AN: Writing young Cinder has been one of my favorite characters to write, the contrast between anger and naivety is always fun to write.

Also thank you everyone for nearly getting this fic to 200 Followers, that's an insane number for my first ever RWBY fic. You guys are amazing, and i can't wait to take you all on this journey that i have planned for this fic, and also thank you for leaving all your reviews, i personally read every single one even if i don't respond to them!

You guys are amazing, and i hope everyone has a good rest of the week!

Cinder woke up. not fearing the day ahead of her, not hungry or really anything wrong. She woke up normally and in peace. She turned her head to read the alarm clock sitting on her new nightstand. The time read 4:30.

Cinder let out a sigh. She didn't feel tired, in fact she felt more awake then ever before. It's been nearly a week since the soldiers came, arrested madame, and ended that horrible part of her existence, however it seem her body refuses to get on with the times. Cinder just laid on her bed and stared at the ceiling.

Five minutes. That all it took from what she heard. Five minutes to end her constant years of pain. A part of her felt like she should be angry, disgruntled that something like her horrible life was all needed by a five-minute fix.

But she was so happy. Genuinely so happy that she was free to even care about semantics such as that. She was free, that's all that mattered.

She was now in the care of the kingdom of Atlas, and they will look after here while they try to find her foster parents, a new stable home so they can nurture her correctly to be an upstanding citizen of Atlas.

She… she still didn't know how to feel about that. Cinder didn't believe that all parents are evil or cruel, but she currently had a track record of 0 to 2 and she didn't want to make it even worst. She's perfectly fine being alone. Being alone this past week, not having to do endless list of chores, having her neck be free from the ensnaring of that collar. Those things are what made her feel so happy. She didn't need new parents to achieve that.

Cinder quietly got up and got herself ready for the day, fixing her bed and getting dressed. Gone where the raggedy white tunic and black pants, now she was wearing… A white T-shirt with black pants. Well, they were comfortable at least and that was all that mattered. Cinder quietly locked her new bedroom door and stepped out into the busy hallways of the atlas academy.

Atlas was a vastly interesting place. The single academy not only served as for the new school of huntresses and huntsman, but it also was the hub for the Kingdom of Atlas's military. It was very common to see middle-aged adults wearing atlas military uniforms in the same space as academy students. What amazed her most was just how organized everyone was, they always go from one place to the next with no down time. Cinder was very used to having to wait for people to move out of their spots so she can finally clean and be done with her day.

Cinder made her way to one of the many training rings, it was too early for her upcoming meeting with General Ironwood, what the most important man in Atlas wanted with her, she didn't know. As she walked through the hallways, she felt calm. It felt so weird that she could just go and exist wherever she pleased. No one here expects her to do anything, no one wanted her to do anything besides whatever she wanted to do.

Oh, the food! Dear the gods the food was so plentiful and immaculate! Cinder never ate so much like she did the first evening, Clover, the nice soldier who helped her, said that it was a simple beef stew that was common in Atlas. Cinder never had it once in her entire life, but when she did it was probably the tastiest thing she ever tasted. The meet, the vegetables, the way the flavors all impacted her at once. It was divine. Cinder ate nearly three entire bowls of that stew before she went to bed that night.

When she woke up, she was immediately sick and felt like she was going to throw up everything. The other nice soldier, Tortuga, took her took her to one of the Atlas doctors and said that her stomach shrunk, and that she needed to watch how much she ate for a little while. The doctor gave her a bunch of pills that she needs to take so she can feel better.

It felt nice for the people in charge to care about her for once.

Cinder shook her head, dispelling those memories and made her way into one of the training rooms of Atlas academy. Cinder always felt in awe as she inspected the clean neon blue walls. She remembered when the nice soldier, Clover, should her how it worked. How the room can transfigure and transform itself to whatever the user needed it to be.

It was perhaps the coolest thing Cinder had ever seen in her life. Cinder didn't exactly know about technology that well, so to her it felt like something she would read out of a sci-fi book, whenever she was allowed to read anything, of course.

Cinder made her way to one of the side walls where a bunch of training weapons were hung up, ready to be used. Cinder grabbed two identical swords and inspected them. In the rush of everything that's been happening for a week, she lost the sword Rhodes gave to her, lost in that insufferable storage closet she called a room.

No matter Cinder thought to herself as she swung both swords. For practice blades they felt perfectly weighted, the grips comfortable in her hands. She sheathed them and went to the center terminal and press a button.

As she did the room changed and two hologram appeared. Completely faceless, standard build. Both carrying a single sword. Cinder unsheathed her dual blades and slowly moved forward towards the transparent opponents.

