Chapter 9

Remnant's True Dragon

*Clank*

As Mikhail closed the door of his and Dusk's home, he let a deep sigh out. He opened his eyes, a solemn and bedeviled air was around, and he began to walk.

Five years already passed, since he was brought to Kusanagi and since the Grimm attack almost destroyed the village.

But taking a look at it, while walking through the streets of this placed, brought a smile on his face.

Despite the destruction happened in this place, it looked as new, no, even better. But there was also some bitterness in it. People died, at least not many as the populace feared, but yet some lost their lives…..

Kusanagi recovered quickly, through the many Huntsmen and Huntresses that took a liking to this place and through their and Dusk's and Auburn's connection, the village was quickly back to normality…..well not completely…..People lost their family, friends and lovers but despite this tragedy, no one broke down…

Such as the will of the strongest village outside the walls.

This place was truly signal of hope. Despite tragedy, it recovered, and not many villages could have done it.

But back to Mikhail…

As he walked down the street he thought of many thinks, mostly of the deal he made with Dusk and Auburn.

After he saved the village, he still stayed in it, despite his urge to find Zero. He was young and dumb, but not foolish, to let people who were vulnerable to their cruel fate.

When a couple of months passed, the young dragon wanted to leave, but was stopped by Dusk. Both of them had a heatedly discussion and in the end he couldn't argument with her nor could be brought reason to deny her wish.

The deal he made with was simple and yet hard to accomplish. Mikhail must learn about Remnant, about its continent, its places, its cultures, cities, inhabitants and history.

He also had to learn to craft, built, smith and repair weapons, as he should do something to earn money despite fighting bandits and Grimm, which he somehow took more pleasure. Why? He didn't know.

Dusk wanted him to survive in this world, where he was foreign and different. He was a dragon, and they now believed him, but that didn't mean that others would take an interest in him…or rather how he would tick…

The young dragon was on the brink to deny it, but Dusk and Auburn promised him, to use their connections over the world to find Zero as long he would study.

Seeing how eager and serious they were about the subject, his safety, he gave in and accepted.

Speaking of Remnant, this world was certainly different and yes, he knew that he was in a different world. Deep within himself he felt it.

The four kingdoms of Remnant are Vale, Vacuo, Atlas and Mistral. Each of the kingdoms have their own distinct culture. For example, Atlas is known for its martial nature and technological advancement, and Vacuo for its rough-and-tumble lifestyle.

Vale and Vacuo are located on the continent called Sanus. Mistral is on the continent of Anima. Atlas is on the continent of Solitas. Vytal is the name of the island to the north of Vale. Other known landmasses include Menagerie, for one the Kingdom of Faunus for others, especially faunus, a disgrace and eyesore for their race.

In Remnant as well, all living creatures possess a soul, the physical manifestation of which is known as Aura: a form of innate energy that bestows its user with certain abilities and powers. Unique expressions of these abilities which are specific to individuals are known as Semblances. Remnant is populated by two intelligent species - humanity and Faunus, a race of human-animal hybrids.

Legend states that mankind was born from dust into a hostile world, forced to battle for survival against soulless creatures of darkness known as the Grimm. However, man discovered a power that would help them combat the forces of darkness; they named their newly discovered power, Dust, after that from which they were formed. Armed with Dust, described as "Nature's Wrath", mankind was able to turn the tide against the Grimm.

But Mikhail knew that is wasn't true. Mankind was made…

Dust is a source of energy in Remnant. The physical properties of Dust make it incredibly useful for a variety of purposes, particularly in the weapons of many characters in the series.

The name "Dust" is implied to be a reference to the primordial state from which mankind was born.

Mikhail experimented often with Dust, since it was similar to Maso/Mana in crystallized form. But against Mana/Maso it was nothing.

However, through their resourcefulness and ingenuity, humanity managed to discover and harness a source of this power in order to battle the Grimm.

The advent of Dust became the turning point in the war. After mankind drove back the Grimm and built civilizations, Dust became essential into everyday life within Remnant.

Despite its widespread use and prevalence in society, humanity has yet to understand the origins or the implications of their involvement with Dust. But Mikhail understood it…..Dust was alive and more…but this information was something he didn't share, even with Dusk and Auburn. The origin of Dust was something, which mankind and faunus were not ready to known, bless his heritage of beings who were old as time itself. But it was clear for Mikhail…he felt the same animosity for Grimm when having Dust close to him…..

And with animosity, he means the urge to destroy or devour it…..

Boy was it funny when people saw him, easily eating Dust, without him being blown up.

But for now…..

While the shroud of darkness dwindled a bit, mankind was able to build civilization and spread throughout the world. The mining of Dust would continue to be a major industry, leading to the rise of large enterprises such as the Schnee Dust Company. He heard from them from Dust. The bitterness in her voice, wasn't hard to miss or too ignore, since the once faunus and human friendly company, built by Nicolas Schnee, was now thrown into the mud by his son in law, Jaques Schnee, who married into the family. Mikhail was beyond disgust, when he heard about this man's methods from faunus who once worked for the Schnees.

But now for humanity and faunus…..

While surviving the Grimm menace, humanity began to turn against itself, spiraling into a series of self-destructive conflicts. The largest of these was the Great War, fought over issues of individualism and self-expression. Conflict also arose between the humans and the subjugated Faunus, eventually sparking the Faunus Rights Revolution.

