Chapter 1: Departure and Encounter
On July 17th, 2013, at Mistral Airport, the atmosphere buzzed with activity. The sound of steps, chatter, and rolling luggage filled the air. Amidst the bustling crowd stood a family of three redheads—the Nikos family. They had been a typical family until three years ago when the elder of the two siblings won her first tournament, catapulting her and, indirectly, her family into the spotlight. However, at this moment, no one seemed to recognize the Mistralian champion when she wasn't wearing her characteristic armor or carrying her weapons.
She was now dressed in civilian clothes—a light brown skirt paired with a yellow turtleneck and a red jacket on top. Black tights and light brown boots that reached up to her knees with yellow soles completed her outfit. Her golden tiara kept her fiery red hair in its usual ponytail. The colours of her attire accentuated her emerald green eyes beautifully.
"I'll miss you two," Pyrrha said softly, a bittersweet smile gracing her lips.
"We'll miss you too, sis," Edom replied quietly, enveloping her in a tight hug.
Edom, a 16-year-old young man standing at 6 feet (182 cm), had crimson red hair of medium length that framed his clean-shaven face, highlighting his emerald green eyes. He wore an ocean blue hoodie, light jeans, and red sports shoes with white soles.
Pyrrha sighed, her small giggle adding a touch of amusement as she wrapped an arm around her brother. "I know," she said softly, her half-smile reflecting her mixed emotions.
The family's mother, Pandora Nikos, softly giggled at the touching scene before her as she joined in, embracing her children.
"I can't believe my little girl is going to Vale. It feels like it was yesterday when you still played with toys," Pandora reminisced, her voice soft and sweet, tinged with nostalgia.
Their family moment was interrupted by a monotone voice emanating from the airport's speakers.
"Flight VL63 of Fairy Airlines to Vale is taking off in five minutes," the male monotone voice announced with an audible degree of boredom.
"I have to go," Pyrrha said quietly, sadness evident in her voice as she reluctantly prepared to bid her family farewell.
Edom and Pandora reluctantly released her from their embrace.
"Just remember to call us every now and then, okay?" Pandora implored softly, her expression tinged with gloom.
"I will," Pyrrha assured them softly, offering a comforting smile as she grabbed her suitcase and began to walk away, headed for her flight.
Edom and Pandora waved goodbye to Pyrrha with faint smiles as they watched her disappear into the bustling crowd. As her figure grew smaller in the distance, a sense of emptiness settled over Edom. He couldn't help but imagine that his mother felt the same, if not worse. So, he gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders, hoping to offer some comfort. Her response was a poignant smile, followed by a deep breath to regain her composure.
"Let's head back home, Eddy," Pandora said softly, using the affectionate nickname she reserved for her son.
Edom chuckled softly at the nickname. "Of course, Mom," he replied calmly, falling into step beside her as they left the airport.
Stepping beyond the glass and white concrete walls of the airport, they found themselves back in the familiar streets of Argus. Cobblestone streets lined with one- and two-story brick buildings framed their path. As they strolled down the sidewalk, streetlights flickered to life, signalling the setting sun. Edom glanced at his scroll; it was 8:43 pm. He sighed, continuing his walk beside his mother. A few minutes later, they arrived home.
Their residence, like the others in the neighbourhood, was a grey brick house. Opening the dark wooden door revealed a warm and welcoming interior. Light yellow walls and a white ceiling brightened the space. The wooden floor planks were a warm, light brown, and the furniture featured a mix of red, orange, and subtle hints of green. The walls were adorned with family photographs and mementos. A picture of the family's deceased father stood prominently near the staircase—a huntsman who had bravely fought against waves of Grimm that had attacked the city over a decade ago.
Pandora sighed with relief as they entered the house. "I'm absolutely exhausted," she admitted, her voice soft as she rubbed her brow. She headed into the living room, and Edom followed closely behind.
"Indeed," Edom concurred, his voice equally soft. He wasn't as tired as his mother, but he wanted to let her have some alone time to unwind.
