Chapter 3: Prologue T

I was alone in this world with no family to begin with. I was left as a baby on the steps of an monastery being only found with my wailing. The monastery was in afar region of Vacuo being seperated from anybody.

I was raised under the guidelines of the Masters who lived here. We were raised to hone our bodies and minds to reach a state of enlightenment.

For the training part I liked kept me with something to do but the meditating and other junk I really could care less about.

I spent most days running around pulling pranks with other acolytes who were like me orphans left here, parents died in Grimm attacks or found on the streets. We all formed a type of brotherhood amongst ourselves. It was four of us me, Nave, Lim and Marn we always got scolded by the Masters afterwards with deep prayer for hours or cleaning the temple floors.

Lim was the oldest of the four of us usually telling really dirty or inappropriate joke. He kept our spirits up and made sure everyone was alright before the day was over.

Marn was the youngest she was quiet and didn't really speak too loud with her soft voice. She was the little sister of the group so we all did our best to protect her from anyone.

Nave and I was about the same age more or less he was like a brother to me even if not related by blood. He may not of been the best in anything but he worked the hardest out of anyone to keep up with everyone not wanting to be left behind.

All four of us got into trouble a lot growing up but even with the trouble we caused we excelled in certain aspects of the temple. Lim even with his crude humor was a star pupil of the entire monastery with what seemed like skills that left him unrivaled among his age group. Marn while not good with physical work she was wise ahead of her years she studied the scrolls as if it was not much to her and seemed to understand secrets that even the Masters haven't mastered until later in their lives. Nave and I were no slouches either being trained and extra training with Lim we gave even senior disciples a hard time fighting us. Nave probably worked harder than I did but everything with training came easier to me compared.

Life was going good then a tiny incident occurred. While in a sparring lesson Nave got hurt by a jealous senior real bad they said it was an accident but we both knew it was because they were jealous of how strong we were. I can say in that moment I was about to go off on them but Nave stopped me. "It's not worth it brother it's not that bad anyway." He groaned as he cradled his arm. I helped him up and started making our way to get him treatment when I heard one of the senior make one snide comment that took it too far for me. "I wonder what kind of animal his mother must've been to leave her little kitten on our doorstep?" I looked at back and saw them laughing.

I knew they were making fun of me being a Faunus they always did but I never minded it but this time they made fun of my mother. I never knew what kind of person my mother was but seeing how if it was her that left me here she must've thought she couldn't have given me a life I deserved and left me here out of love and not because I was a pain for her it's what I hoped and believed in. I gave another Acolyte to help Nave out the room and began walking back to those laughing about her calling her names I didn't want to repeat.

I heard Nave call my name but didn't stop walking up to them all I could see was red. When I made it in front of them. I looked at all of them in the eyes and they looked back at me. "What do you want little kitty cat?" I frowned deeply but took a deep breath and said a mantra to myself to calm my nerves a bit. "This disciple would like to spar with his senior is all maybe you can help me learn more about the style of the Four Points." I bowed with sincerity. He scoffed and agreed. "Well at least you know who your betters are. Sure i'll show you where you are lacking and teach you the true way of the Four Points."

We separated from the group and everyone stopped their own sparsa to watch. Marn even came out her library to come watch. We both assumed our stances and waited for Master Shen Pin to give the go. "I want no more accidents Vance am I understood?" The Senior nodded his head but knowing him I knew he wouldn't obey what he was told. But with how I was in my own head right now. I knew that only one thing would make him learn to not mess with my Brother ever again.

Master Shen Pin raised his fist then struck the gong and that was the signal to begin. Vance dashed at me at fast speeds and unleashed a flurry of fists at me. I blocked them all as if they were moving in slow motion. I swung twice he dodged easily. I knew I didn't have much speed like him but he knew my strength was something to be feared. I sprinted towards him and he entered a defensive Turtle stance. He probably was used to fighting physically weaker opponents but I took pride in my strength. "Gale Wolf Howl!" I used the best technique at my level to breakthrough his defense. Forming my hands in a claw destroying his guard then assaulting his face and arms. I stepped into a kick to his chest and he countered with a punch to my jaw which I barely felt my aura protected me from the blow. When we separated he clutched his chest feeling winded. His feet looking shaking from the blows to his face. I made sure to connect to his chin rattling his brain. I entered one of the stances that were levels higher than my rank the Master noticed and tried to stop me but I was to fast. I knew several moves ahead of my level in the Temple because of Marn showing me techniques in the scrolls at the library.

