CINK: YOUTH OF THE NATION

This story was inspired by the animated series RWBY (2013, © Monty Oum and Rooster Teeth Animation)

The original RWBY characters which appear, or are referred to, in this story: Glynda Goodwitch, Jaune Arc, Nora Valkyrie, Pyrrha Nikos, Lie Ren, Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, Yang Xiao Long, Coco Adel, Velvet Scarlatina, Qrow Branwen, Cardin Winchester, Cinder Fall, Emerald Sustrai, Ozpin, Ilia Amitola, Sun Wukong, Neptune Vasillias, Oscar Pine, etc. Are copyrighted property of Rooster Teeth Animation.

The RWBY original characters and events of this story are 2024 by its original author.

A/N: The story was written before the RWBY Volume 9 bonus animatic came out to the public. SO, the events mentioned on it aren't taken in account here. Consider it an AU where Vale survived.

CHAPTER I

—"Mother? How do I look?" Kiera Goodwitch asked her mother. The Professor Glynda Goodwitch, as she examined her huntress outfit, a purple cloak and a white dress with black boots, before her Beacon initiation.

Goodwitch looks over her daughter with a proud smile on her face, as always.
—"You look splendid, my dear," says Goodwitch. "I'm sure you'll make a great first impression, you've had plenty of training up to this point already."

—"I know you'll treat me like another student when we get out there. Mother. No favoritism for being your daughter. Right?"

Glynda gives a short smile, knowing her daughter well.
—"Of course, Kiera. I would never show preference to you because you are my daughter. You are simply another student attending this school, and I will treat you as such. Is that understood?"

—"Understood. Professor!" Kiera said, as she headed to the Emerald Forest for her initiation.

With that, the young woman's mother turns to walk out of the room, leaving Kiera alone with her thoughts once again. It's hard believing that her mother is the headmistress of a school like Beacon Academy, but here she was, wearing her outfit proudly.

The Forest would've been an intimidating place for some, but Kiera knew she didn't have anything to fear. She had been training with both her parents on how to deal with Grimm and other dangers of the world. This should be a walk in the park. Literally.

As Kiera's walk began, she'd find herself alone, listening to the rustling of trees and the sounds of nature around her. She was almost certain she would be able to see some Grimm in the distance at any moment, but at present, the area seemed surprisingly quiet.

—"I'm ready" Kiera thought.

Ten years ago. The old Beacon Academy fell after an attack commanded by the evil Cinder Fall. Glynda Goodwitch, taking the place of the late Professor Ozpin, restored the school to its former glory. Her former students were now professors at Beacon after defeating Salem and Cinder in a bloody final battle in Vacuo.

Kiera knew the history of the academy like the back of her hand. She'd always found it fascinating, being trained at a place with so much history behind it. This was a moment she had been waiting for all her life, and she wasn't going to let anything spoil it.

—"Good morning students. For years, you have trained to become warriors, and today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest." Headmistress Goodwitch said.

Kiera watched carefully as the old professor spoke, noting who her classmates were and paying attention to the Headmistress as she addressed the group. She could feel an air of tension and nervousness around her, but she herself felt fine once again. Sure, there was still that slight feeling of unease, but that was probably just the nerves of all the First Years.

—"Each of you will be given teammates... today." Said Professor Blake Belladonna "That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years."

Kiera took a moment to consider these words. Teammates? The possibility of being teamed up with someone she hadn't trained with was both exciting and slightly worrisome to her.

After a quick moment's consideration, she simply nodded to herself. She'd have to try and get along with whoever she was teamed up with, that was all. This shouldn't be too difficult, right? The fact that the people who would be forming lifelong partnerships for the next four years would be so entirely random seemed a tad bit silly to her. The possibility of meeting someone and forming a friendship was exciting, but having those connections be made on something so minor seemed...well, trivial, almost.

But still, she wasn't worried. She was sure things would work out just fine. Kiera let out a slight chuckle after being told this.

—"You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pair must choose one and return to the top of the cliff. We will regard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?" Her mother Glynda Goodwitch said once more.

Kiera listened carefully as the Headmistress once again spoke to the group. It was a simple test, she thought. A little bit of exploring, a short hike, and then getting graded on the random object you pulled out of a temple. This was the very definition of simplistic, but she still felt excited. Kiera raised her hand slightly, waiting her turn to ask a question.

—"Would we be graded solely on the object we find in the temple, or will we be scored on things in addition to that, like combat proficiency and teamwork?"

—"Good question, dear," Glynda answered. "You will surely be graded on your overall performance, which does include teamwork. However, the main objective is indeed located within the temple. I strongly advice that you find it and retrieve it. It is an imperative component in the initiation process."

Kiera gives a quick nod.

—"Of course, Headmistress. I'm ready."

Glynda gives a quick smile before turning back to address the entire class as a whole.

—"All right, students. Let's get this examination started. Find your partners, and good luck."

Everyone was now free to roam about, searching for potential partners as they headed out into the forest. Kiera didn't waste a moment, starting her search almost immediately.

The forest remained quiet around her. Despite all of her training, she couldn't shake the feeling that something felt off here. The peace and quiet was not normal, in her opinion. Where were all the Grimm? Was something waiting for her?

