Fire and smoke clouded all around him, two blades clashed together each wielder giving there all. Mikael blocked a strike from the bandit chief twirling his ebony sword deflecting a strike from her war axe before thrusting the blade through her throat. The bandit dropped to the floor, her body going still, the life gone from her eyes. Mikael turned back to his objective he had to find her, he had to make sure she was safe.
Moving through the rubble of his home two more bandits wearing steel armor rushed him through the smoke blocking a strike from his iron greatsword Mikael kicked the Orc in the gut pushing him back, two slashes across the chest with his ebony sword cut through the armor like paper
"FUS RO DAH!"
The wood elf next to him was launched into the flames, his screams of agony quickly fading as his life ended
"Father!" a terrified voice yelled from beyond the smoke
Rushing down the hallway he saw his objective a doorway leading to her room, with a kick the door came away from its hinges... he froze there standing over her was the Orc, Orcish armor covering his torso a pair of steel cuffed boots and iron gauntlets in his hand he held a war axe stained red with her blood
The Orc chuckled deeply turning to face him a scar running over his left eye, leaving the eye a milky white while the others stared at him with a look of satisfaction a twisted Grin on his face.
"See what happens when you cross the Silver-Blood's, Imperial!" he taunted
Rage burning inside of him his grip tightened on the sword. "I'LL KILL YOU!" Mikael bellowed charging foreword their weapons clashed his rage and adrenaline feeding his strength, as he held firm against the Orc
The bastard played dirty delivering a headbutt knocking Mikael back, recovering his hand shot out a steel dagger lodging itself in the orc's shoulder with a yell of rage he ripped it from his flesh charging at his target. Mikael blocked the axe on to receive an elbow to the face, his sword falling for his grip the Orc thrust the dagger down.
Only for it to be stopped by Mikael's forearm the two wrestled, the blade getting closer to his throat. Mikael angled the knife off to the side before releasing hsi grip the tip of the blade stabbing through one of the floorboards as Michaels free hand dropped to his waste, the old Orc let out a gurgle his face twisted in anger before falling against him dead, his dagger had landed in its desired target the opening in the armpit piercing his heart.
Mikael shoved the body of him getting back to his feet rushing over to her. A girl no older the thirteen lay there motionless a young face with pale completion short shoulder-length black hair with a single red streak running through it. her clothing stained red, her emerald eyes lay open, their youthful shine gone now lifeless and empty.
"Mikael!" two voices called out one female the other clearly male although holding an accent he knew all too well, the footsteps grew softer as the two arrived in the doorway.
A hand rested on his shoulder "Lad...I'm so sorry"
/
Mikael's eyes opened his breathing labored...why... why now of all time did he have to remember that day. The sun was shining through the window. Looking over to Amber she was still asleep a smile present on her face as she curled into the pillow and bedding.
He smiled but only slightly, he would let her sleep a bit longer after all she would need it when they set out for Vale.
The subtle creek of a floorboard drew his attention, he stopped turning towards the door his senses, from what he could tell it wasn't one of the staff coming to check on them, no it was someone attempting to be quiet and doing a damn good job, if it wasn't for the flooring.
Mikael moved towards the door. There was a rather strong smell in the air alcohol and black powder. Something that didn't belong.
A slight groan came from Amber as she began to rise from her sleep, the person on the other side of the door taking this as their Que to enter, as the door began to open he stayed silent. The man who entered wasn't one of the townsfolk.
The man had graying black spiky hair, red eye's, a slight stubble across his jaw. He wore a red tattered cloak, a grey dress shirt with a long tail, black dress pants and black dress shoes a necklace with a crooked cross, a wring on his right index finger, another two on his right fourth finger and a great sword strapped to his back Mikael moved in behind him.
Qrow's instincts kicked in he quickly spun around only to have his strike blocked, and an elbow to strike him in a jaw. Qrow countered with a fist to Mikael's gut earning him a knee in the side as a response.
Mikael grabbed him by the collar rolling backwards and threw the man through the door into the hallway. Quick as a flash his nightingale bow was in hand an ebony arrow already knocked back standing over him, his boot resting firmly against his chest.
"Who are you?" Mikael demanded Sky blue glaring into blood red.
"Easy, I'm not the enemy" he responded in a calm tone despite his current life or death situation.
"That remains to be seen" Mikael retorted pressing down on the man's chest "Now I suggest you start talking, my patience is wearing thin."
"Ok, ok just chill " he said raising his hand's in a gesture peace "Name's Qrow I'm a friend of Amber's"
"Last time I checked friends don't sneak into another's room... how do you know her?" Mikael demanded
"A mutual friend who only wants to help" Qrow answered
"Qrow" they turned to find amber standing in the doorway a look of shock present on her face, before coming back to reality " Wait! he's a friend"
Mikael took his boot off Qrow's chest sheathing his bow allowing the man to stand who turned to Amber "We need to talk"
/
The three of them sat in a more secluded part of the tavern for privacy, every so often the scythe wielders eye would dart over to Mikael the look returned by the Nightingale a fire in his eyes.