The stance was a form of the Lion which I funny enough being a lion Faunus felt easy to master multiple moves from. My aura flared orange as if flames surrounded me. "Lion's Comet!" I dashed at speeds faster than my own and swept his legs leaving him off balance and as I struck him I heard a crack as he tried to block it with his arms. My blow sent him flying across the room and he hit the wall in a cloud of dust. My breathing fast and short I looked down as my fist as it was shiny and hard to the touch as if my hand became metal when I opened my hand after examining it; It turned back to normal.

When the dust settled Vance was on the floor unconscious but his left arm was clearly broken. Master Shen Pin checked to see how he was and I can tell he was still alive just knocked out. He looked at me with rage and shook his head. "Everyone leave now and go to your rooms. NOW!" He yelled we all went fast back to our rooms upon leaving the group of seniors who were teasing kept their distance when I glared at them. I knew they didn't want to end up like their "Leader". "Hey you three." They jumped when they heard me they all turned to me one clearly shaking. "Mess with Nave again and there's more where that comes from." They all didn't say anything as I went back to my room.

Later that day I was called to receive my punishment from the Elders of the Temple. I knew what to expect I had snuck and learned moves that were ahead of my level which was taboo and injured another student as well. I kept my head down in shame. The four elders sat in front of me from left to right it was:

Elder Wu a elderly man in his sixties light tone in skin. His age showing in his face and hair as it was near white with piercing blue eyes. He wore black temple attire and was stroking his beard while looking at me.

Elder Ma Zhu a woman in her forties with long brown hair markings under her eyes and on her forehead her eyes blazing red. She was a beauty but with a stern look on her face always. She wore a dark red temple attire.

Elder Long Ba a hefty set man with a belly that look like he never missed a meal in his life. He was also in his forties breathing deeply through his nose his eyes always squinted to where you can't tell where he was looking but somehow always knew where you were. Wearing a light green temple robe.

And finally Elder Bai Hu the youngest of the four appearing around in his thirties. He had short white hair despite his age. He was a prodigy becoming the youngest to reach his status which deemed him to become an Elder even at his age considering. He looked at me with not disapproval but neither approval of my being before them. He wore a clean white temple attire.

"I Junior Topaz am ready to receive punishment for my actions this day Elders." No one spoke when I finished they seemed to either be thinking of a punishment or waiting to me to continue. Elder Long Ba was first to speak.

"Hmmmm what to do with you young Topaz? You have been with us since you were just a babe but still you break the rules time and time again." Elder Ma Zhu interjected. "Yes he disobeys and seems to sleep more in my meditation classes than clear his mind we can't dismiss he is a talented pupil. He works harder than all his peers and most of his seniors a rare diamond in the rough indeed." Her voice was sweet and filled with praise which warmed my heart until Elder Wu spoke.

"He may be talented but it is for that very reason we can't let him be above punishment. As an example to all his other peers we must pass a punishment on to him." Elder Bai then spoke. "True he did learn techniques ahead of time but he only fought to stop the jeers of certain seniors who from what I was told said choice comments that would anger any boy his age. While his actions and how he chose to pursue them are not in the right every boy has the obligation to defend his mother's honor even if he never met her." I looked at him and saw a slight smile on his face.

"Bai Hu you only say that because you took that boy in as your own as if he was your own son. You show him favoritism and that clouds your judgement the boy is now fifthteen and should know with every action there is an reaction." Old man Wu was on a roll and was making valid points. Elder Bai Hu was the one you taught me how to write and read. He was the closest thing to a father I had in my life.

"And we can't forget it seems young Topaz semblance emerged in the fight from what other students saw they witnessed his fist turn to metal dealing a even more devastating blow to his senior." Elder Wu continued with his point. He wasn't wrong ever since earlier in the fight when I focus my aura and relax my entire right arm can turn into metal. It was awesome I always wondered how my body could endure the training I put it through.

