Chapter 1:
First Light
Tell me the truth.
If you were sent to another world, how would you react? Not just any world, but a world you knew about intimately. A world you've put countless hours into learning, thinking, and watching through a screen. A world where you thought it was nothing more than a fairytale.
You fail to realize how lost you are if it's anything positive.
With any luck, the world is in the middle of a Cold War. Even if you know the world, you are miserably underprepared for it.
And chances are, it was better off without you.
Another loss to another third party…as usual. You might as well call the game 'Third Party Legends.'
It was a typical Friday night. I had just finished playing online games and was in the mood for late-night snacks from my local convenience store. I powered down my PC and started to put on my shoes. I then went to my mother's room to tell her I'd leave the house briefly.
"Hey, Mom, I'm going to the convenience store quickly. I'll be right back," I said.
"Alright, take care," my mother says warmly. My mom is just the best, being a mother of seven children. Four of them live on their own, while the rest, including me, live with her. She does her best to be the best mother she can be, and I respect her highly for that. At least she didn't abandon me like my father.
"I will, Mom. I always do," I say, giving a warm smile. As I leave the house, I start thinking about everything my mom has done for me and how I'm… kind of just a disappointment. I'm my mother's first son and the only one in the family who can pass on the family name since all my other siblings have different fathers with different last names than the family name. Yet…I haven't done anything in my life worth mentioning.
I push those thoughts aside and start walking to the convenience store. It's not a long walk; it takes about 10 minutes to get there from my home. I get the usual: a bottle of Pepsi, a bag of Funyuns chips, and a pack of Sour Skittles. I don't care what anyone says; Sour Skittles is the best kind of Skittles, and I will die on that hill.
I bring my items to the cashier, and it scans them and tells me their price. "That'll be $6.36, sir," the cashier said. I hand him the exact amount, take my items, and walk out. As I walk, my vision warps and blurs for a second. I look to my left and right and see nothing is wrong.
"I guess anyone's eyes would be tired after holing up in their room, gaming all day," I say while rubbing my eyes. I start walking across the street while doing so, blinking my eyes, and then suddenly, a bright light engulfs me. Shortly after I began to lose consciousness, the dark void pulling me in. The last thing I heard was the sound of a horn.
As I slowly regained consciousness, I found myself surrounded by an overwhelming sense of emptiness. The inky blackness that engulfed me was suffocating and disorienting. Panic set in as I realized I couldn't see anything at all. My mind raced, trying to remember how I got here, but all attempts were futile. It was as if my past had been erased, leaving me hollow and incomplete.
In the midst of this confusion, I heard a faint sound - crying, like that of an infant. As if in response to the sound, a blinding light suddenly appeared before me, drawing me closer with its beckoning glow. As I entered the light, my eyes struggled to adjust and make sense of my surroundings. And there, standing before me, was a woman with long black hair cascading down her back like a waterfall and piercing crimson eyes that seemed to penetrate straight into my very being. We stared at each other for what felt like an eternity, the silence thick with unspoken questions.
As if breaking through the stillness, the woman finally spoke. "Your name will be…Iris…Iris Branwen," she said firmly. Iris? Is that my name? But it didn't feel quite right. Confusion and doubt swirled inside of me. Sensing my hesitation, the woman continued to gaze at me intently, almost as if searching for something within me.
Slowly, I began to take in my surroundings. I attempted to move and saw my own hands and limbs—those of an infant. While my memory may be hazy, I knew one thing for sure—I wasn't supposed to be a baby!
The days blurred together in a haze of exhaustion and naps, making it difficult to keep track of time while trapped in the body of a toddler. Was it weeks? Months? It was hard to tell. As I stumbled clumsily around on wobbly legs, trying to make sense of this new world, I discovered that the woman who had given me my name was more than just a stranger - she was the leader of a community known as the Branwen Tribe. She was also my mother. Raven Branwen, her name held power and authority, and she ruled over the Branwen Tribe with grace and strength.
My eyes followed her graceful movements as she engaged in what appeared to be combat with members of the tribe. However, I could tell from the gentle way she handled them that they were sparring and not actually trying to harm each other. The frustration of knowing terminology and concepts but having no recollection of my own past self was overwhelming. After much contemplation, I have come to the realization that I am a reincarnated being with no memory of my previous life. It is a strange sensation to know what reincarnation is without knowing why or how I have become aware of it. It's as if my memories are hand-selected, leaving me with countless questions and no answers.