"Goodnight, Eddy," Pandora yawned as she entered her room, gently closing the door behind her.
"Sleep well, Mom," Edom whispered to the closed door.
Edom entered his own room. With a sigh, he rubbed the back of his head and, without bothering to change clothes, flopped face-first onto the bed. After a moment, he rolled onto his back and stared up at the ceiling, lost in his thoughts.
As he lay in bed, Edom's thoughts revolved around Pyrrha's departure for Beacon. He couldn't shake his restlessness, tossing and turning endlessly. Hours passed, but sleep remained elusive. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't close his eyes for more than a fleeting moment. His mind raced, consumed by anxiety over his sister's absence. This was unfamiliar territory for Edom—the void left by Pyrrha's absence. He sighed, sitting up in bed and running his fingers through his hair. Glancing at his scroll to check the time, it read 12:16 am. Edom pondered his next move.
"I need a walk, perhaps some training," he contemplated to himself. He stood up, making his way to where he'd left his shoes.
At his desk, his gaze fell upon Crimson Rush, his weapon of choice. It consisted of two parts: a dagger and a short sword, both sharing a similar design but with subtle differences. Each featured straight steel double-edged blades, while the short sword boasted an edge infused with wind dust, giving it a light green tint. The crossguard gleamed silver, and a small gravity dust crystal adorned the center of the dagger's crossguard. Both handles were wrapped in red leather for a secure grip, and the pommels matched the steel of the blades and crossguards. Their scabbards were made of black wood reinforced with steel.
Securing both weapons on his belt, Edom positioned the dagger at his lower back and the short sword on his left side. He took a deep breath, pondering whether to use the main entrance or his window. After weighing the pros and cons, he opted for the latter. Opening his window and activating his aura, he leaped from the second story and executed a parkour roll to disperse the impact energy, landing gracefully and unharmed. Rolling to his feet, he found himself outside his home.
As he began walking, Edom headed for the gym he frequented. It offered both equipment and space to practice combat maneuvers with his weapon. The midnight streets greeted him with occasional bursts of loud, drunken chatter as people made their way home from nightclubs and bars. Edom sighed as he continued his journey, and it wasn't long before something caught his attention.
On the sidewalk, a man lay either passed out or knocked out. Several individuals surrounded him, rifling through his pockets. Edom's instincts kicked in.
"Hey!" Edom shouted as he rushed over.
At the sight and sound of someone approaching, the criminals scattered hastily, fleeing the scene. Edom reached the side of the man, detecting the unmistakable scent of alcohol. He inspected the man, noting his semi-long, greying black hair and pale complexion. The man had a three-day beard and wore somewhat formal attire, complete with a well-worn red cloak. He snored quietly as he lay on the concrete.
Edom felt a pang of sympathy for the man who had narrowly avoided being robbed. Kneeling down, he gently shook the man awake. After a minute, the dishevelled man began to stir.
"Eh? Who—" the bewildered man started, sitting up and scanning his surroundings with crimson eyes. After a moment, he turned his attention to Edom. "Oh, hey, kiddo... why did you wake me up exactly?" he asked casually, attempting to stand but stumbling on his feet. Edom reached out to steady him.
"Hi, sir. You almost got robbed," Edom replied calmly, speaking softly to avoid exacerbating a potential headache.
"I did?" the man trailed off, shaking his head. "I mean, thanks for the help, I guess. Name's Qrow. What's your name, kid?" he asked, slurring his words slightly due to the alcohol.
"Edom," he responded, withholding his last name to avoid being recognized as the younger brother of a famous celebrity.
"Well, Edom, thanks for the help, but I've got to go," Qrow declared, attempting to walk away but stumbling again. Edom caught him once more.
"I don't think you should walk in this state, sir," Edom advised softly, guiding Qrow to a nearby bench on the sidewalk. Gently, he seated Qrow.
"I'm fine, kid," Qrow insisted, pulling out his scroll. "But if it makes you feel better, I'll call someone to pick me up," he added, waving a dismissive hand.