I looked up at the Elders and stood my ground. "I will accept any punishment as long as it is only I who takes full blame my actions and how all have been revealed." The Elders all remained silent. Elder Bai Hu had a face or pride I was displaying a true virtue of a resident of the Temple of the Four Points.

Elder Ma Zhu seemed to study me as if looking deep into my character searching for my intentions. I meant every word I said and she seemed satisfied with a smirk on her face.

Elder Long Ba his eyes always small I couldn't tell if he was awake or asleep most times and this was one of them. Until he exhaled deeply and let out a large yawn. Clearly growing tired as the day was coming to a close.

It was Elder Wu who spoke at last. "So you will take full responsibility then tell me young Topaz how was it you learned a Lion technique when you do not have access to that part of the Temple Library?"

My heart skipped Marn had showed me where the techniques were and I sneaked into that part and learned as much as I could before morning and the watchers did their rounds. I looked across all of them I was not one to sell out my siblings so I told the truth but also a lie to protect Marn.

"Elders this disciple grew impatient with how he was not moving up in the rankings learning more. I am already ahead of my peers and most of my seniors and I train the hardest harder than anyone." Elder Wu took great offense to these statement. "Who are you young one to try and go behind our backs to learn moves too advanced to you for a reason. Years of training and meditation are needed to properly use what you learned we are not training warriors but defenders of our way of life here. You must first master all skills of one form in your rank before…." "I already learned and mastered all of my rank skills!" I shouted over him tired of his badgering. The Elders looked at me in shock. Elder Ma Zhu spoke first. "What did you say just now?"

The cat is out of the bag might as well. "I mastered all the Wolf, Fox, Deer and Dog forms. I have done so since seven months ago. I snuck into the Library during that time and learned what I could for a week straight before almost being caught by a Watcher one night but I already learned more than enough."

The Elders were stunned never before has someone my age learned and mastered all the skills at my age of sixteen. They probably assumed I was lying but I was not one known for lying. Elder Wu seemed to be seething with rage. "He lies it's impossible for one so young to master all these foams and truly get their meaning. It's simply impossible." Elder Bai Hu held his hand up with his eyes closed and then dropped it.

When he opened his eyes I swore for a moment I saw pride in his eyes? Something I only saw rarely when he was with me alone asking about my day or helping me understand a teaching in a scroll. "Show us your skill Topaz prove you have truly mastered all of your rank teachings."

I bowed and got into my form. For the next what seemed like hours I went through all the forms techniques and movements that was in my rank there had to be at least over 1000 of basic movements and those movements go into the special moves that when combined with our aura are devastating blows.

Once I was finished I was drenched in sweat worn out and barely able to stand but I was not lying I truly learned everything and perfected each one.

Elder Long Ba eyes actually opened. His eyes were shining green and looked at me with real interest. "The boy does not lie he has surpassed all his peers at his age. No wonder his seniors have problems beating him I always assumed it was because of his physical strength but that seems not the case." The was high praise for Long Ba I never realized he noticed so much when I swore in his classes he would let his train what we are lacking in and he would sleep.

Elder Bai Hu looked at me impressed. "How much of the next ranks have you learned?" He asked. I was shy at this point I can feel his praise radiating while I was displaying my skill.

"I learned five moves of the Lion, three from the Turtle and one each from the Phoenix and the Dragon." Elder Wu was without words. Ma Zhu was laughing quite loudly echoing in the hall. "The boy is practically a Young Master in skills alone. He still lacks in his spiritual training but his skills are real. But boy you must've had time to learn the Tiger skills why have you not learned a single one compared to the difficult Dragon?" I was intrigued about her question and answered honestly. "Had difficulty with the Tiger skills for some reason. No matter how long I tried I could never unlock their secrets." Ma Zhu seemed interested for a reason and looked over to Bai Hu. "So the Lion having trouble with Tiger moves seems like your favorite has trouble with your style little Hu." She teased at Elder Bai Hu he looked at here and coughed at the nickname. I laughed a bit "Little Hu? Must be an old nickname he had when he was younger. I straightened up when he looked at me. "Well be that as it may it still is amazing that he has progressed this much on his own." He stated clearly picking and staying on my side.