With a final, sharp clang of metal against metal, my mother finished her spar and returned to the tent. I quickly closed the flaps, trying not to be seen as I peeked at her from behind. My mother was always busy with something and didn't like me leaving the tent alone. Usually, one of the other tribe members would keep an eye on me during these times. It struck me then that I didn't spend much time with my mother. Our interactions were limited to moments like these, when we rested for the night and sat down to eat together. Other than that, we existed in separate worlds within our small tent. Something about this felt wrong, like a mother should have more involvement in their child's life. But whenever my mother looked at me, her eyes had a troubled expression. It was as if she were seeing someone else instead of me. Did she have another child before me? Countless unanswered questions swirled in my mind once again, leaving me feeling unsettled and unsure about the woman who raised me.
A soft rustling of sheets and blankets greeted the ears of my mother as she entered my room, her steps echoing off the walls. She found me on all fours, trying to crawl back into bed like a mischievous little fox caught in the act. I froze at her voice and slowly turned around to see her standing there with a slight smirk, clearly amused with my antics and being caught red-handed. She walked over to me with a grace and elegance that only a true leader possessed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. With one swift move, she scooped me up and held me close to her chest, her warmth enveloping me. "Were you spying on my sparring session, my dear?" she teased as she tickled my stomach, eliciting a loud laugh from me. The sound rang out through the room, filling it with joy and love. Even at such a young age, I was fascinated by the art of combat, much to my mother's delight. "You have the heart of a warrior, just like your mother," she said with a sense of pride shining in her eyes. She paused for a moment before continuing, "When you are old enough, you will begin your training and become a true member of our Branwen tribe. And one day, when I am ready to step down, you will take my place as leader." Her words filled me with excitement and determination. I knew that I had big shoes to fill, but my mother believed in me and I was determined to make her proud.
My mother's tickles danced across my skin, her fingers trailing along the soft fur of my extra pair of ears. I couldn't believe these were mine - fox ears, just like those found on a wild animal. It was a fact that baffled me, especially since I had no recollection of ever having them before. But according to my mother, I was what they called a Faunus, a subspecies of mankind with one unique animal trait. As I processed this new information, it dawned on me - this may have explained why I could only remember specific things from my past. Could my beliefs have been different before? The more I learned about myself, the more confused and lost I felt in this unknown world. And every time I discovered something contradicting my locked-away memories, it only added to the turmoil inside me. Jesus Christ, this is frustrating…Wait…who the hell is Jesus Christ?
Looking back on my childhood, I remember vividly the day I turned seven. It felt like a milestone, a stepping stone into something bigger and more significant. By then, my mother had been on numerous expeditions, leaving me behind for months at a time. This most recent one lasted an entire year, and I couldn't help but feel desperately lonely without her. The tribe members took care of me in her absence, but it never quite filled the void left by my mother's absence.
When I turned five, my mother began to train me. She didn't focus on combat techniques but rather on building up my physicality. She pushed me to develop my endurance and strength from running and jumping to climbing various obstacles. At first, I was hesitant and doubted my abilities. But as I continued the training, it became clear that I possessed a natural talent. Was this simply a result of my past life's memories coming through? It seemed almost too easy.
"Excellent work, Iris," my mother praised after one particularly challenging session. "I'm impressed with how quickly you're taking to this training. We'll be ready to begin combat training soon, and that's where the real challenges lie." The anticipation bubbled within me at the thought of what was to come next in my training journey.
"Really?! Can I finally start mother?! I said excitedly
"Yes, Iris," Mother said with a swell of pride evident in her expression. "Your progress is exceeding my expectations." She looked at me with a warm smile before her face turned serious again. "But our lessons will not just be about combat. I must also prepare you for survival in this harsh and unforgiving world we live in." Her words hung heavy in the air as she continued to speak. "The Grimm are not the only threat to our lives; it is the people who inhabit this world that can be just as dangerous."
I listened intently, determined to absorb every word my mother spoke. Memories were already slipping away from me, and I didn't want to forget anymore. "I've never seen a Grimm before, but your stories about them have painted a terrifying picture," I admitted honestly.
Mother's stern gaze softened, and she placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry if I've frightened you with tales of the Grimm. But as a warrior like myself, you must learn to overcome your fears." She paused for a moment before meeting my eyes again. "And that's why your final test will be against a Grimm. You will face it alone, with me standing by as backup."
A flutter of nerves tingled through my body as I contemplated the upcoming challenge. Yet, a fierce determination burned bright within me, ready to take on whatever lay ahead. Excitement bubbled up inside me at the thought of finally training with my mother. "Yes, Mother! I won't let you down!" I declared with a fervent passion in my voice.
My mother's face lit up with a wide, proud grin. "That is the heart of a warrior I want to see in you, Iris," she praised. With that, she drew her weapon, lovingly named 'Omen', from its sheath. In response, I unsheathed my own training sword, eager to begin our sparring session. But before we could start, my mother halted me with a raised hand and said, "Not yet. There is some business I need to attend to first."
