, GO!" She signaled and the bandit Jaune was fighting put his gun in his holster and rode into the woods with the rest of his gang.

The bandits had left but the panic in the village was still raging. The market was a mess and dust clouds still floated around the area, hiding injured people, scattered goods, and damaged buildings.

"Kid! Why did you run like that?!" Don said, worried.

"Why didn't you?!" Jaune answered in anger. Don could see the rage and disappointment in his eyes. Why didn't he? What kind of hero freezes like that?

The woman struggled to stand up and climbed on Jaune's clothe. "Please! Please! You have to save him!".

Jaune and Don were shocked. The young huntsman helped the woman stand and tried to calm her down. "It's ok, It's ok. Save who?".

"My son! They took him! Please you have to save my Cardo, Please!".

Jaune was still trying to process things when he noticed the woman's hands, they were more like mole claws than human hands.

"Kid…" Don tried to get his attention, but the fear and commotion of the town had finally caught the attention of the nearby Grimm who had begun their own hunt.

"As soon as the village is safe, we will, you have my word". Jaune reassured the woman before sending her running to seek refuge.

"Jaune…".

"We'll deal with the Grimm and save the kidnapped people…".

"Kid, I…".

"Then…You'll give me some answers…Come on". Jaune said, sword and shield ready, he ran towards the Grimm. Don once again hesitated, but reluctantly followed his apprentice. The fear, the terror, the regret, and the doubt, all weighing him and dragging him down.

---

"We are home," Miguel said, arriving at the family windmill with his little brother. He was greeted by the smell of a beef stew, his and Don's favorite.

Miguel had inherited the windmill from his parents after both perished in a Grimm attack. A far too common occurrence especially at the settlements outside the kingdoms, even in those close to the walls like Castañuela. It was a structure of wood and stone that served as both grain milling and a modest family house.

"Oh, hey, honey. How was your..Donny! My goodness, what happened to you?!". A sweet woman with light red hair and a face full of freckles rushed to her little brother-in-law and started checking his wounds.

"It's nothing, Margarita". Don said.

"Your cheek is bleeding, how is that nothing? Hold still" She took a cloth napkin and began cleaning the blood from his cheek.

"I said I'm fine! My aura will heal it!". Don said, of course, his aura hadn't come back yet. His temper tantrum was met with the usual slap to the back of the head courtesy of his older brother. "Ow!".

"Watch your tone, Dumbass, especially with her!".

Don stormed off in a fit of anger and childish frustration. He quickly ran upstairs to his room, not able to look Margarita in the eyes or even lift his face out of shame.

"What happened?".

Miguel sat down on the couch and put his hat on a table, he felt tired, not physically but emotionally. It hadn't been easy to raise his little brother and moments like this just made him doubt if he could ever be a father himself.

"He got under Roberto's skin. Started a fight with him after he told him he couldn't be a huntsman. Sigh." Miguel said while rubbing his eyes.

"You need to talk to him".

"And what should I say? I…Sometimes I wish Grandpa was still here. He was better at this than I am. I mean…" He said, clinging on to the memory of Granpa Cervantes, the kind man who took care of him and his little brother when they were children.

Margarita had a way of turning despair into calmness, not with magic or semblances but simply by being there when she was needed and sharing a kind and sweet smile. "Your brother needs us. He needs guidance, he needs support and we must try to help him".

"I just…".

"Hey" Margarita grabbed her husband's face gently and locked eyes with him. "The right words will come to you, I know that. But you can't just stay here and do nothing". She gave him a quick kiss before standing up. "Donny is a dreamer. The kind who spends day and night just imagining the life he wants to live".

"The world doesn't work like that though".

"Huh…" Margarita gave him an incredulous yet playful look. "You of all people saying that?".

"What is that supposed to mean?".

She launched herself on him and hugged him from behind. "Weren't you that kid who told me 'Oh! My lady! I'll get you a castle and guard you forever! For I will be your knight, my princess!'? I always thought that boy was a dork".

"Oh, come on. I was like 12 back then".

She kissed his cheek. "A cute dork though."

The two chuckled. Miguel and Margarita had been friends since they were little and growing up that love just grew until it bloomed into a romance that would last a lifetime. They had recently gotten married but to many, they were destined to be for years.

"You are also a dreamer. You always have been. You dreamed of a life of adventure and becoming a hero to the people because you wanted to help others. You wanted to be a warrior and live in a castle with your beautiful princess".

"Hehe…Well, that last one did happen".

"Just that one? You are a veteran, aren't you? I love our little castle. And for your information, I've always been more of a queen than a princess!".

Miguel laughed and snuggled his face against his wife's.

"Dreams do come true, Miguel".

Miguel's smile faded for a brief moment, "Even if reality doesn't turn out like fantasy". He was swimming in self-doubt but his thick head wasn't seeing the point until he saw his wife walk away with a smile, she was pointing at her nose as if telling him he got it.

"Just talk to Donny whenever you are ready".

Night fell and Don sat staring at his window. Looking at the stars as if they would give him answers. "You'll never be a huntsman" he remembered Roberto's words. The lingering fear of a dead dream. He felt trapped in this small village. He wanted to see the world, he wanted his life to mean something, and being shown he wasn't good enough crushed him. Reality was a cage for him. His fantasy was liberating, there in his imagination, he felt as if his soul could fly free…and then Roberto snapped those wings.

A knock on the door brought Don back to the real world and the smell of the beef stew covered the room and made his stomach growl.

"Brought you supper". Miguel said.

Don put on a frown, "I'm not hungry". His stomach begged to differ.

"Haha. Yeah, right."

Swallowing his pride, Don took the plate and dug in. No one would blame him, that beef stew could conquer kingdoms.

"Easy, there, champ," Miguel said, handing a glass of water to his little brother.

After a few minutes of the kid eating like an animal and filling his belly with the delicious meal. The two brothers went back to the window, star gazing like they use to with their dear grandfather.

"Miguel….". Don's voice was low and fearful. He probably had even more doubts than his brother. "Do you regret it?".

"What do you mean?".

"Leaving the guards… It was your dream. You worked so hard to be a Kingdom guard…you ever think that maybe you shouldn't have left?".

Miguel had a smile with a bit of melancholy, "Well, I kinda had to take care of a little brat with way too much energy for his size, haha".

Miguel chuckled but Don retrieved into his own doubts and sadness. He always felt guilty for his brother having to give up on his dream to raise him. Miguel was about 8 years older than him and when their grandfather passed away, he had no choice but to go back to Castañula and become a guardian to little Donny.