Old man Wu kept his stance on me firm. "He still needs to be punished no matter what. If that being the case a Master level injured a young senior because of an grudge I don't know how other Masters will react to this and that will bring discourse which will invite negative thoughts and we all know what that will bring." Long Ba rubbed his belly as a note of agreement. "Then do we kill him then? To keep the peace? But I'm sure there are people who who live here and currently present who will disagree sharply to that statement." He looks over at Elder Bai Hu who I just realized had a fist balled up. For how long I can not say but he slowly released it and seemed to calm down.

Ma Zhu eyes shined with a glint of mischievousness. "Then how about this let him leave this temple." We all stared at her. Long Ba had a chuckle stuck in his throat. "You mean to send him off on a pilgrimage?"

Bai Hu stroke his chin. "Hmm He would be away from the temple finding himself and helping those who need it." "Helping others? Like a Huntsman?" I let out before going back to remain silent. Bai Hu smiled again at me. Old man Wu still had a frown but he seemed to be loosing up a bit. "He can return after he calms the rage that lies deep in his heart." I knew what the old man was trying to do or well was trying to do. For some reason the old man wanted me gone either because of my skill or what I don't know but right now I am not strong enough to fight him on this. If I made an attempt I'm sure the other Elders maybe not Bai Hu will help him that's not including all the masters here in the Temple.

I was being banished from the only home I ever had. But deep down within myself I knew I wanted to free myself from this place and see the outside world.

Elder Bai Hu knew what he was doing but showing more help would put him in compromise as well and with him gone who would look after my siblings? No I would shoulder this burden alone. "I will accept this pilgrimage Elders. My anger has been in my heart since I can remember. I will not return until I learn to move with it and not let it control me." I bowed to them and stood up looking at them all.

Ma Zhu seemed impressed she possibly saw the intention but glad I made my choice. I think she's more glad she didn't have to kill me if I attacked after all that thought was second in my mind. Long Ba looked sad surprisingly he always did things at his own pace so his expression just now was not what I expected. The one who looked the most hurt and did his best to hide it from the others was Bai Hu. He held his composure but the old man was like gentle bird. I remember when I climbed the tallest tree in the Temple and fell off a branch he caught me and scolded me for doing something so stupid and causing him to worry so much. I knew this was hard for him as well for me. Old man Wu seemed content with my decision. I was leaving the temple for an long period of time and he had one less troublemaker to deal with. I turned around and took my leave to pack the necessary supplies to begin my long journey.

I went back to my room and upon entering I saw Nave, Marn, and Lim sitting on the floor clearly waiting for me to come back after being gone so long.

"So what happened how long you have to be cleaning the temple floors for small cat?" Lim joked with a half smile on his face. Marn looking worried as ever and Nave just staring. I looked at them all and held my head down.

"I won't be cleaning, reflecting or anything of that sort. I'm leaving the Temple." They were shocked at the revelation. I continued and told them what happened. How they asked how I knew the skills, the lie I told to protect Marn and told them that I always wanted to see the outside world and this seemed to be it.

Nave kicked and broke the nearby desk. "This isn't fair why you? We've all been troublemakers since the beginning and now they kick you out for beating up a bully and being ahead of the curve that's not fair." Lim put his hand on his shoulder. "I know this is far beyond a fair punishment. Topaz did break the rules but to kick you out when clearly your are the most talented person in this temple is ridiculous. Even I only mastered two Turtle and Tiger Techniques and I was called ahead of my time for my age." Lim had a smile on his face when he looked at me. "Gotta say I'm impressed my little brother outshined me." I couldn't help but smile hearing him say that. "I just did my best to follow your example." Marn had taken it the worst. "But you're leaving because of me so if I took responsibility for helping you maybe they can let you stay?" I knew she felt guilty about it and I wanted nothing else but to keep her safe. "No I made my choice what's done is done. If you come out now they might throw you out with me or worse punish you in a different way when you are not being punished at all. No Marn you keep it to yourself I'll shoulder it for the both of us." I patted her maroon hair and her red eyes dried from the tears looking back up at me. Nave punched me in my arm and we looked at each other. "You better come back you hear me? Don't go dying out there to some Beowulf or whatever else might be out there. Couldn't forgive this world if it took you from me too." We smashed our fists together as hard as we could our pact we made to test each other strength and a sign of our friendship.