As she finished speaking, she swung her sword in an elegant arc, creating what appeared to be a portal shimmering with deep shades of crimson. I watched in awe as this was the first time I had witnessed my mother use her semblance - a unique power possessed by those who have unlocked their aura. She had taught me about semblances before; how they are tied to one's very soul and can manifest in various ways. My mother's semblance was known as 'Kindred Link' and allowed her to open portals to those whom she shared a strong connection with.
A surge of warmth filled my chest as I realized my mother must have established such a bond with me. Knowing that she could always find me with her semblance no matter where we were, made me happy and comforted.
My mother knelt down and placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, her warm touch radiating comfort. I could see the weariness in her eyes as she spoke to me, her voice soft yet resolute. "I won't be gone for long, Iris. I promise I'll be back by nightfall." Though I was unhappy about her leaving, I understood that her duties as a leader were crucial to our tribe's survival. "I know, Mother. Please be safe," I said with concern etched into my features. We embraced tightly, and I whispered, "I love you, Mom." My mother was taken aback by my actions, hesitating before returning my embrace with awkward sincerity. "I love you too, Iris. I won't take too long. I have to speak with an old crow." A bird? Why would she need to talk to a bird? My curiosity was piqued as I watched her prepare to leave. "See you soon, my little fox," she said with a smile and a wave before disappearing through the shimmering portal. As it closed behind her, I couldn't help but wonder what important task lay ahead for my mother at the other end of that mysterious gateway.
I made my way over to the bed, my mother's and my sleeping spot for as long as I could remember. The softness of the mattress welcomed me as I lay down, closing my eyes for just a moment. When I opened them again, I noticed that the portal my mother had created was still shimmering faintly in the corner of the room. My curiosity piqued, I wondered why she hadn't closed it and couldn't resist the urge to explore it myself, even though I knew it would displease her.
Stepping through the glowing portal, I found myself surrounded by towering trees unlike any I had seen in our tribe's territory. The branches reached towards the sky like outstretched arms, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. As I ventured deeper into this unknown forest, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and adventure.
In the distance, I saw flickering lights which seemed to be coming from a camp or settlement of some sort. As I approached, I could hear voices arguing heatedly. One was unmistakably my mother's soothing tone, while the other belonged to a man with a rough and commanding voice.
"When are you going to come to your senses, brother, and realize you're nothing more than a pawn to him!" my mother shouted at the man she called Brother. Brother? Is this man her brother? Doesn't that mean he's my uncle? I didn't know we had more family members. If that's the case, why isn't he with us? Why isn't he with our tribe? The tribe is supposed to be our family.
In a heated response to my Mother, the man retorted, "Oh yeah? I'm the one who needs to come to my senses?" He began striding towards her, gesturing angrily. "What about you? You may have your differences with Oz, but turning your back on Tai and Yang, your own flesh and blood daughter, over that is nothing short of cowardice." My mother stood there facing him, arms defiantly crossed. "Just admit it, Raven. You're running away to save yourself. You're not willing to make sacrifices for the people who care about you. Even now, there's a bond between us, proven by your semblance." My mother's gaze faltered as she looked away, showing a hint of shame, still keeping her arms crossed. "You still have a bond with all three of us: me, Tai, and Yang. Deep down, you still care. You just can't bring yourself to admit it." The man finished his tirade, and my mother remained silent.
"I've told you, Qrow, I'm not going back," my mother declared with defiance in her voice. Her eyes locked onto Qrow's, piercing him with a stern glare that could rival the one she gave me when I misbehaved as a child. So this man's name is Qrow, and that's why my mother mentioned talking to a bird. The realization made me snicker quietly at the strange coincidence of their names and their connection as siblings.
Suddenly, Qrow snapped his head towards me and demanded to know who was there. My heart raced with fear as I worried about the consequences of being caught spying on my mother and disobeying her orders. "Reveal yourself now, or else!" my mother threatened, her voice pulsing with authority.
Feeling scared and guilty, I slowly emerged from my hiding spot, expecting to face my mother's wrath. But instead, her expression transformed into shock as she laid eyes on me. And standing next to her, Qrow's face held a mixture of surprise and curiosity as he took in the unexpected turn of events.
My mother's voice boomed through the quiet forest, echoing off the trees and startling me. I could see the disappointment etched on her face as she marched towards me with a ferocity I had never witnessed before. "IRIS?! What are you doing here?!" Her words laced with anger and confusion. And in that moment, I knew I had made a terrible mistake. "I told you I would return by nightfall," she continued, her pace quickening. "How did you even get here?!" My heart pounded in my chest as fear gripped me tight. Before I could answer, Qrow appeared by my side, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. But my mother swatted it away with a sharp motion, her focus solely on me. "Her name is Iris," she corrected him sharply, her tone filled with disdain. Qrow looked at me, his eyes taking in my appearance - the black hair like mother, the way I dressed similar to my mother - and then he noticed the silver eyes and fox ears that marked our differences. He spoke up again, his voice heavy with realization. "Black hair like yours, dresses like you, and followed you out here when I know you're not the type to get connected to strangers, even if they are kids." My mother winced at each detail he listed, her disappointment growing with every passing second.