"Hey," the big brother said, playfully messing with his little brother's hair, "Stop with that frown. Remember what grandpa use to say".

"Knights don't let their enemies see them cry". Don said.

"They make them tremble at the sight of their smiles". Miguel completed. Their grandfather was a veteran of the Great War. A True knight forged in the fires of battle.

"I don't regret it, kid. I do miss it, of course, but I've never regretted it" Miguel said, a warm smile in his face.

Don, however, still dabbled in doubts "But, why? I mean…your dream died. It's over.".

"Over? Is that what you think happened? Kid, a dream never dies until you make it true".

"Stop quoting grandpa". Don said. Miguel was taken aback for a bit. Maybe he was trying to seek wisdom in his grandfather, but Margarita was right, Don needed his words, and the right words had to come to him.

"Don. My dream wasn't just to be a Kingdom guard. I wanted my life to mean something. I wanted to grow to protect others. I wanted to dedicate my life to stand by the side of those who needed me…If you ask me, I think I'm living my dream right here".

Don, reflected a bit. Living his dream? How could he say something like that? His brother was trapped in this village because of him, what kind of dream was that?".

"Donny…why do you want to be a huntsman?". Miguel asked.

"…I want a life of adventure. I don't want this village to be my life. I want to explore and make my name known. I want to be like the heroes in the book. Be a hero that saves people and is loved by everyone. Leave my mark in this world. I want people to remember my name. Be the main character of my own story". Don said, staring at the moon just aneling for the future he wished with all his heart. "That's the life I want to have. The future I want to get".

Miguel felt a bit of pride in his little brother. He knew the kid had the heart to reach the stars he looked with such passion, but he needed someone he could lean on. "You can't live in a fantasy world, Donny".

"Not you too! What's so wrong about fantasy anyways? The world is far more interesting in the books. I want my life to be just like that".

"Oh, so you want to be the chosen one? The hero who grabs a sword and kills Wyverns in a single swing? Kid, the real world doesn't work like that" Miguel said, having a smug face that was getting in Don's nerves.

"Then screw reality!". Don said but was soon interrupted by Miguel's hat falling on his head and covering his eyes.

"You see? that's your problem, lad. You think fantasy is so much better than reality, you are not seeing the marvels reality can bring". Miguel lifted the hat and let Don see again. "Don. There are no chosen ones in this world. Reality is not like fantasy".

Don was saddened by those words, once again his dreams were being crushed.

"But…". Miguel said, and a glimmer of hope filled Don's heart. "Dreams do come true; fantasy can become reality. I told you, I am living my dream. It might not be how I dreamed it but it is my dream, and I believe you can live yours too".

The melody of a flute entered the room, sweet notes that merged with the sounds of the crickets, and the soft breeze rattling the trees and caressing the grass. Margarita was playing her flute outside the windmill; she was sitting on a wooden chair illuminated by the full moon.

"You have talent, Don. But you will never be a chosen one, and you know what? Good. Chosen ones are chumps who get everything handed to them in a silver platter. Do you want to be a hero? You can't keep expecting you'll become one overnight, that is a fantasy. But reality? In the real world, you don't get a future, you build one".

Don looked at Miguel in awe, the sweet melody filling his heart and his brother's words were giving back life to his crushed dream.

"You want your dream to become true? You won't do that trapped in your fantasy books. You gotta put in the effort. Work hard, day, and night. Your dream won't become true, Donny, you have to make it true". Miguel said, his hand on his brother's shoulder. Don couldn't help but tear up and Miguel quickly gave his brother a supportive hug. "I'll help you, little brother. You know I always will".

That song, those words. Don could never forget that night. The night his brother and his sister-in-law gave him his wings back, the wings of a dreamer ready to fly.

---

The village was still under commotion, but the danger had finally passed. The civilians were being taken care of and the Grimm swarm was effectively repelled thanks to the prompt arrival of a patrolling unit of guards from Gaviota sent to aid the neighboring villages close to the port city.

"Captain, the two huntsmen as requested". A solider said addressing his superior who was preparing their next course of action in her tent at her make swift camp.

"Thank you. Let them in". The captain said. Mistral's Kingdom Guard might not have been as imponent as the Atlas Military, but their soldiers were fierce, a simple look at the captain inspired respect, not just because of her uniform, it was her eyes, that no-nonsense gaze made people tense, Don and Jaune certainly were.

"So, you were the huntsmen who helped the village before our arrival? You'll have to forgive me, but you two don't really look like huntsmen to me".

"I…" Don hesitated to answer, Jaune however pushed through his own nerves to continue the conversation.

"We can handle ourselves…most of the time…" Jaune said awkwardly, he was still very intimidated by the captain who simply served a cup of tea for herself. He wasn't even sure if she paid any attention to what he said.

"Well, I suppose I must thank you. You bought us enough time to save the village".

"We did what we had to do. The people needed our help" Jaune answered without thinking, somehow his own values and conviction pierced through the intimidation. Don turned his face in shame. The kid might have been a hero, but he acted like a coward…like he may have always been.

The captain did notice the answer this time, "Now that's huntsman talk. I'm Captain Ludmila of the 5th Vanguard of Gaviota. Tea?".

The two knights sat and the captain had a guard serving them some tea. She began to be more trusting of the pair, they weren't her enemies, after all, she mainly wanted to see if they could be good enough allies. "I'll go straight to the point, gentlemen. Gaviota has been hunting down the gang that attacked this village for months by now. This attack might be the closest we have been to them, but we arrived unprepared. We could use the help of two huntsmen like yourselves".

Don was a bit worried, "I..hehe. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I'm sure you can ha…".

"We'll do it". Jaune answered, interrupting Don and staring a dagger at him. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Don was backing away from helping others? Even saying this was an adventure would have been more like his former self, but this? No, Jaune wasn't going to let him.

"Huh, that easy? I honestly thought I would have to offer you a reward. Very well." The captain displayed a holographic map in front of them, showing the surrounding area. "Our target is known as the 'White Moon Tribe'. They run a faunus trafficking ring, slave trade. We have been able to capture their costumers and free some of their victims, but we need to cut the suppliers if we want to keep the population safe. We believe their hideout is somewhere in the Azul Valley, right in the middle of the mountains to the northeast.".

Jaune took a good look at the map. "Any cave systems? Maybe a town they could use as a secret hideout" He asked, remembering his experience with Jessie the Viper Fang and Capt. Fred the Pentahook.