"That would be a good idea," Edom responded, sighing as he instinctively rested a hand on the pommel of his sword.
Qrow made a call, putting his scroll to his ear. "Hey... I know you're busy, but I need you to pick me up. Yes, I know I'm a grown man, but I drank too much. Yes, again... I'll send you my location," he sighed as the call ended. "Well, my son will be here in a few minutes to pick me up. Happy?" he asked, calm but a touch sarcastic.
"Yes, very much so," Edom replied simply, his expression blank.
Qrow leaned back in his seat, running a hand through his hair. "Anyway, kid, why did you decide to help me anyway?" the drunk asked with genuine curiosity.
Edom sighed, "Well, I couldn't just walk by and do nothing. If I aim to be a huntsman, I need to help those in need," he explained softly, his eyes drifting toward his weapon as he spoke.
"So, you want to be a huntsman?" Qrow asked, slightly amused, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, it's a family thing. My father was a huntsman, and my sister just went off to Beacon in Vale to study and get her license," Edom explained, a small smile appearing.
"Why not the local academy? I heard Haven Academy is just as good," Qrow asked casually, resting his elbow on one knee and his cheek on his knuckles.
"Well, our father went to Beacon, and we're trying to follow in his footsteps," Edom explained as he leaned against a lamppost.
"Oh, so he went to Beacon? What was his name?" Qrow inquired casually.
"Haria Nikos," Edom replied calmly.
Qrow's eyes widened a bit, and he straightened his posture. "You're Haria's kid? Wow, I studied with him, you know?" he said with a small laugh. "But you look more colorful... I assume you got the hair from your mother," he said casually.
"Yeah, I got my red hair from my mom. And you studied with my dad? Well, that's a coincidence if I ever saw one," Edom remarked with slight amusement. "So that means you're a huntsman?" he asked.
"Correct, kid. I'm a professional," Qrow replied with a smirk and a half-smile.
Before Edom could respond, another voice chimed in, "Hey, old man, I'm here."
A muscular young man with shaggy black hair and piercing crimson eyes approached. He had fair skin and was dressed casually, sporting an open grey hoodie over a black t-shirt, dark jeans, and basketball shoes with a white top, red sides, and a black sole. Around his neck hung a necklace with a crow-shaped pendant. He stood at 6 feet 5 inches (195.85 cm).
"Hey, pops, who's the kid?" the young man asked calmly as he approached.
"Oh, this is Edom. He helped me out earlier," Qrow said casually, gesturing toward Edom.
"Hi," Edom greeted with a small wave and a slightly awkward smile.
"I see," the young man said calmly as he came to a stop in front of the two other men. "I'm Lotte. It's a pleasure," he said casually, offering a handshake, which Edom accepted.
With a firm handshake, Edom released Lotte's hand. "Nice to meet you," he said calmly.
"Well, thanks for helping my old man, but it's time for his bedtime," Lotte joked.
"Oh, shut it," Qrow responded, rolling his eyes as Lotte picked him up. Edom chuckled at the joke.
"Well, time for us to go. Thanks for the help, Ed," Lotte said calmly as he left, carrying his father over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
"No problem. Have a nice night," Edom called out with a small laugh as he waved them goodbye.
Once out of earshot, Lotte let out a sigh. "Did you at least manage to get any information on our targets?" he asked calmly.
"Not much," Qrow replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "Just that they had been here months ago but left just a week after arriving."
"So our mystery attackers are still on the loose," Lotte remarked, a hint of frustration and sarcasm in his tone.
"Don't be too pressed about it, kid," Qrow said dismissively, waving his hand casually. "We'll find a lead on them eventually."
Lotte sighed, mumbling something about drunk old men being too laid-back as he prepared to carry his father back to their hotel room. Afterward, he planned to return to work.
Edom was enroute to the gym, a lengthy walk that took him from the suburban outskirts to the bustling heart of the city. As he progressed, the streets gradually became more illuminated and teeming with people. The cacophony of chatter grew louder, and the aroma of food and alcohol wafted from nearby bars, clubs, and restaurants. As he moved through the designated leisure area of the city, the crowds thinned.