After they left I began packing when someone came knocking at my door. I opened it and saw Elder Bai Hu standing there his Hazel eyes looking at me with worry but pride as he walked in. We stood there looking at each other for several minutes before I spoke up. "I don't blame you Elder this is all my fault and my burden to bare." He held his hand up to stop me from talking. "I have been raising you since we found you on our temple steps. A young Faunus baby crying so loud that is was as if the temple was having an earthquake. Your lion ears on the top of your head and your golden eyes brighter than the sun. I knew you was something special the day I saw you." He told me that story before how I was found but never this personal from his perspective. "I am ashamed of myself. I should've done more to change your punishment but Elder Wu was right my…..affection for you clouds my judgement and my duty to the Temple." I understood what he was saying he couldn't show favoritism to a single student it would be unfair for others. "I get it you need to look out for everyone here be a leader." Bai Hu seemed hurt by my statement maybe because he knew it was true what I said. "Wu is afraid of you Topaz. This is the truth of his harsh punishment of you." That was confusing why would Elder Wu be afraid of me? I was nobody but an acolyte and he was afraid of me? "Why is he afraid of me?" Bai Hu looked away. He removed several things from the sleeves of his robes and dropped them on my bed. They were scrolls several of them it seemed like and then he turned back at me. "You are strong Topaz. You learned our skills faster than anyone has before you. You have a potential that no one else has and a work ethic second to none the only one that compares to skill is Lim and a few seniors and work ethic Nave seems to do everything to stay on par with you in strength you two are rivals but brothers first." He smiled probably thinking of the past how he would scold the four of us and teach us when he could and had the time. "Wu knows this and believes that in a few years you will surpass him in strength so he sends you out into the world hoping you either get too hurt to pose a threat to him or die and never return." The way he spoke I felt he wasn't talking about me. "Bai Hu who else have been sent on these 'pilgrimages'?" He looked at me and lifted his robe exposing his chest. Revealing a large three clawed jagged scar going from his left shoulder to his right rib cage. "I was eighteen when I was sent on mine I had learned faster than my peers too like you. During my third second year I was helping a village with a Grimm infestation along with some Huntsmen. During which I got gravely injured bedridden for months. After which my breathing became hard after a few serious movements. My fighting capabilities got severely impacted and I returned to the Temple and I was accepted back even with this handicap because I was no longer a threat to the Elder." I was in shock Elder Bai Hu was just like me ahead of his time but his potential was snuffed short because he wasn't ready for the world and got hurt because of it. No he had his brightest future taken from him by that old man. I raged deeply inside my aura flaring like an inferno. Elder Bai Hu took a few steps back from the heat I was radiating. I could never forgive him Elder Wu had did this to him and trying to do it to me until something came across my mind. I released my rage and looked at Elder Bai Hu. "How many others? How many did this happen to before you?" He looked at me with eyes that told me the answer even though he didn't say it.

Too many.

He walked up and embraced me holding on to me tight as if I was made of air. Like this was the last time we would see each other for a very long time. "I will protect your siblings while you are gone but promise me something Topaz? Promise me you will return and stay safe. I…..care for you as if you were like a son to me." I looked at him and hugged him back. "You are the closest thing to a father I ever had. I will return stronger than ever and change things here I promise that." I smiled and he nodded his head. He also dropped a satchel on my bed and turned back to me. "These scrolls are copies I made for you they are more teachings and techniques of the four main styles. Dragon, Turtle, Tiger and Phoenix I also have two of the Lion school knowing you have an affinity for it. Train hard and focus on your training your mind must be sharp as well as your body so never slack off. I recommend going to Vale there is a bit safer than these lawless lands. Atlas will be hard for you so I would avoid that kingdom for now. So will Mistral and their dark dealings and underworld." Elder continued giving me advice for hours as I packed.

I appreciated it and during those hours I took everything to heart and memorized it. I would miss these moments where he would impart his wisdom to me.

As I walked to the gate of the Temple I took one last look behind me and with a heavy heart I began walking out I didn't know how long I would be gone but I knew one thing.

When I return I was going to give all the acolytes who lost their lives or futures to Elder Wu schemings their vengeance.

As the sun began to rise to a new day I had another thought in my head.

"I wonder what this world has in store for me?"