"Plenty of caves, we have explored many but no signs yet. The valley has no towns, not even former settlements. Just a deep forest and a couple of waterfalls". The captain answered.

"Hmn…Don, what do you think?". Jaune asked, hoping to get something out of his mentor. But the old man had his arms crossed and his eyes turned to the empty space to the side. "Don?", Jaune insisted.

"..Fine," The old man said reluctantly. He stood up and gave a good look at the map for a minute. "The bandits had horses, crossing the forest with them could be hard unless they had a clear path".

"No paths, I told you it's a deep forest".

"But you also mentioned waterfalls. Following the river might be the easiest route for the horses and there is a river that flows near the village. Follow the river and you might find your bandits.". Don completed, still with a serious and frustrated look in his face.

Jaune was a bit relieved and a part of him was glad that there was still some hero in his mentor, he knew that he could bring that smile back, he just needed some time.

The captain gave it a quick thought. "Sounds like a plan. Just a problem. The river splits in three streams the deeper you get in the mountains. They could have taken any route. I have to leave some troops here to protect the village in case the Grimm or the gang return".

"We can take one of the streams. Your troops can take the other two".

Don didn't like this; he didn't want to get involved. He let out a sigh, something Jaune clearly noticed, but the people needed them and he had already offered their aid.

"Very well. Rogers, get them some water and rations, we are departing in 1 hour".

---

Mornings were so peaceful on Saturdays at Castañuela. Nothing but birds and the wind that made that windmill move. If you had a nice warm bed, you could sleep there all day without a worry in the world….

"RISE AND SHINE, DIRTBAG!"

"AH! SON OF A…". Don's yell was drowned with a bucked of ice-cold water. "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?".

Miguel and Margarita kept laughing and high fiving each other.

"You were right, the bucket was a great idea".

"You should really listen to your wife more often, you know?". Margarita said, tossing the bucket aside with a big smile on her face.

"What time is it?".

"Dawn, kiddo. Do you want to be a huntsman? Get your ass out of bed, we are going training!".

And thus, the routine began. Miguel and Margarita were determined to help Don reach his dream, but building a future requires effort, discipline, and dedication, none of which the boy had. Fortunately for him, he had a brother with vast experience in the military and a sister-in-law with her own potato gun.

"W-What is she going to do with that?..".

"Don't worry about it…Now" Miguel finished tying bags with heavy rocks on Don's belt and looked at him with a mischievous smile. "Run".

" What!?". The potatoes flew and so did Don as he ran for his life.

"Keep moving! We want you to be a lightning bolt on the battlefield!" Miguel said, sipping on his morning coffee.

"Ahhhh!Miguuueeeell! Ow!".

"Wow, nice shot, honey".

"Keep that in mind next time Cindy flirts with you".

"Duly noted".

With the days, Miguel continued Don's training. He taught him everything he knew. He started with building his body, he made him run up and down mountains, he made him carry heavy bags around town and back, he made him work at the windmill until he couldn't feel his arms. And once he started to get in shape, he built his skill.

Don had trained in sword fighting before, he mainly got his sword and shield because that's what heroes in books always had, but Miguel had seen the real world, and he had picked up skills in another weapon.

"A stick?".

"For the little colt? You get a stick. You work and learn to jog, you get a pipe, and eventually…" Miguel, took a weapon covered in a red cloth, when he uncovered it, the shining metal tip blinded Don for a bit, and soon enough marveled him with its beauty, "You grow into a stallion, and run like the wind, my boy".

Miguel was a master of the spear, he became famous among his fellow guards for his speed and agility with the weapon, The Raging Wind, they called him.

Don had troubles getting the hang of the weapon, but as the months passed, he became rather proficient with it. He quickly grew to get a pipe and was determined to be worthy of a spear, like his brother.

"You are an annoying little brat, you know?".

"Why thank you!".

"Haha! That's what I mean! Use it, lad! Annoy your opponent, make them angry, make them lose focus and strike!".

Miguel of course didn't stop there. Weapon combat was one thing, but the kid had to handle himself on his own and not rely on a weapon.

"Raise your fists, boy". He instructed.

"I know how to throw a punch, Miguel".

"Oh, do you? Ok then, I guess we can skip the basics and go into expert mode, don't you think, honey?".

Margarita approached the two, tying bandages around her arms and fist.

"Wow, wow! What's this? I'm not fighting Margarita!".

"Aw, what's wrong? Chickening out on me?". Margarita said after tying her hair in a ponytail.

"No offense, but you are a delicate flower, I don't want to hur…" A fist to the face shut the kid up.

"Ow, I'm so hurt! Haha!" Margarita said mockingly. "Get up! Hunstman! Show me what you got!".

Don stood up and rose his fists. The two circled each other for a few seconds before Don tried a strike. The boy threw a couple of punches but Margarita easily evaded them, she waited for the opportunity and finally grabbed his wrist, twisted his arm, kicked his legs and using his own momentum, made him lose balance, tossing him around like a rag doll and making him land on his back.

"Aww, such a delicate flower".

"H-How?!".

"Her mother was a martial artist from a temple in Mistral. Why do you think I always do the dishes?".

"And will do the laundry while I keep beating your butt, right, sweetie?". Margarita said with a sweet smile as she gently slapped her husband's cheek.

"Y-Yes dear…" Miguel felt oddly threatened.

Weeks became months and months became a year. Miguel and Margarita had trained Don's body and mind. It wasn't enough to just learn how to fight, he needed discipline, he needed to be smart and clever, so, they put him in charge of the farm animals and cleaning the house. Don hated both tasks but that was the point, he had to learn to do his duty and take it seriously.

Miguel was strict but he didn't prevent his brother from having some fun as well, in fact, that's what he wanted him to have. It's like they say, do what you love and you won't work a day in your life. Miguel knew that the best way to encourage his brother to develop his skill was through fun. He turned some training sessions into games, every moment of leisure was secretly an activity to develop a skill. Going to the beach? Swimming is a great exercise. He even used what Don loved the most, his fantasy books, as ways of training him. Strategies, problem-solving, analysis, Miguel used the books to educate Don in as many subjects as he could and to teach him how to effectively address a situation.

Weeks became months, months became years. For as much dedication to improving himself as Don had now, he still wasn't good enough.

Twice more did he fail Roberto's trail, he had wasted too much time, but even Roberto had seen the improvement.

"Keep your shield up! Huntsmen are the protectors of the world. Remnant depends on you! Your failure brings disgrace to all Huntsmen, and worse, it brings the death of everyone counting on you!". Roberto kept saying as his trainees spared with one another.