The one in front of them swung their sword was great speed, slashing directly at Cinder neck. However, she knew all their tricks already, Rhodes taught her well and simply beat the training she needed into her as she used one of her swords to block the strike, and the other one found a nice comfortable home in the Holograms torso.

With one of them defeated, Cinder gained more confidence, Cinder uses her smaller stature to dodge under the upcoming swing and one again aimed her swords directly into her chest. The two holograms, now their purpose served, simply disappeared back into nothingness. Cinder let out breath of satisfaction before heading back to the terminal.

Upping the difficulty of the holograms from the easiest setting to the next, Cinder once again found herself under assault.

She repeated this process for a long while. Setting the difficulty, clearing out the new challenges, and then rinse and repeat. She was curious about where her limit was, how many people can she defeat, how strong she truly was.

She felt invincible. Nothing felt greater then this.

Cinder froze as heard clapping echoing in the training chamber, turning around hastily she saw the imposing General Ironwood standing before her. His chiseled face accompanied by a small smile as he made his way towards her.

"S-Sir!" Cinder squeaked out, trying her best to salute.

"No need for that." Ironwood stated, his eyes sparkling with humor as Cinder blushed in embarrassment. "I'm surprised to find you here so early, it's only six."

It's already 6? Cinder thought to herself. She was shocked that she managed to spend an hour and a half training. But it felt relaxing and honestly, she wanted more.

Ironwood inspected the terminal that controls the holograms and Cinder saw his eyes widen in shock just the tiniest amount. His head turned to Cinder, a questioning gleam in his glance. "Is this your current level?" he asked.

Cinder nodded. "I- I tried, but the last one was fairly tough…" She said sheepishly.

"I can see that." Was all Ironwood said, before turning off the terminal, he beckons to Cinder. "Come, since we're both already up, let's have our meeting."

Cinder nodded and placed the training swords back on the weapon rack, before heading out the training room with the general, a huge smile was plastered on her face as the two headed right up to Ironwood office.

/-/

Ironwood believed himself to be very pristine and orderly. The general took massive pride in being organized. Organization is the key to a good living, and a good mindset. However, these past few days… have been lest then organize.

First off was everything involving his academy new inhabit, Cinder Fall. Ironwood was glad to see the girl in bright spirits, but while she might be doing better mentally, the same could not be said for her body.

Her charts are a mess. Near malnourishment to the point of shrinkage. Small Lightning trees had already formed deep around her neck; Ironwood was thankful it only stopped there. Constant weakness in her muscles was another issue. The doctor basically told Ironwood that that her aura was basically keeping everything running twenty-four/seven.

It is a miracle for this girl to be alive, and if Ironwood had anything to say about it, she'll stay alive for as long as she can.

Other than the massive abnormalities and worrying physique, Cinder showed signs of shyness to new people, and despite her bright demeanor, rarely talks to people she hasn't already met like himself, Clover, and Tortuga. He must give those two some sort of promotion or raise for their excellent in this case.

Ironwood lead the girl in question up the stairs into his office. He was at least glad that it looks orderly enough for a meeting. As he sat down, he quickly check his answering machine.

"You have 57 missed calls from 'Antonio Glass, pick up Ironwood!'" The voice was snivel and downright furious.

Ironwood snorted and ignored them, how he even manage to acquire his number was a point of concern, but he'll leave it be fore now.

"Take a seat Cinder" Ironwood said, taking his own seat and motioning for Cinder to follow. She did as she looked around, clearly enamored with everything that was in his office.

"How are you enjoying your time in Atlas academy?" Ironwood asked, leaning back in his chair.

"It's been a dream…" Cinder said, a sparkle in her eye. "I never knew places like this could exist!"

Ironwood chuckled at Cinder enthusiasm. "Well, when you're at age, it would be an honor to host your education at this, or if you so desire, any other academy would be lucky to have you."

Especially with the scores he saw in that training room. The hologram training program is designed for those in the first two years of Atlas academy, the performance she showed is the equivalent to that of a prep school student in their third year. For a girl who only had extremely sparse training sessions over the course of a couple of years, her growth was simply immaculate.

Cinder Fall was simply a prodigy. A cut above the rest of nurtured properly.

"So, Cinder, this is perhaps going to be one of the only meetings we have, but since I'm the commanding officer who is looking over your case, it best we talk."

Cinder just nodded happily, and Ironwood smiled a bit. He grabbed a folder by his side and opened it. Taking a deep breath, he started to read it for a minute before looking back up to Cinder.

"Cinder fall, age: twelve. Kingdom of resident: Atlas, no next of kin, is all of this, correct?"