Amber looked between the two men the tension was building between them hopefully they wouldn't try to kill each other again.
"Qrow what are you doing here?" Amber asked deciding to start off the conversation
Qrow retrieved a flask from his pocket taking a quick swig before answering " Ozpin, sent me to check things out after your little incident"
"Ozpin?" Mikael asked his eye's narrowing, for one he didn't trust this Qrow, not by a long shot, he had been following them for some time and just watched as the town was gutted by the Grimm he didn't deserve that trust, but if Amber did then he would tolerate him... for now.
"Professor Ozpin he's the headmaster of beacon academy Vale" Qrow answered " And as for why he's looking for her that's-"
"I already told him." Amber interrupted, receiving a questioning look from Qrow "last night, he knows everything"
"Well, that makes things a hell of a lot more complicated, you know everything we do is to make sure no one knows who you really are in order to keep you safe." Qrow stated rubbing his brow.
" Were well aware, now concerning your little shadow organization" Mikael leaned forward in his seat, resting one arm on the table the other hovering by his side." I've been screwed over and stabbed in the back enough for one lifetime. I want details. "Mikael said
Qrow narrowed his eyes at Mikael "Qrow" he looked over to Amber "He saved my life, you and the others can trust him, that's why I told him."
Qrow rubbed his forehead "So, you've hear the story about why she is so important, but what you didn't know is that there are people out there trying to keep the four maidens safe."
"You see back in the day everyone knew about them and their power, but over time the other kingdoms wanted to use their gift to make themselves stronger. the maiden's lives were in danger almost constantly. That's when Oz stepped in"
"He and those he trusted most formed a brotherhood so that the identity and well beings of the four maidens were kept a safely guarded secret. over time the power faded into the stuff of legends and fairytales parents would tell their kids as a bedtime story with only a select few knowing the full truth."
Mikael narrowed his eyes at the huntsmen "And yet, you left her to face her attackers alone."
Qrow growled in annoyance "When I got the call she might be in trouble I was already on another assignment, it took too long to track her down by the time I arrived there you were carrying her off into the woods." Qrow explained "After I got in contact with Oz he told me to survey you from a distance and see if you were a threat."
"And what did your little survey tell you." Mikael asked his hand unconsciously resting on his sword
"I saw your little display a few nights ago, and sent it to Oz." Qrow replied his own hand slipping back towards the hilt of Harbinger "Wasn't I surprised when he told me to not only refrain from attacking you but to give you a message as well."
Mikael raised an eyebrow while Amber asked, " what's the message?"
"Ozpin wants the two of you in Vale, at Beacon. There's a lot that needs to be discussed, the kind that can't be said out in the open. His whole inner circles going to be present." Qrow said
"Well we're heading to Vale already, at the very least we'll get there allot sooner " Amber shrugged "If Ozpin wants to talk to us then it must be serious"
It made sense to do so if they were allies of Amber's "Alright"
"I'll contact Oz the two of you wait here" Qrow said finishing off his flask, passing by the Nightingale a shiver went up his spine, his presence somehow felt wrong.
Amber looked over to Mikael "Should we tell him about what happened last night?"
"It would be best to keep that between us for now, at least until some time has passed" Mikael said a gentle smile gracing his face giving her hand a gentle squeeze
/
Ozpin leaned back into his chair breathing a sigh of relief after reading the message from Qrow. Quickly sending a message to James, the headmaster turned back to his terminal, beginning the process of arranging for a bullhead to meet Qrow at the village co-ordinates.
"I take it things went as planned?" Glynda said making herself known as she entered the office
"There were some complications at first, but the issue was quickly resolved the two of them should be arriving at beacon within the next hour "Ozpin replied" James will arrive shortly, most likely with miss Schnee."
Glynda looked over to Ozpin the man had been rather deep in thought since the Fall Maidens life had been saved. By someone who practically didn't exist. No records on the emblem he bore, not a single sighting of him until now. There were too many unknowns, this situation needed to be handled with care. "Are you sure it's wise to allow that man onto the school grounds, we both saw the footage Qrow sent us"
"I'm aware of that Glynda" Ozpin said with another sigh.
"Please tell me we have some plan in place for when they arrive." Glynda pressed, a hint of concern in her tone.
"I have a few ideas, some of which may prove to be beneficial for us all, but only if he is willing to except. And judging by what we've seen already "Ozpin said bringing up the video Qrow sent him a day prior showing Mikael decimate the Grimm with his very voice "I doubt we would be able to force him into the matter."
Glynda Paled slightly watching the footage "For ours and her sake, we cannot afford to be careless."