To his surprise, Don had managed to swiftly disarm his opponent with a quick move of his sword and launched him to the ground with a shield bash.

The two locked eyes, Don breathing heavily, but to his surprise, Roberto's stoic face cracked a smile, "Nice".

Don smiled proudly until his opponent took the advantage and hit him, making him fall to the ground.

"Not good enough", Roberto said. But this didn't stop Don, he kept trying and trying and working every day, every week. Determine to one day, make his dream come true.

On the anniversary of their third year of training, Miguel took Don to a grassy field, the green hill they stood on was being caressed by the wind.

"Ready for our spar?". Miguel said.

"No... Please, don't get mad. I lost my sword and my shield a few days ago. I was going to tell you! But I was hoping to find it first and…".

"Hahaha. It's alright, buddy. I took it. Tell me, you know what a Rocinante is?". Miguel said.

"No idea".

"Grandpa once told me that back in his days, they called 'rocin' those horses that were weak, skinny, and sick. That's kinda what you are".

"…Thanks?".

"What I mean is that you use to be lazy and a stubborn idiot. Weak, fragile…".

"Ok, OK! I get it! I suck!".

Miguel let out a laugh, "Hahaha! No, kid. You USE to suck. Not anymore". Miguel took an object wrapped in a brown paper bag and took the wrapping off, revealing Don's sword and shield, shiny, reforged, it looked brand new.

"A Rocinante however, is a name with redemption, a useless horse reshaped a new, a former rocin, now a noble steed. That's who you are now, Donny. You are reforged, you grew into a noble man, and I have no doubt you'll become a true hero. You put in the effort…and now I think you are ready". Miguel put the sword in a sucked of the shield and the weapon unfolded. Don looked with teary eyes as his weapon turned into a spear. "Grandpa used to say that a true Knight Errant endures all adversities, dedicates themselves to grow and protect the innocent. Dominique, a true hero doesn't fight for praise, they fight because it's the right thing to do. Raise your weapon to defend those who need you, only then can you be a hero…And I'm sure that a hero, is what you were meant to be, brother. Make me proud".

Don couldn't stop crying; he ran to his brother's arms and buried his face on his chest. "I will…I will make you proud".

"I know you will".

After a few minutes, Don recovered composure and Miguel handed over his new spear.

"Rocinante. I love it!".

"Well, Grandpa might have misremembered the name. Apparently, it's also how they called morons where he was from".

"Yeah, I like the other meaning better.".

---

Dusk finally arrived as Jaune and Don marched with Captain Ludmila and her troops. The captain was pleased to see that Don's hunch seemed to be right, they found horse footprints alongside the river which told them they were on the right track. It wasn't all good news though. The footprints were on both sides of the river and between the grassy and rocky terrain and with the loss of sunlight, losing their way was becoming a serious risk.

There was no way of knowing where the bandits stopped following the river's stream, but with how erratic the footprints were, it seemed like they purposely crossed it side by side to cover their tracks. Out in the wild, holding prisoners in the middle of a forest swarming with Grimm, a bandit tribe wouldn't be able to survive unless they had the brains and the brawns to do so.

After hours of marching, the troops finally reached the spot they were dreading, a 3-way fork that leads deeper into the mountains, straight into the Azul Valley.

"This is where we split, soldiers. I'll take Squad A north; Squad B will travel north-east. Huntsmen, you'll take north-west. Do not engage the White Moon tribe under any circumstances. If you find them, mark the location in your scrolls, and get back to this fork, we will have a garrison on guard. All squads will regroup before dawn, that's when we will strike, but if things go south, each team has a flare gun, in case of an emergency, we will all regroup at the signal flare. Understood?".

"Yes, ma'am". The troops said, joining their respective squads and beginning their search.

Ludmila took a look at Jaune and Don. The young man seemed focused, determined to get the job done, she liked that expression, not so much the one the old man had. Don seemed miserable like he wanted to be anywhere else other than in this mission. Such an attitude was a liability and she was not going to tolerate it.

"Huntsman. Any problem?".

Don crossed eyes with her for a second and then turned away, not able to face her. "No, ma'am…but don't call me that, please".

"This is not a picnic; I'm not going to call you by your name just so that you can feel better".

"That's not what I meant" Don replied.

"Oh, and what did you mean then?".

Don stayed silent for a small second, he took a deep breath and continued, "I'm not a…" He was stopped when Jaune returned with a bottle of water for his old mentor.

"Here, stay hydrated….Is there something wrong?". Jaune asked.

Ludmila didn't have time for curiosity or small talk, "Just keep an eye on your grandpa, kid. I want you focused on saving those faunus, both of you".

"Yes ma'am" Jaune answered.

Ludmila glared daggers at Don, the old man was stubborn but the captain emanated authority just with her presence.

"Sigh…Yes, Ma'am". Don replied reluctantly.

The captain walked away, taking her squad upstream and leaving the two huntsmen to their mission, there were innocent people dependent on their success.

Hours passed as Don and Jaune stepped deeper into the mountains. Darkness made tracks hard to find and without a full moon, they only relied on their instincts and the dim light of Jaune's scroll.

Not a single word had been spoken since they began their search. Only the sounds of the forest, the wind, the river, the bugs, and the occasional growl of a nearby Grimm broke the silence between the young apprentice and his mentor.

Finally, Jaune couldn't take the silence anymore, "You are awfully quiet".

"I'm focused like the Captain said. You should do the same. The sooner we are done with this the sooner you'll be with your friend, right?", Don responded with a saddened tone.

"…Yeah, I guess so". He had to be honest, a side of him has eager to finally see Ruby again. But his worries for Don were a pressing matter. To his surprise, the old man didn't fall back in that silent void.

"Tell me. After…the Fall…why did you follow her? You told me everything that happened. After all of that, were you trying to get as far away from Vale as you could?". Don asked, he didn't mean harm with that question, at that moment he just felt reality distorted into a cynical view, it was that cynicism what made him question even the nature of heroism itself.

"What? No…well…not entirely" Jaune answered, he stopped to give it a quick thought, reflecting in everything he went through and everything he had learned. "I followed Ruby because she inspired me to stand up and keep on fighting. It's not like she healed me instantly of course…but if it wasn't for her…".

Don listened carefully, reflecting at the same time on all of his own regrets.