"Um… I believe so."

Ironwood nodded and began to read more, before rubbing his eyes and closing the folder. He was never one to do things by the books.

"Alright Cinder, I'm going to be straight with you. This kingdom is going to bend over backwards to basically serve whatever you desire on a silver platter."

Cinder suddenly turned nervous. She begins to fidget in her chair and wouldn't meet Ironwood eyes. "That sounds… important."

Ironwood nodded and began to move his eyes to a ceiling to gather his thoughts.

"Alright, let me phrase it another way, what do you want to be in the future, Cinder?"

Cinder didn't speak for a moment, before looking dead in Ironwood eyes when he gazed at her.

"I want to be a huntress."

Ironwood let himself smile for a bit before returning to his professional self.

"It'll be a long road for it, Cinder. Physically your aura is the only reason you're able to swing your swords, your muscles are very weak, it's going to be a journey."

Cinder reaction was interesting to Ironwood. Most in her position would be a bit disappointed, perhaps even disgruntled. Others would be more determined to prove Ironwood wrong, which he would gladly challenge.

Cinder, However, was furious. Ironwood saw in her eyes that a fire was burning in them, she was gripping the seat handle. He swore that he could see and smell smoke coming from the seat.

As quickly as it appeared, it vanished as fast. Cinder just gazed at Ironwood with a look of neutrality. It was clear she was trying to hold herself back.

"I'll be fine." She finally spat out after a while, and Ironwood responded with a curt nod.

"Then I'll look forward to your progress." Ironwood said, letting out a sigh as he moved on to perhaps the most important issue with Cinder.

"Cinder, I'm going to be very honest with you. Do you wish to be in another family? I understand that your last guardian figure was not… Ideal."

Ironwood's eyes narrowed as he wasn't able to catch whatever it was that Cinder mumbled under her breath.

"But whatever the case, I assure you that the process for Atlas is a lot more precise and fairer. You will never be sent to another Tremine Azure ever again."

Cinder didn't say anything. She just gazes down at the ground, idly kicking her feat against his desk.

"I want to stay here." Was all she said, her voice barely a whisper. Ironwood just nodded and decided to let it go. Another time he'll bring it up. It would do a girl no good to have no family in this world.

"Alright, I suppose this is our last point of discussion." Ironwood felt himself smile. "With the nature of your condition, someone has offered to be a tutor to you."

Cinder just gazed at Ironwood questionably. "A tutor?"

Ironwood nodded, slowly rising from his seat. "A tutor. He and I have been discussing this for the past week and we both come to the same conclusion. If you wish to be in an academy when you turn seventeen, you need a lot of catching up to do. Much more then any prep school can do for you in the short four years their allowed."

Ironwood began to walk to the door, turning back to Cinder where he saw the girl tilting her head in confusion. "If you accept this tutor, he'll be your key to becoming the huntress for the next four years. If not, then we'll retrain your body before we send you to one of Atlas' finest prep school. Now stay here for a bit while I go get him, in my opinion, I hope the two of you will get along." Ironwood stated before closing the door, leaving the girl as confused as ever. "

/-/

Jaune thought himself to be an incredibly patient man, however it was push to his limits as he waited in an atlas academy conference room. Gone was his signature rusted armor, finally accepting that it's growing too brittle to act as proper armor, now donning a simple white polo with slacks, Jaune thought he looked like his father when it came to do taxes.

That was a look he never thought that he would ever don.

Staring at the clock as it ticked down and down, he wondered why time seemed to have it out specifically for him as he always seem to be waiting forever, however time seem to give him give him the primordial middle finger as he jumped a bit as he heard the door opened and Ironwood walked in right into the conference room. The general seems tired, but determined as he met with Jaune.

"Mr. Arc. It's good to see you." Ironwood offers Jaune his hand for a handshake which Jaune accepted.

"Likewise. So, how is she?"

Ironwood let out a sigh, rubbing his eyes with his fingers.

"Physically, she nearly collapsing, if she didn't have her aura to absorb everything that monster put her through, she would be dead."

"Thankfully, she isn't anymore." Jaune reminded the general, which seemed to put the man in slightly better spirits.

"Yes yes, she isn't. She is under our care now, and rest assured Mr. Arc, we will take care of her."

Jaune was happy to hear it. Seeing Cinder fall looked so… Broken, was a sight he never thought he would saw. Then again, he never thought he would see Cinder fall be a child that he had to save.

"So, what's the plan now?" Jaune asked, curiosity filling his gaze.