/
A few hours after their little meeting, a bullhead one of the many contraptions used by mankind to traverse the harsh landscape had arrived to take them into Vale Amber, Mikael and Qrow had only just begun boarding when a voice called out to the Nightingale "Hey, Mikael!" Carl said
Mikael stopped turning to face the man "Carl" he said shaking his hand
"Listen I just wanted to thank you for getting me out of there and for saving my family" He said sincerely
"Think nothing of it" Mikael responded
"Listen my brother Run's a shop down in Vale 'The Red Barren' if you need any gear tell him I sent you he should be able to hook you up" Carl said
"I'll keep that in mind, I hope we meet again." Mikael said
"Only if your buying" the two shared a laugh before going their separate ways boarding the bullhead
"Making friends?" Amber asked
"You could say that" Mikael said taking a seat across from her, before looking back at his retreating form a small smile on his face. Amber managing to bring Tundra aboard although she didn't seem too keen about the concept of flying present by how she kept close to Amber resting her head, on Amber's lap who in turn gently stroked her mane to keep her calm.
Qrow sat alongside her. He and Mikael shared a brief look before going back to their own business
Mikael shut his eyes blocking out the sound of the engine and sounds surrounding him, it had been a while since he last meditated and at the moment he had time to kill. His breathing slowed as the world around him faded away leaving him with his thoughts.
After a few brief moments of peace, he was interrupted "So... how does the whole shouting frost thing work?" Qrow asked
Mikael merely sighed in annoyance... of course he would bring that up " Something you will not understand" Mikael answered which was the truth Mikael had studied the way of the voice and trained under Paarthurnax himself strengthening his Thu'um but he had barely even scratched the surface.
"Try me" Qrow said Amber herself was also rather curious their discussion last night had touched upon the subject once or twice It was the very foundation of a Dragonborn to be able to project his Thu'um as he called it, it was tied into his very being. Like a semblance, but one that didn't require Aura to be unlocked.
"It is similar to what you call a semblance, but differs greatly it is something all poses from birth and with the proper training and practice can be used without the need of Aura" Mikael explained which earned a surprised look form Qrow
"You... don't have aura?" He asked
"Is that a problem?" Mikael inquired raising an eyebrow
"No, not at all" Qrow said making a note of that
"Ok, before we continue this interrogation of yours, I want to make two things perfectly clear. One: the only reason that I have put up with you is out of respect for Amber. Two: I do not trust you, nor your little order, not in the slightest and your constant need to intoxicate yourself, is a rather large step in the opposite direction. Now if you would be so kind, leave me be." Mikael pressed
The red-eyed huntsmen leaned over towards the Fall maiden "Is he always like this" Qrow whispered to Amber
"He has a good heart, I'm sure the two of you will get along once you get to know him." Amber replied turning back to face Mikael, she smiled gently which he returned.
"Did Ozpin happen to mention why he wants the two of us at his school." Mikael inquired "I understand why he would want amber there but... why me?"
"Ozpin's just always been like that "Amber said as she continued to stroke tundra's main "He's always had a good eye when it comes to people he believes hold great potential."
'Is that so' Mikael inwardly mused. Something was up Qrow knew far more than he let on which only worried him further he had dealt with many of the Daedric princes and had gained a six sense for these situations.
Mikael sighed, he could be worried about that latter, he sat back into his seat his hands resting on his lap, returning to his meditation.
Yol
"Yol, in your tongue the word simply means fire, it is changed given form. Power at its most primal that is the true meaning of Yol" Paarthurnax's words echoed through his mind " Suleyk power you have it as do all Dov but power is inert without action and choice, think of this as the fire builds in your Su'um in your breath Su'um Ahrk Morah what will you burn what will you spare."
Fus
"It is called "Force" in yourtongue. But as you push the world, so does the world push back. Think of the way force may be applied effortlessly. Imagine but a whisper pushing aside all in its path. That is "Fus" lets it's meaning fill you. Su'um Ahrk Morah, you will push the world harder then it pushes back.
Feim
" "Fade" In your tongue. Mortals have a greater affinity for this word than the Dov. Everything mortal fades away in time, but the spirit remains. Ponder the meaning of spirit. Unslaad Zii. Where mortal flesh may wither, and die, the spirit endures. That is "Feim" Let that meaning fill you. Su'um Ahrk Morah. you will find that your spirit will give you more strength."
A hand gently shook his shoulder bringing him out of his trance Amber stood in front of him she seemed rather concerned "Are you ok?... you haven't moved for almost six hour's" She said
"I'm fine, I find meditation can calm the mind and make the passage of time move quicker." Mikael answered. "How far are we from Vale?"
Qrow sat up across from him, pulling out his flask and taking a swig "We arrived in Vale's borders ten minutes ago, we should be docking in Beacon in five."