"Now that I think about it…Maybe I was trying to run, Vale has so many painful memories…But I wasn't running away. Ruby inspired me to run towards the place I could help others. When we traveled to Haven, I barely talked, at times I was so numbed I kept tripping and falling….I suppose…My ghosts were weighing me down, but I didn't run from them… I just made the mistake of letting them haunt me". Jaune caressed Pyrrha's sash on his waist, looking back with regret to the way he acted for a long time, but a part of him was proud of finally feeling at peace.

Don in turn, caressed the tip of the hat, remembered the man who it once belonged to. "I have far too many ghosts. I'm terrified of them. I've been running away for a long long time".

"You have to face them, Don".

Don got a smile filled with sadness and self-hatred, "Easy for you to say, lad. I've seen the kind of man you are. But, me? I'm a coward. I'm too weak to face my ghosts, so I'll just continue running from them, that way, they won't ever catch me".

Jaune stopped and faced Don, "You can't do that forever".

Don patted the boy's shoulder, "That's what cowards do, we run away".

"Stop it" The more Jaune heard his mentor's words the less he recognized him, "You are not a coward, Don. After all we have been through, you can't tell me you are a coward. You are a hero".

"And you are a fool if you believe that, boy". Don replied.

The boy kept quiet, shock, anger, frustration, and sadness were overwhelming him.

The old man continued, "A hero wouldn't have thought twice to save that woman, would he?".

Jaune stayed quiet, he didn't want to admit it but he himself felt so much disappointment for what had happened earlier that day.

Don saw the boy's disappointed eyes, they stabbed his heart but he felt he deserved every bit of it, "Thought so".

Don walked away, he knew how worthless he was, how much pain he had brought. He always brought nothing but troubles to everyone he loved. How could he see himself as a hero? Heroes don't go around making up stories of how great they are, they don't fight for their own glory, but that's exactly what Don had been doing for so long. A hero? Don refused to see himself as such…yet the boy said something…that shattered through that wall of misery in his heart.

"You are a hero to me".

Don turned around in shock, behind him stood the boy he tricked into this journey all those months ago. After everything he made him go through…why? Why would he see him like that?

"..Kid..".

Jaune wiped away a tear, "Let's just go. We wasted enough time alrea…AH!". A bola came from the bushes tying up the young huntsman and throwing him to the ground in front of his mentor.

"Jaune!". Don tried to rush to his apprentice's aid, but soon enough, a second set of bolas tied him as well and for a finishing blow, two cattle prod shocked them.

"Well, well, well. Look who it is. The punk who stole my prey. Lucky me. Maybe the boss will be happy with you two".

Don and Jaune were shocked again and again until both of them fell unconscious, captured but the White Moon tribe.

---

"I'm I too late?! Is she here?!", Don had never been as excited as that day. He got a message from his brother and immediately ran as fast as he could, ignoring the yells of the merchants whose products he dropped on his way. Nothing would have stopped him to arrive to the clinic that day.

"Let me see!".

"Shhhh! Can't you be quieter? They are both resting". Miguel responded, smacking his little brother with his hat. He had bags in his eyes but the brightest smile Remnant had ever seen.

"Sorry, I just…".

"It's ok, come. Take a look" Margarita said, she looked exhausted laying on that bed, but her tired smile was as beautiful as a flower field but not as beautiful as the small treasure in her arms.

"Sh-She is so small," Don said holding back his tears. "Hey, little one".

The baby had her father's brown hair but the freckles and beauty of her mother. She was still confused, new to this world, but surrounded by the love of her family.

"Hey, little…uh".

"Amatista…It was Margarita's mom's name".

Don smiled, barely being able to hold his tears anymore. "Well, it suits her. She is the most beautiful gem in Remn…" He has stunned, his mind went blank when the little baby, so full of wonder, grabbed the finger of her dear uncle. Don couldn't handle it anymore; his tears just came out and there was no holding back anymore.

Miguel grabbed his shoulder and Don came back to the real world. He stood up and hugged his older brother, tears running from both of their eyes. "Congratulations, Miguel".

"Thank you, Donny". Miguel responded.

There wasn't a happier day in the Cervantes' family than the day their little gem was born, Amatista Cervantes was a dream come true.

That night, while Margarita and Amatista got a well-deserved rest, Don and Miguel stood outside the windmill, cold beers on their hands, the dreamer brothers stargazed once more, looking at their hopes and dreams on each and every star in the sky.

"You got lucky; you know? Thank the Gods she resembles Margarita. Can't imagine that cute baby with your ugly face on her, haha!".

"Pff. Please, everyone knows I got the looks and you got…well, no, I also got the brains, little brother". Miguel responded. Laughter, clinging mugs and the sounds of the crickets were the music that filled their hearts that night.

"She is my treasure. Arg! I've had her for a day and I already love her so much!" Miguel said.

Don raised his mug once more, "I'm proud of you, Big bro. You'll be an amazing father; I have no doubt of that".

"Hehe. Well, I got a lot of practice with the mess of a little brother I have".

"Oh, come on! I'm trying to…".

"Thanks, Donny. I mean it". Miguel responded. His eyes went straight to the stars again. "I'm living my dream, Don. You have no idea how much I doubted I could make it, but I did. I can finally say that my dream is reality".

Don was proud of his brother, but his words had him a bit confused as well, "I'm mean, not exactly. This isn't what you said when we were kids". And with that, the usual smack to the back of the head from Miguel was delivered.

"That's because dreams evolve, dumbass".

"Why do you always have to do that?!". Don complained.

Miguel didn't take his eyes away from the stars, "The funny thing about dreams, Don, is that they aren't always how you imagine them. Over time, your dreams can evolve, change and sometimes, new dreams can come out. It's like planting a tree, you know where you planted it, and you know what it's going to be, but you don't know how it will grow, what it has to endure to grow, how many branches and leaves it's going to get, but when the day comes, you'll take a look at it, and be proud of what you created".

Don took a long look at his drink, barely seeing his reflection on it. "But what if the tree burns down? Or what if it never grows?".

"Then you take the seeds and plant them again. A dream never truly dies until you make it a reality, and a new dream can be born at any second, it just takes a bit of imagination to plant it, and a dreamer to help it grow".

Don always admired his older brother, even when they fought, he never stopped looking up to him. He was his hero.

"But enough of poetry. How about your dream? Huntsman?". Miguel asked.

Don began to act smug and confident; it had been nearly 4 years since they started training seriously and for the first time, he felt ready for anything the world could throw at him, "Well, Roberto said that the next exam is in a few months. So, by the end of the year, you could either be talking to an Academy student, or a badass fully grown Huntsman!".