"If you still wish to, I think it would be ideal to move with the tutor program." Ironwood stated. "I understand that you claim you're not a huntsman, but after dealing with a certain drunk, I've come to learn how to smell lies miles away."

"Haha… Well-"

"It doesn't matter right now." Ironwood said, interrupting Jaune. He motioned Jaune to follow him as he leads the two out of the office.

"Cinder… She might be an interesting student for you."

"Really?" Jaune asked, extremely curious. From what he saw and from what he heard from Clover and Ironwood, Cinder seems to be the perfect huntress student. He would describe Cinder as a calmer version of Ruby.

"Hmm, perhaps I'll be wrong then." Ironwood didn't offer any explanation, which left Jaune even more befuddled. Clearly it can't be as bad as the general was making him out to be. Yeah, she'll probably have a lot of baggage to get through, but also so does he, so he can understand somewhat.

Ironwood stopped Jaune at the front of his door, he turned to Jaune and said "Stay here for a moment, I'll call you in." Jaune just nodded and waited and what it seems like for only a couple of moments, Jaune heard the voice of Ironwood to come in.

Jaune prepped himself mentally. Being the huntsman tutor for whom he considered his most mortal enemy, the one person who ruined his life for years on end? Yeah, he can do this. With that mentality in mind, Jaune stepped into the room.

And was greeted by the angry stare of his new pupil.

The prospect of a tutor excited Cinder. She waited patiently in her seat as General Ironwood went to collect the man who is going to be teaching her. The entire prospect was wild to Cinder to begin with.

A whole teacher? Just for her? How wonderful!

Cinder never had an education, which with her upbringing might seem a bit obvious in hindsight. She was taught basic writing and reading skills during her short tenure at the Orphanage and the madame refined those to a level she found respectable enough for her to do deskwork.

The majority of what Cinder knew about the world came from whatever she could either overheard from the dozens of guests in the hotel as she work, or whatever newspaper she could glance to get herself acquainted with the current world.

However, no one really went to the glass unicorn to talk history or the world, if they did it was usually to badmouth the Fanus, and Cinder could count on one hand the amount of newspapers she saw during her enslavement.

Cinder wondered if she asked his tutor would teach her… well, anything she didn't know. Theres was so many things she heard about in passing that she couldn't even fathom. The few children that stayed at the Glass Unicorn always complained about school, about how hard math is and how much they wish they could get out of there. Cinder, meanwhile, never felt those feelings. Will she when the time comes for this tutor to teach her?

Who would the tutor even be? Cinder thought to herself excitedly. Would it be one of the nice soldiers? No, they were very kind but also very busy, that's why both help out when they can. Would it be Ironwood himself?!
Idiot girl, he's much too busy for you. Cinder frowned but couldn't find a good counter argument against her negative mind. Could it be just some random teacher from Atlas? That would be lame, but they must be strong if they were teachers, and they already know how to teach-

What if its Rhodes? A small whimpering part of herself asked that daring question. What if it was Rhodes? He left a couple of days ago to go onto the hunt, but what if he came back? What if he heads that The Madame got arrested and she was free?

What if he can be a teacher to her here? What if she can make him proud?

Cinder heard the turning of the doorknob and felt her heart quicken. Ironwood was back! Is it possible that he was here as well! The one person she could actually call a friend.

The door opened and Ironwood stepped through, his cold eyes seemed to warm a bit after seeing Cinder.

"So, Cinder, I've given you some time to think on it, do you wish to accept a tutor?" Ironwood asked the girl, who just nodded feverishly. Ironwood just gave a small smile before turning back towards the door. "You can come in now." Ironwood step to the side so that Cinder could see the familiar figure of Rhodes-

Cinder eyes widen then narrowed when he saw someone that wasn't Rhodes step in, but someone she was oh so familiar with at this point. A tall man with unkept long blonde hair with white streaks donning the front, turned into a ponytail. His cold blue eyes seem to be watching her. Why was he here? Why is Mr. Arc here?

Ironwood step between them, not seeing the obvious confusion that Cinder was in. "Mr. Arc here is offering his services to be your personal tutor. You have to a lot to catch up on, so I believe I'll shall leave you together for the time being." Ironwood clasped his hand behind his back and headed towards the door. "Mr. Arc, please use this office as long as you deem necessary." With a single nod to both of them, Ironwood left the brand-new pair to discuss and talk with one another.

A minute passed and Cinder didn't say anything.

Another minute passed, and Jaune didn't say anything.

Five minutes passed with not a word or a whisper.

Cinder didn't know what to say. Despite her massive disappointment in her tutor not being the person she wanted; she didn't hate Mr. Arc. She honestly didn't know if she even feels anything about him.