Mikael looked out one of the small windows on the Bullhead at the city below. It looked like a normal community busy streets normal people trying to get on with their lives, in the distance he could make out a few boats coming into the dock. The city soon gave way to a large body of water atop the cliff next to the waterfall, stood a building that could rival the craftsmanship of the imperial city.
Beacon stood proud resting atop the cliff, high towers and archways standing alongside dozens of other building at the centre stood a massive clock tower towers even in the daylight one could make out the faint glow of a few orbs that hung inside the clock tower. Courtyards separated each building at various points.
The bullhead slowly began to descend towards the academy, the bullhead shook slightly indicating they had landed. The compartment door opened allowing its passengers to exit. Mikael stood at the ramp leading down to the landing pad where four people stood.
His eye's scanned over them, two of them wore a somewhat identical white uniform possibly members of a military, the man stature was one that seemed to demand respect, while his eyes showed a look of caution and Mikael knew that look one that many commanding officers held during his time in the legion.
The other a woman with long white hair and blue eyes stood alongside him, she wore a similar uniform to the man, her eyes were steeled as if waiting for conflict while one of her gloved hands rested on the handle of a rapier.
Turning to look at the other two his gaze met a woman with blond hair held up in a bun, a pale complexion and emerald green eyes. She wore a white blouse and black corset, a purple and black cape along with black legging. she adjusted her glances green eyes narrowed as she held a riding crop in her grasp.
Leading the group was the one who appeared to be the oldest among them. Grey hair with a grey suit and green scarf a pair of glasses and behind them sat a pair of brown eyes, Mikael narrowed his eyes, there was a certain weight to those brown orbs, the kind of weight he'd only seen in those who had witnessed the worst mankind could dish out.
"Back in one piece just like I promised." Qrow said walking up to them before taking a pull from his flask.
"We can see that." Ironwood said his gaze shifted over to Mikael "Why is he here." It was more of a demand, rather than a question
"I asked Qrow to bring him back with them." Ozpin said approaching Amber "Miss Autumn it's good to see your safe. I was rather worried when we received information about a possible attempt on your life, Now I see you were in capable hand" Ozpin said smiling at the Fall Maiden
"Oz there one more thing... he knows" Qrow said
The smile vanished from Ozpin's face his tone now serious "How much?" he asked
"All of it, The Four Maidens the wizard and your Brotherhood" Mikael said stepping off the ramp.
"You must be Mikael." Ozpin said offering his hand which he took shaking it "Follow us and everything will be explained."
A raven landed on the archway in the courtyard a bone mask covering its head it's crimson eye's watching the group of hunters and lone Nightingale enter the academy.
/
Mikael followed behind Ozpin, he looked around the room the building itself was rather impressive, he felt slightly jealous, he had spent time at the college of winter hold, hell, he had been given the chance to become the bloody Archmage...God's even now that seemed like a lifetime ago. But this place made him feel somewhat inadequate.
The people Ozpin surrounded himself with made him wary he didn't exactly have good encounters with the law back home, Ozpin approached the desk taking a seat behind it. General Ironwood and Glynda Goodwitch taking their place at his side. Winter and Qrow remaining at Mikael back as his eyes scanned the scene before him.
" I understand why your hesitant but discussing a topic such as this is better done behind closed doors." Ozpin said turning his attention to the Dragonborn "Qrow, has already explained why our brotherhood exists highlighting our need for security."
Mikael walked forward taking a seat in front of Ozpin, sky blue met dark brown, the look in his eye reminded him Of Tolfdir and Kodlak a calculating look yet caring none the less.
"He's said enough" Mikael began " Now, I understand bringing Amber here, but why me care to explain?" Mikael asked
"We are determining whether you are a threat to Amber. Her identity is a well-guarded secret and given the circumstances, we have a right to know your intentions." Ironwood said
Mikael chuckled darkly "General if my intentions were anything less than pure, we wouldn't be having this conversation." The meaning behind his words did not go unnoticed by the room's occupants
Ironwood in response to his words crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowing at the Nightingale, Miss Schnee, on the other hand. Winter's foot slid back slightly, her off-hand resting on the hilt of her weapon, a threat to match his own warning. " I am not your enemy don't attempt to make one out of me." Ironwoods hand slipped beneath his jacket, fingers grazing the ivory grip on his revolver.
Their actions did not go unnoticed, the Dragonborn's hand simultaneously moved towards his ebony sword, so far undetected by all those present, except for one.
"Mikael." He looked over to Amber "You can trust them, you trust me, don't you? They should know. "Amber said Mikael was silent for a moment.
"Know what exactly?" Ozpin inquired
Mikael came to a decision "Well then, let's start from the beginning."
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Here it is, chapter seven the Dragonborn has met Ozpin and the brotherhood, some bad blood already runs between them. The truth is coming out, will it bring answers or merely create more question's.