Miguel laughed while his little brother kissed his muscles, at least now he had them. "Haha. Well, 'Mr. Fully Grown Huntsman'. I want you to make me a promise".

"Yes, I will give you my autograph, you just need to make an appointment". Don smiled waiting for a laugh or a smack to the back of his head, but to his surprise, Miguel just stood there with a kind smile.

"I want you to promise me, that you'll always protect Amatista". Miguel said.

Don was stunned, he had no words.

Miguel continued, "Promise me that no matter what happens, you'll always be there when she needs you. Promise me you'll be her hero, her brave knight…her guardian angel".

Don's heart raised and his hand started shaking, but a fire ignited in his eyes, "I promise. I will always be there for her. I promise I will always protect her. That's the path of a huntsman I want to walk. I'll make a world where she'll be safe, you have my word".

"I know I can count on you, Brother". Miguel responded.

The dreamer brothers spent the rest of the night drinking and laughing, telling stories, and sharing their hopes and dreams until dawn came. There weren't happier days than those…if only they had lasted.

Months passed and the day finally came. Roberto was ready to select his candidates for the Academy exams. The students were nervous, but in the crowd, a silent young man sat there in anticipation.

"Ok, dirtbags. I have here the list of candidates for the Academy exams. If I say your name, stand up. Got it? Good. Ramirez, Huntsman Academy. Gutierrez, Huntsman Academy. Herrera, License Exam. Ce…".

"I want a test fight", Don said, breaking the silence from the crowd and surprising Roberto.

"…I haven't finished".

"Please" Don stood up and approached his teacher, his eyes were on fire and his resolve was unbreakable. "I want to earn my place as a Huntsman….Roberto. I know I've failed you over and over again, but I've put in the effort. I need to prove to you and to myself that I'm ready to protect the people that need me, that I can bring honor to the title of a Huntsman".

Roberto stood there, silent. He took a quick look at the boy and responded, "This better not be an ego thing, boy".

"No, sir. I'm just another man wanting to make a difference. But the title of Huntsman deserves respect, and I want to know if I'm worthy of it".

For the first time in years, the little idiot he knew showed genuine respect for the profession. Roberto couldn't believe his eyes and ears. He still thought he was a prideful idiot, had he only waited a bit longer he would have realized there was no need…or maybe there was. Don just wanted to prove himself, he didn't want to boast, he wasn't doing this for an ego boost. Huntsmen had to be the best of the best, men and women who were willing to give it their all to protect humanity. For the first time, Roberto felt he understood Don.

"... Ramirez, Gutierrez, Herrera. Grab your weapons and step in the arena". Roberto instructed.

"Wait…3 against 1?".

Roberto smiled as he took his tower shield from his back. "You have been training here for 4 years, lad. You got an opponent for each year of training you got. 3 students…and me".

Don felt a bit intimidated, but he quickly recovered composure, he was determined to make his dream come true. "Understood".

"Haha! Ok then" Roberto stepped in the arena and slammed his shield on the floor. "Show me what you are made of!".

Don stood nervous as his four opponents readied their weapons, but the dreamer was ready to fight his way towards the future he wanted to build, he now had someone he wanted to protect more than anyone in the world. He drew his sword and readied his shield; he took a deep breath…and stroked.

---

Everything was blurry, only some muffled voices could be heard, but Jaune could feel movement. He was disorientated but could feel himself being dragged. Yet he remained half-awake for a few minutes, going in and out of consciousness until finally, the cold water from a waterfall woke him up.

His body was still numb and the darkness of the cave blinded him, but when his eyes finally adjusted, he could see the torches of his captors and next to him, the body of his mentor inside a net being dragged just like him.

Jaune tried to take his sword with his tied hands, but the weapon was gone, and to make matters worse, in his struggle he accidentally dropped the flare gun he had on him. None of the captors noticed the dropped weapon, but they did notice his movements.

"Almost there, pretty boy, hahah". A bandit said before shocking him once more.

"Ahh!" The pain of the cattle prod only lasted a few seconds before Jaune fell unconscious once more.

He didn't know how long he was out, but he finally woke up amongst the cheers of drinking bandits.

"Wh-Don…Don!". Jaune looked around, still disorientated but worry about his old mentor. He looked around and soon learned he was trapped in a cage; his hands still tied this time to his back. The cage could hold 5 people but it only had 3, Jaune, a frightened boy, and his old teacher.

"Don, Don, wake up, please". Jaune crawled his way to Don and tried to wake him up, it didn't take much for the old man to open his eyes.

"Jaune?...Jaune! Boy, are you ok?!". Don said, his head was killing him but his concern over his mentee's safety was greater.

"I've been better". Jaune answered. He once again took a look at his surroundings. The camp was located inside a natural cave hidden behind a waterfall, a tunnel traveled deep into a mountain and it opened to a large dome area without a ceiling. The dome opened up to reveal the sky and the moon. It was the perfect hideout, hidden from both humans and Grimm alike, plenty of natural water and access to the sunlight during the day.

Around them, many cages were filled with the kidnapped faunus villagers, too many to be just from that one village. While they sat frightened, their bandit captors celebrated a successful hunt, some were guarding the camp and the prisoners while others just ate, drank, sang, cheered, and played cards.

"We gotta get out of here".

"Our hands are tied, there are dozens of people here and we are weaponless," Don remarked.

"Sounds like a challenge, right?". Jaune responded with a smile. But Don wasn't having any of it.

"It sounds pointless". Don answered. Jaune might have done it out of custom, but Don was not the same man he was, he hadn't been for a while now.

"Well, we have to try something!".

"And get ourselves, killed? Not a chance, kid. I already made you go through enough". Don answered.

Jaune was growing ever more frustrated with his mentor's attitude. "These people need us, Don!".

"No, they don't!" Don and Jaune locked eyes. The old man had grown nihilistic, all those speeches of heroism, that hopeful attitude and will to fight were gone now, the man had given up and accepted the grim reality of the world. "These people need Ludmila. These people need a true hero. They don't need a crazy useless old man and a kid playing to be something they are not!".

Jaune was stunned, was that it? After everything they have faced, was his mentor, the man he looked up to, was he just going to give up?

"Just sit down. There is nothing else to do".

"…There is nothing you want to do". Jaune responded.

"Kid..".

"No. I don't want to hear it". Not after all the trails they had gone through, the boy learned he just couldn't give up. "A kid playing hero? Is that what you think about me? Let me tell you something. I might be young, but I've seen how cruel this world can be, and I will not turn my back on the people that need me…She never did, and I can't do less".