In the modern day, most people live within the four Kingdoms; Vale, Mistral, Atlas and Vacuo. Through a combination of human tenacity and the use of natural barriers, these settlements managed to survive and are regarded as "safe havens" and "beacons of hope" for humanity. However, small villages and nomadic communities do exist outside of the territories of the main kingdoms, though they are noted as being far more susceptible to Grimm attacks. This serves to emphasize that Remnant is not a particularly welcoming world to humans and Faunus.

After the Great War, Huntsman Academies were created to train Huntsmen and Huntresses, warriors whose sole purpose was to combat the Grimm using a combination of powerful weapons, Aura, and Dust. In doing so, they protect those who cannot protect themselves from the dangers of Remnant, such as Auburn and Dusk.

Remnant has a vibrant culture owing to the diversity of its inhabitants. Each of the four kingdoms has a unique identity and this distinctive character is encouraged by events such as the Vytal Festival, where the people of Remnant gather to celebrate their cultures. Mikhail was beyond livid, when he learned about that. He was also pretty known in the village for his love to music, dances, acts and festivals.

Also given the importance of huntsmen and huntresses in mankind's continued existence, part of this celebration also includes a combat tournament between students of the Kingdoms' respective academies.

He actually wanted to go to the Festival, but unfortunately Dusk forbid it despite his disdain he couldn't say anything, since he agreed to the deal…..

….A significant part of Remnant's worldwide culture is the practice of naming children after colors.

During the Great War, attempts by tyrannical oppressors to limit individualism and self-expression were met by a violent backlash from the populace. In response to persecutors' attempts to destroy art, people began to name their children after a fundamental element of art and color, sending the message that the next generation would also fight to prevent the destruction of their individuality.

After the end of the War and the defeat of this subjugation, the practice continued into the present day, and virtually all citizens of Remnant have names derived from colors. He was lucky that his name was a color name, too. Since it means 'The one who is like god, or the divine one, it could be associated with the colors white or gold.

But there was also something in this world, which caused bitterness within Mikhail, the not-dying discrimination of Faunus. There is a significant amount of discrimination towards Faunus in Remnant even now. Since the Faunus War, in which they gained freedom by law, Faunus' have continued to face discrimination and exploitation from humans. Mikhail wasn't a stranger to discrimination. He himself faced it, several times, in form of fear and hatred.

Dragons were the most powerful beings in his home world, meaning that many sentient beings feared them, since his brethren see in every being that is not dragon, nothing but scum and a slave. While he harbored ill feelings towards wyverns, which were more animals than dragons, he, despite being from the draconic race, loved humans and demi-humans slash Faunus.

But since he couldn't say around, that he was a dragon in the form of a human, he played the role of a reptile Faunus. His slit pupils and long sharp teeth were pretty much enough to fool them. And for that he was pretty much often exposed to racism through outsiders, which he ignored it, as long they weren't attacking…..

But living in this village, pretty much everyone, who heard and saw from him, weren't brave enough to attack him.

But back to the Faunus….

After the Faunus Rights Revolution, the White Fang was founded as a symbol of peace and unity between the Faunus and Humans. However, mankind continued to discriminate against them, prompting the White Fang to become the voice of the Faunus. Currently leading it was a man named Ghira Belladonna, who Mikhail admired for his strength and iron will. After he would leave Kusanagi, he would join them, in hope to help Faunus and also to find some clues on Zero.

Their activities consist of nonviolent political protests with such tactics as mass rallies and boycotts of organizations that discriminated against Faunus in any way. Unfortunately with….rather unsatisfying results.

XXX

As Mikhail continued to stroll on the streets, he was greeted by the villages with smiles and hand waves.

"Hey Mikhail."

"Hey!"

"Hi!"

"How is it going?"

He was quite well known and liked. Well certainly for rescuing the village and helping to rebuild it.

As the young dragon ended the talk with the people he saw, that the food store was already open. As it was entered, he was already greeted by the owner.

"Morning Mikhail my boy. Up this early?"

A nod followed "Yes, Master sent me to retrieve some edibles." He took something out of his pockets "Here."

The shopkeeper took it, red everything up and nodded "Of course, but can you come later, some of those things will be delivered soon."

"Of course." He nodded and bowed in grateful manner and turned around.

"By the way, Mikhail."

He turned around "Yes?"

"My rifle, Bessy, needs some maintenance and I think something is not right with the chamber if…." The shopkeeper was interrupted by and raised hand.

"When I come back, I will take a look on it."

Hearing this, caused the elderly man to smile "Thank you, I understand that you and little Dusk have much to do, but still thank you."

Mikhail nodded; a pleasant smile decorated his face as he turned around. But it wouldn't last long when he heard the next sentence of the keeper.

"You are a blessing for us and Kusanagi."

The young dragon stopped on his track, the back facing the elderly man and not seeable to him, the smile from Mikhail turned into a bitter scowl…

'I don't think so…' He thought and left the shop.

Another chapter! Hope you like it.

Also vote for the new poll.

'Which weapon should Mikhail have?'

Questions? PM me!

Sorry for the delay, unfortunately some things happened in my life…..

I can't promise to update soon