He eventually reached a deserted street but halted abruptly at the sound of shattering glass. Edom's head snapped in the direction of the commotion, revealing an unsettling sight: a group of individuals who appeared to be White Fang members were in the midst of robbing a Dust store. Two men clad in black hoodies, white vests bearing the White Fang symbol, combat trousers, and boots, along with Grimm masks, were seen carrying a box out of the shop and loading it into a white van. Before Edom could react, three more emerged from the store—two carrying another box and the last keeping watch with an AR rifle in hand.
Edom quickly sought cover behind a nearby parked truck, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Thinking fast, he retrieved his scroll and dialled 228. After a moment, an operator answered.
"Hello, what is your emergency?" a female voice inquired from the other end.
"I'm at 38 Rome Street. There's a robbery in progress, and I'm hiding behind a truck," Edom whispered into his scroll.
"Okay, sir. We'll send Huntsmen and the police your way. Stay calm and remain hidden," the voice responded, the sound of typing in the background.
"Okay... okay," Edom replied quietly, pressing his back against the truck. His heart raced, and his breathing grew heavier. He was accustomed to sparring matches and friendly fights, but this was different. This was real danger, and those men would be willing to kill if they found him. His heart pounded loudly in his ears, drowning out everything else.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
The alarm on the truck blared, causing all five criminals to turn toward the source of the noise. The four men carrying boxes dropped their loot, drew handguns, and positioned themselves defensively. The last one, who had been holding the rifle, also turned his attention to the truck.
Edom's heart raced as adrenaline coursed through his veins. His body felt cold and numb as he instinctively activated his aura. As the men closed in, the operator's voice attempted to reach him through his scroll, but he was too focused on the imminent threat.
Edom's hand tightened around the handles of Crimson Rush, a quiver in his grip as he took a deep breath. His heart seemed to be racing a thousand miles an hour, threatening to burst from his chest. As one of the aggressors approached the truck, Edom moved on instinct.
He lunged at the man, brandishing his dagger. Before the man could react, Edom swung his blade, knocking the weapon from his grasp and positioning the dagger at the Faunus's throat, taking him hostage before the second man could turn the corner. The second White Fang member, witnessing the situation, watched helplessly as Edom moved behind the first man, the dagger still at his hostage's neck, while his other hand drew his Dust-infused short sword, ready at his side. The third criminal, holding a gun, approached cautiously.
"DON'T MOVE!" Edom yelled, his voice filled with adrenaline. His body felt cold and numb, the rush of hormones almost numbing him.
"Hands up, kid. We've got you outnumbered," the rifleman said softly, trying to calm the young man down, his gun pointed at Edom's associate's throat.
Edom's breaths were shallow, and he had to make a split-second decision. Letting his aura flare up, a green energy coat enveloped his body. In an instant, he kicked the unarmed man toward the gunman. The man instinctively fired two shots at the incoming body, but the criminal's weak aura barely protected him from the bullets before he crashed into his companion. Simultaneously, the gunman pulled the trigger, sending bullets flying toward Edom, who was not fast enough to evade them. He took the bullets in his wrist and chest, his aura protecting him from the full impact. With a quick slash and a surge of aura, his short sword released a wind shock wave that struck the rifleman, sending him sprawling to the ground with a thud, his head hitting the pavement as he lost consciousness.
The second gunman shoved the unarmed criminal aside and took two quick shots at Edom, who rolled out of harm's way after spotting the man aiming his barrel. Rolling to his feet, he sent another swift shock wave at his attacker, knocking the firearm from the man's hands. Edom lunged forward and struck the man in the chin with the pommel of his dagger, rendering him unconscious. As the third and final criminal attempted to rise, Edom delivered a swift kick to the side of the head, rendering him unconscious alongside his comrades.