She appreciated his kindness. That was something at least. He was very kind that fabled day, when he and the nice soldiers, and the nice man in the chair saved him.

It just… a part of her felt like he wasn't as nice as the others. Behind those light blue eyes hold a terrible secret that he knows, and for some reason; he felt like she was a part of it.

Cinder jumped a bit when Jaune stood up suddenly, he made his way to the giant three windows that Ironwood office had. He beckons Cinder to join him, and after a small bout of hesitation Cinder follows.

As she looked onwards into the city, Cinder could see massive skyscrapers blotting out the sky, looking towards the right she could where the city ended, and the farms began as the ground turn into an endless sea of Wheat.

It was a beautiful sight. Cinder had never known how imposing this city must be, and that didn't even account for the smaller city of mantle down below.

"Cinder." Jaune voice interrupted her thoughts, turning to look at him she saw that he continued to star out into the floating city. His eyes staring at something that Cinder couldn't see. "Tell me, when you look out there, what do you see?"

Cinder stared out of the window, seeing nothing she turn back to Jaune and answered: "A city?"

Cinder saw the corner of Jaune's lip move towards a smile. He let out a weak chuckle. "Yes, a city. That is correct, I suppose." His blue eyes finally look at Cinder. "But I think you're missing the point."
Jaune knelt and place a hand on Cinder shoulder. "The role of a huntsman and huntresses, the role that you wish to achieve, means that we got to be there for them." He pointed a finger out to the city and Cinder looked back out to the floating city.

"There's thousands, perhaps even hundreds of thousands of people out there, and there's counting on us for one thing, do you know what this is?"

Cinder turned back and nodded "The Grimm" The creatures of the night, endless beast made from the shadow and sin. She saw the enemies of humanity be described in many ways, but it was the duty of the huntress, her future duty, to take care of them.

However, in her surprise, Jaune shook his head. "Not just the Grimm, but the monsters."

Cinder just tilted her had in confusion. "Monsters?" She asked, not exactly sure what he meant.

"Monsters." Jaune echoed, he rose but keep his hand on her shoulder. "Grimm are the enemy, but sometimes, Humanity isn't exactly the kindest to itself either." Jaune let out a weary sigh, as if he was expelling something he held in for dozens of years. "But, as huntsman, it's our duty to do one thing: Stop the monsters."

Jaune fully turned to Cinder, placing both hands on her shoulders. "Do you want to help stop the monsters?"

Cinder stared at the ground for a moment before meeting Jaune gaze with her own intense determined gaze. "Yes."

/-/

Arrogance is not a sin. Despite what his former coworkers and employers believed; Arthur Watts knew this to be the truth. Many he knew back in his past life would call Watts an egotistical, Lowlife arrogant scientist. Arthur Watts knew this to be true to himself, but because he showed the effort and has the skill to back what he talked. That is why he's the one who offered to take point on his new mistress mission.

The acquisition of a single girl, that is all she asked of them.

And his new employer shall turn her into a god.

Watts would have never believed it, but after the past year under the service of the Queen, he had seen vastly impossible things. Things that his scientific mind refuses to accept as reality, but it was simply the truth.

Magic was real. It was real and he had seen it do incredible things.

And now here was Arthur Watts. Back to a kingdom that he felt has betrayed him, and if he was correct, betrayed another as well.

Arthur Watts smiled as he saw the hotel in his upcoming view. Unfortunately, it wasn't recruitment time just yet, the Queen said to let the girl stew in his abuse for a couple more years. The giant of their little assemble disagreed feverishly at first, but the Queen put him in place.

She always does.

Watts counted himself lucky that he has yet to warrant her anger, and with his current assignment he would believe to gain more of her-

Watts eyes widen as he stared the hotel. Long strings of yellow tape ensnared the building. Watts ducked down to read the words on the tape.

Under investigation by the Military of the Kingdom of Atlas.

Watts cursed, storming away angrily. That damned Tin-man somehow found out, and after all the work he did to funnel news away from this place.

Months of his life wasted, but more importantly, what he promised to his queen, is now invalid. What will she do? Watts cursed and took out a heavily modified scroll from his case. After two brief rings someone picked up.

"Yes?" The gravelly voice of his com-padre spoke in his ear. Watts was glad it was the giant and not the psychopath.

"We may have a problem..." Watts spoke back.

A very serious problem.

We do a little headcanoning

also, Watts and Tyrian are the best RWBY Villains

See you all next Sunday!

I should mention there may be a potential pause in uploads for chapters for probably a week or maybe two! i'll let everyone know before hand if that's the case!