There was a time Don felt the exact same way. His brother fought so hard to protect everyone he loved and everyone that needed him. How could he do less? But at that moment in that cage, Don just felt he could never do anything. "Then I'm glad you are a better man than I, boy. I guess I was wrong, these people do need you…they just can't count on this crazy old man".

The cage was hit aggressively. The two huntsmen turned immediately to see a tall young man with black hair, tanned skin, and deep blue eyes standing on the other side. "You, old man. Tell me your name".

"My name?".

"Yes, your name! Are you deaf?! Are you Dominique Cervantes?". The young man said.

Jaune and Don were surprised by his response. How did this man know Don's name? Stunned, Don could just nod in confirmation.

"Hehe. Cool…Let him out". The young man ordered the guards who promptly opened the cage and grabbed Don, much to his student's dismay.

"Hey! Wha-Let me go, you piece of…"

"Don! No! Let him go! Let him go!". Jaune stood up and tried to fight the bandits back, he managed to tackle one before the young blue-eyed bandit punched him in the stomach and made him drop to his knees.

"Jaune!".

"Don't play hero, jackass".

"Let-Let him go…".

The blue-eyed bandit hit him with his knee right in the nose. "Just stay down, moron. You two, take him to my grandfather".

"Don!".

"It's ok, lad. Stay there! Please don't hurt him! I'll cooperate, please!". Don pleaded.

The blue-eyed bandit couldn't help but chuckle. "Huh, who would have thought you were the smart one. Go on! What are you waiting for? Grandpa is waiting! Move!". He ordered and soon enough, the bandits took Don, leaving Jaune laying on the dirt of the cage.

---

The fight took 30 straight minutes but Don stood strong, even with 4 opponents fighting him at once. The young man was beaten and tired, but he was determined and he had managed to leave his opponents exhausted as well.

"Not, bad, Cervantes".

"I'm not going down. I have someone I must protect. For her…I'll become a huntsman!".

Herrera launched a new strike with her Scimitars, But Don was able to block her slashes and whistle in short rapid succession, making use of his semblance to disorientate her and strike her with his shield.

Almost immediately, Gutierrez brought his great sword down on him, but Don managed to evade it, spinning as if dancing in the battlefield, he managed to bypass his guard and slash him on the back.

Don planted his feet on the ground in time to block Ramirez's Warhammer, letting it slide to make her lose balance, he responded with two shield bashes that pushed her back.

Don stood exhausted, surrounded, and weaken, but he stood.

"Your aura must be almost gone by now. How much longer can you continue, eh?". Roberto asked, taunting the young hero.

The situation looked grim, if he wanted to reach his goal, Don had to end this quickly, he had to give it his all. His dream was withing arm's reach, he just needed one last push.

"It's pointless. You know it is. Don't be such a stubborn idiot…give up".

Those words again, "Give up". There were times in which he considered it, it pained him but there were times in which it just seemed like the world didn't want him to keep going. The more the world weighted his shoulders the more Don wondered if he should keep going, or if it was as Roberto said, pointless.

His opponents circled him; their weapons ready wanting blood. His aura was almost gone, using his semblance once more would deplete it completely, the situation looked hopeless. After all this time, failure was once again at his doorstep.

Don lowered his sight, putting his shield on his back and stowing his sword.

"Finally, a smart mo…" Roberto was about to say until the young man in front of him raised his arms, his fist, and his sight, the fire in his eyes was not extinguished.

Roberto smiled, he took the challenge, slammed his shield on the ground, and his students charged for one final strike.

Dominique Cervantes, brother of Miguel Cervantes, The Raging Wind. Brother-in-law of Margarita Cervantes, the daughter of the Mistralian martial arts temples. Uncle of Amatista Cervantes, the gem, the treasure of the future. Giving up was not an option for the dreamer.

Don evaded Herrera´s Scimitars, grabbed her writs, and used her momentum to move her to the side, right in the path of Ramirez's Warhammer. When the girl fell to the ground, one of her scimitars ended in Don's hand which he quickly used to slash Ramirez's arm and chest, he kicked her and made her fall. As the handle of the Warhammer dropped, Don caught it and swung the weapon, Gutierrez's greatsword slashed Don's back but the shield on him protected him, he spun and slammed Gutierrez before he could recover. He then dropped the Warhammer on Ramirez's chest, finishing her off.

Roberto couldn't believe his eyes. Don took down three of his best students in a single strike.

As the dust settled, Roberto saw in awe as the useless, dumb kid he once knew, stood with a smile on his face, his sword, and shield in hand.

"As long as I have a dream and someone to protect…" Don activated his spear, "I'll never give up!".

The young man charged. Roberto prepared himself for the impact. To his surprise, Don threw his spear like a javelin, striking his shield with force, however, because the spear wasn't attached to him, Roberto's semblance couldn't return the damage. Don quickly caught the spear in midair, the strike was a fake-out, he caught Roberto off guard and spun around him, bypassing his shied.

Don quickly put his spear's staff against Roberto's neck, climbing to his back.

"Gross! You are all sweaty!".

"You annoying little, shit!".

Roberto tried to get him off his back, but Don used all the aura he had left in one final whistle right into his ear.

"AHHHH!".

With that, Don jumped off and released his opponent, but Roberto was deep in a hallucination. He moved erratically and disorientated. In his vision, he saw multiple Dons, all with their spears ready and that smile, that smile that would make his enemies tremble.

Don charged, stabbing Roberto's shield twice, he managed to throw him off guard, and thanks to the hallucinations, Roberto couldn't make use of his semblance. The spear quickly got in between Roberto's legs and with a quick sweep, the pro huntsman was on the ground. As the hallucinations dissipated, Roberto saw his shield being kicked out of his reach, a spear being pointed at his face, and the bright smile of Dominique Cervantes, the dreamer knight.

"Stay…Down" Don said, exhausted, auraless, beaten but with a big smile. He was victorious. He managed to prove to himself he could do it; he could reach his dream.

That evening, Don ran free like the wind. He couldn't believe it. He was one step closer to making his dream a reality. He felt like the weight of the world suddenly left his shoulders. He felt free. He felt proud. He couldn't wait to tell the news to Miguel and his family, that all their hard work was finally paying off…but the world has a cruel sense of humor. Sometimes, life just has its ways of stepping on your dreams and push them far from your reach.

Don's smile vanished when at the distance, he saw the smoke cloud rise imponent. His mind went blank and he felt shivers in his entire body. It couldn't be…it couldn't be…but it was.