I stood in front of the tall, dark-haired man with a wide grin on my face, eager to introduce myself. "My name is Iris Branwen, daughter of Raven Branwen. Nice to meet you, Uncle Qrow!" I said, my voice filled with excitement. My mother's hand came down on my shoulder in a sharp smack, and she let out a frustrated sigh. She didn't want me to reveal that information to him so easily.
Qrow raised an eyebrow, his mouth twitching into a smirk as he looked from me to my mother. "Nice to meet you too, kid. I didn't know I had another niece," he replied, his tone teasing. "No wonder I haven't heard from you in a while sis. You've been busy with this one here, huh?"
Mother shot him a glare, her expression warning him to stop teasing her. But Qrow seemed to take delight in pushing her buttons.
"Yes, I was," she admitted through gritted teeth. "However, I wasn't planning on you knowing about her, at least not until much later."
I shifted nervously and scratched the back of my neck, feeling a bit awkward about the whole situation. "After you went through the portal, Mom, I saw that you still didn't have it closed for a few minutes, and I was worried something was wrong," I explained.
Qrow let out a booming laugh at Mother's mistake. "Really, sis? Did you have that portal open the entire time we were talking? How paranoid are you?" He laughed again, clearly amused by my mother's forgetfulness.
"I was so distracted by the nonsense you spewed earlier that I simply forgot about my semblance," Mother retorted icily.
Qrow only continued to chuckle at her expense. "Oh, I'm sure, sis," he said sarcastically. "Although I'm glad you did since I got to meet the niece I didn't even know I had. How are you, kid? The name's Qrow. How old are you?"
I looked up at my mother for approval before answering honestly. "I'm doing fine, and I'm seven years old," I replied.
Qrow's expression turned from amusement to surprise as he exclaimed, "Ah, so you're the same age as Ruby." Ruby? Who was that? Another family member of his? Was she my sister?
"Alright then, that's enough," Mother interjected sternly, clearly wanting to end the conversation. "Come on, Iris, we're leaving... now!"
She grabbed my arm and slashed another portal open, pulling us both through it and back to our camp. I quickly turned around and waved at Qrow. "Well, I have to say this was my favorite meeting of ours so far sis," he called out with a grin. "It was nice meeting you, Iris."
"You too, Uncle Qrow! See you next time!" I shouted before being pulled into the portal.
Back in our own tent, Mother turned around with a look of displeasure on her face. "Uh oh," I muttered under my breath.
"Yes, uh oh indeed," she said with a sigh. "Your combat training begins tomorrow at sunrise, and it will be harder than ever before. Get some rest tonight because you're going to need it."
I closed my eyes tightly, trying to force myself to sleep despite the looming dread of the morning. As I lay down, my mind wandered back to all the memories I had made in this life so far. I could vividly recall each moment, from the first time I opened my eyes to this world and saw the bright light that pulled me from the void. In that moment, I was scared and alone, but that light was my lifeline, leading me into this new existence. Though my past before this life is a hazy blur, I am grateful for my mother, who has been my constant guide and support. It all began with that fateful encounter with the 'First Light.'
HEY GUYS! *GETS BOO'ED IMMEDIATELY AND TOMATOES THROWN AT*
HEY!
Ok, look, I know this is like my third attempt with writing this fic, and like yeah, you probably are like that GTA San Andreas meme saying, "Ah shit, here we go again." BUT HOLD ON, LET ME COOK! My first two attempts failed were: 1. I was new and quickly took criticism way too hard even though it was fair criticism 2. I burnt myself out trying to get out weekly updates.
THIS TIME THOUGH IS THIRD TIMES THE CHARM! I WILL COMPLETE THIS STORY!...EVENTUALLY…Seriously though, I will try to get new chapters out as soon as possible, but they will not be weekly updates. The latest chapters will come out when they are ready to come out. I'm doing this mainly so I'm not pressured to get a chapter out and make it rushed. It's better this way so I don't burn out again and give up…again. Remember, I will be time-skipping until we get to the main storyline timeline. My goal for every chapter is to try and get it to 4,000 words per chapter. I think that's a fair enough amount for a single chapter. Other than that, I have nothing else to say. Hopefully, you guys like this chapter and a reboot of this fic after I deleted the original. Kinda glad I did cause I like this route a lot more than just OC randomly spawning into Remnant without reincarnation or some reasonable explanation of how they are in the world. There is no proper reason why Iris is in remnant, but obviously, I'm not gonna tell you guys that just yet :)
Other than that, I hope you guys enjoyed it, and I'll see you guys next time!
SAEKO