In the heat of the moment, Edom had forgotten about two remaining men who had opened fire from a distance. Forced to take cover behind a car, he absorbed a few shots but remained shielded by his aura. Crouching behind the cover, he gathered his thoughts, recalling that he had the police on the line. However, he realized that he had dropped his scroll behind the truck a minute earlier.
Lotte, patrolling the streets as part of his apprenticeship for his Huntsman license, received a notification on his scroll. After a quick read, he sprinted into action. Apparently, there was a robbery in progress at 38 Rome Street. The number of assailants and whether they were armed remained unknown, as the caller had failed to provide that information. After another moment of swift movement, Lotte heard gunshots from a few streets away. He amplified his aura, boosting his jump onto the roof of a two-story building. Leaping from rooftop to rooftop, he reached the scene in under half a minute.
He arrived to find two gunmen firing at a car while three others lay unconscious or possibly dead on the ground. He quickly assessed the situation, noting the discarded weapons on the ground. Without drawing his own weapon, Lotte leaped from the roof, landing with his feet to the side of one of the gunmen's heads, incapacitating him and causing him to topple onto the other opponent.
Rolling to his feet, Lotte lunged at the remaining gunman, giving him no opportunity to recover. He landed a quick cross to the man's chin, snapping his head back and rendering him unconscious.
Lotte sighed as he surveyed the area and found no more immediate threats.
"It's safe!" Lotte declared calmly.
After a brief moment of surprise, Edom emerged from his cover.
"Oh, hey," Edom said quietly, wearing an awkward smile.
Upon recognizing Edom, Lotte burst into laughter.
"Well, I wasn't expecting to see you here of all places," he said casually, wiping a tear from his eye. "You always struck me as a bit of a goody-two-shoes. But look at you, stopping a robbery before even enrolling in one of the Huntsman academies," he remarked, shaking his head with mild amusement.
"Well... I didn't mean to end up here," Edom replied quietly, rubbing the back of his head after securely sheathing his weapons.
Lotte approached Edom with a calm demeanour, his voice carrying an air of authority. "Well, whether you meant it or not, one thing is for certain – we'll need you to come down to the station and give a statement as an eye-witness."
Relief washed over Edom, evident in his sigh. "Oh, is that all?"
Lotte let out a short laugh before adopting a slightly more serious tone. "No," he said, his words carrying weight. "You're not a Huntsman, nor an apprentice of one. Since you don't attend one of the four Academies yet, you could be liable for vigilantism."
"WAIT, WHAT?!" Edom exclaimed, his panic palpable.
"Don't worry," Lotte reassured him, patting his back. "I see potential in you, and we can't afford to miss out on that nowadays."
Edom, still anxious, pressed further. "Okay, but how are you going to make that work?"
Lotte flashed a grin as he casually wrapped an arm around Edom's shoulders. "The same way I did – legal loopholes. If you become the apprentice of a Huntsman, you'll fall under the RU set of laws for traveling Huntsmen."
Edom raised a skeptical eyebrow. "So, I can get away with it? No consequences?"
Lotte explained with a shrug, "Well, you will be legally required to travel with me and my father, as we would be his apprentices."
Edom weighed the pros and cons in his mind. Declining would mean a criminal record and a harder life, not to mention potential damage to his sister Pyrrha's public image. Accepting, on the other hand, would offer experience, training, an escape from legal consequences, and the possibility of earning his license earlier.
"Alright, I'll take you up on it," Edom said, his conviction clear. He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at the thought of leaving his mother alone after Pyrrha's departure, but he knew this was a step he had to take.
Lotte nodded and said, "Alright, I'll make a call, and your documents should be ready by morning. I'll tell the old man to come up with a good excuse."
Edom silently retrieved his dropped scroll and turned it on. A message from Pyrrha confirmed her safe arrival at her destination.
"Ah, she landed," Edom commented to himself, stowing his scroll back in his pocket.
After a few minutes, Lotte and Edom handcuffed the unconscious White Fang members. Two police cars arrived at the scene, and Edom braced himself for the events that would follow.