Don ran as fast as he could, dropping his weapon and his backpack, anything that could drag him down, there was no time to waste. He finally reached the burning windmill and without a second thought, he rushed in hoping for his family to be safe…but he only found ash and heartbreak.

"MIGUEL! MARGARITA!".

It took a few hours before the villagers arrived to help put out the fire. But by the time they arrived, they only found the young man on his knees. His heart became ash just like his home. His eyes were red and tears couldn't come out anymore. On his head was his dear brother's hat, his hero, his blood, his mentor, the man who gave up his dream to take care of him, who gave everything to help him achieve his goal, the nobleman who inspired him to be a better person and grow into a man who could be proud of his achievements. On his side was his sister in-law's flute, the sweet woman who showed him kindness, she raised him like a mother, she healed him when he was hurt, and her melodies always filled his heart with joy and hope. And on his arms, it was his niece, the treasure, the gem of the future, the princess of his brother's eyes.

Amatista was covered in ash, but the baby was still alive. She was all Don had left of his family. The baby was alone in this cruel world, and so was the young man carrying her.

The villagers tried to help him but Don was crushed. He didn't speak a word, he just stayed there without blinking. Just staring at the fires. The image of the burning windmill would come to haunt him for decades to come.

The days passed and Don's spirit remained shattered. His entire world burned that night. He spent days unable to sleep until finally, exhaustion took him down. He couldn't rest for long though, not when the baby began to cry and the only person she could count on was him.

A week after his loss, Don sat on his new porch, the villagers had given him a small house for him and Amatista, they owed it to his late brother. The young man sat with his eyes locked on his shield, his mind empty, just uncertainty and pain remained in his heart.

He was brought back to reality by a familiar voice.

"I'm sorry about your brother. He was a good man, better than most of us" Roberto said. Don however didn't respond, he just couldn't.

Roberto got closer to the broken man and handed over a letter to him.

"What's this?".

"Your recommendation. Take it to the main Kingdom and you can apply to a Huntsman Academy". Roberto said.

A huntsman academy, that letter…it was the key to his dream. But at that moment, Don just couldn't take it.

"I…".

"You earned it. I thought this is what you wanted".

Don got a faint smile after hearing those words, "I wanted it more than anything in this world…But I can't. My niece…she needs me". He said, sobbing through his words with a mix of regret, frustration, and sorrow.

Roberto understood completely. "Do what you think is right, Cervantes…But just keep in mind, that the world is cruel and unfair…and only those who stand in defiance to that can call themselves Huntsmen". He said, he left the letter next to Don and departed, leaving the young man alone with his thoughts.

That night after Don cradled Amatista to sleep, he went back outside and stared at the stars like he used to with his dear brother, the letter on his hand, he held it tightly. He had opened it and read it multiple times.

"Dominique Cervantes, letter of recommendation," The letter said.

Tears came back once more as he pushed the letter to his face in frustration.

"It's should have been me…You were a true hero, she was the kindest soul in Remnant and I'm just a useless idiot…Why?...We worked so hard and my dream is so close and still…I would trade it all for you to come back…Please…I don't know what to do…I just…I just…".

The wind blew and Don's attention was caught by the sound of Miguel's hat flowing into his shield. He slowly knelt and picked it, seeing the moon illuminate Rocinante's shiny metal bits. He caressed the shield, the weapon that gave him so much hope, the gift his brother left him to tell him those words that made his heart ignite, "I believe in you".

Don went back to the day his niece was born. His promise to his brother resonated in his soul. He promised to always be by her side, to protect her no matter what. That's the hero he wanted to become…and that was exactly what he was going to be.

Don ran to his workshop and with white paint, he drew on his shield his emblem, a burning windmill, a reminder of what he had lost and what he had to protect, to always remember that no matter how much the world kicked him, he will always stand strong in defiance to this cynical world.

He marched to his backyard and put on Miguel's hat, always carrying the legacy of his brother in his journey.

Don wanted nothing more than to become a huntsman. He wanted to be praised, he wanted glory and adventure…but that's not a hero. The hero he wanted to be was one who protected his loved ones no matter what. That baby, she was his world and he would stay by her side defending her for as long as he could stand, that was his resolve. He took the letter and ripped it to shreds. With sword and shield ready, he spent the rest of the night training to become his beloved niece's guardian angel.

That was the noble ideal of young Dominique Cervantes. A hero that would never give up to adversity and that would always be there for his dear Amatista, fulfilling the promise he made to late brother….So what changed? What happened to the noble young man he once was?

---

"The old man like you asked, Grandpa". The blue-eyed bandit said, dropping Don to the ground inside the biggest tent in the camp.

In front of him, an old man sat in the shadows, he took a deep breath from an oxygen tank. "Leave us, Reinaldo".

Reinaldo vowed to his grandfather and took his men with him, leaving Don alone with the boss of the White Moon tribe.

Don was still confused; how did they know his name. He couldn't make up the man's face but his voice sent chills to his spine, it was as if his past had finally caught up to him and he was about to pay for all his sins.

The old man rolled over Don's shield which landed to show the burning windmill emblem on it. "Hehehe. To think I would find you here, after all these years. Playing hero in the woods. When was the last time you were home? Last I heard…it's been too long".

The voice…the more he heard the more frightened Don got, his eyes were wide and cold sweat ran on his neck. He lifted his sight, now noticing the mirror shield behind the old man.

The wheelchair moved forward towards the light and Don could clearly see the face of the White Moon bandit lord.

"All these years running from your past. But I told you…You can't escape from who you are, Cervantes".

"Ro…Roberto".

---

Author's note:

Thank you all for reading. Sorry, it took this long, but I finally got a new chapter ready.

For a bit of lore, Roberto Celestino and Reinaldo Celestino are based on the Knight of Mirrors and his fake nose squire from Don Quixote. The knight of mirrors was also known as the knight of the white moon, hence the name of his bandit tribe.

The meaning of Rocinante's name is actually the real explanation of Don Quixote's horse name. The name is actually a pun, a rocin is both an old, skinny, and sick workhorse and a moron. Don Quixote put the word "ante" on the name which roughly translates to "before" or "prior", the problem is that he used it as a suffix, and when you do that "ante" refers to someone that does an action, as a result, Don Quixote wanted to say that the horse was a former rocin and now a noble steed but ended up calling it "He who does a moronic thing". I like to think that Spanish is a dead language in Remnant, which is why Grandpa Cervantes got the meaning wrong and so did Miguel and Don.

Thanks for reading and like always, any feedback is highly appreciated it.