Kiera immediately searched her surroundings, scanning all around as she began moving forward. She looked ahead and around, searching for anyone in the area she could possibly form a team with. There were a few people in sight, but no one had caught her eye yet… A few more steps, and Kiera spotted a young woman further up the path. He seemed to be about her age, and he didn't seem to have noticed her yet. She could keep looking around, but it wouldn't harm to at least say hello to this person first.

—"Hello. My name is Chryso!" The young girl greeted Kiera. She was a redhead, with green eyes and glasses "I think we're partners now"

Kiera looked at Chryso for a moment, a slight smile spreading on her face. "Hey, you might be right...are you ready for this test?"

It was refreshing to talk to somebody who didn't seem worried at all about the assignment. Most of the other First Years she had seen were a bit skittish and anxious, but not this girl-if anything, she seemed eager to get started. This was sure to make the test more pleasant in Kiera's opinion.

—"I was born ready!" Chryso said with confidence.

Kiera let out a quick chuckle at this girl's confidence. She liked that, she respected that, and this team just might work out. She wouldn't have to do everything, she didn't have to worry about leading... she might get to be a part of the action as well.

—"So...we just go to explore that temple, find something random, and then come back? That's it? Seems way too easy considering we're hunting for relics. What if we get attacked?"

—"Indeed. The longer you stay in the temple, the more likely some Grimm will spot you. So make it quick and efficient."

—"That still sounds too simple to me. There's gotta be something else going on here, right? It doesn't make sense for this test to be so simple, not when we're talking about hunting down actual relics..."

Kiera glanced towards the abandoned temple, once more feeling that sense of unease creeping over her. Something about this entire situation was odd to her. Why was she feeling this way?

—"Besides," Kiera added, trying her best to shake off her worries, "what happens if we fail? What if we don't find a relic like we're supposed to? It's not very likely, given how easy this test is supposed to be, but still."

—"I know right? But. Let's just expect for the best"

—"Alright, you have a point there. Guess there's no point worrying about it until we actually get started. Let's go check this temple out."

With that, Kiera begins walking up the path towards the temple once more. It seemed like the old building appeared to become bigger the closer they got, which only made Kiera's unease grow even more. Chryso took out her weapon Helmetheus. Just in case.

Kiera took note of this, seeing that Chryso seemed prepared to deal with any threats they might come across. Which was reassuring, but didn't do much to ease her own suspicions about this entire situation. Still, they were just about to the temple itself now. Time to figure out what lies ahead.

—"Some girl's in trouble!" Said Kiera after she heard a shriek behind them

Kiera looked towards the source of the sound, ready to act. As she did, though, she felt a slight chill run up her spine. There was definitely something off about this temple...

She looked over to see if Chryso had already gone to help the girl or not. Chryso went to help the girl... Only to find out that it wasn't a girl... It was Nicholas Arc-Schnee. Son of Jaune and Weiss. Chased a Death Stalker!

Kiera's jaw dropped. This was certainly unexpected. What exactly was this creature doing here, and why was it chasing Nicholas?

That could wait, though. They had to help Nick first. Kiera drew her weapon and joined in the effort to fend off the Death Stalker. Kiera shot an arrow at its tail. Trying to leave the creature without its poisonous stinger.

The arrow embeds itself into the Death Stalker's tail, and it lets out a furious roar in response, spinning around to face Kiera and Chryso. It lunged at the young girl, aiming to knock her out of the way so that it could get to Nicholas once more.

—"That was close!" Said Kiera as she dodged the Grimm's tail

Kiera kept her eyes on the Death Stalker as it tried to lunge at her again, only to miss her again by inches. She was keeping her cool, not letting the rush of this encounter get to her. Now, all she had to do was keep her attention focused on the creature…

—"This arrow is a gift for you!" Said Kiera before firing an arrow

The arrow flies through the air at a lightning fast speed, striking the Death Stalker in one of its legs. The creature immediately falls over, and Kiera uses this opportunity to move in for the kill, quickly aiming her bow towards the creature's head and shooting once more.

The last arrow hits its mark, landing right in the Death Stalker's skull. The creature let out a low groan as it hit the ground, and quickly faded away, leaving just an empty patch of land behind.

The duo shared a quick glance, both of them breathing heavily. At last, the threat had been eliminated.

—"Nice aim with those arrows," Chryso praised Kiera, a bit in awe in her tone, as she helped her finish the monster with Helmetheus.

—"Thanks Chryso. I really love the design of your weapon" Kiera smirked at the compliment —"Let's check on Nick's state"

—"Oh... yeah. Good idea." Kiera agreed, looking back over towards Nicholas.

The young boy was just starting to gain his bearings. He seemed slightly confused, and quite rattled. He was still breathing heavily, and Kiera could see a few cuts and bruises on him. It was clear that the encounter with the Death Stalker had been a near miss.

—"Hey pal. You are Mr. Arc and Miss Weiss's son right?" Asked Chryso

Nick glanced up at the duo, still looking somewhat wary.

—"Yeah...you must be Chryso, and..." He gave a quick nod to Kiera. "...and you. What happened with that Grimm? It just came out of nowhere."

—"Well. Those things can be very sneaky..." Said Kiera Goodwitch "It seems we are a team now. We are just missing one more member"

Kiera glanced back over to the temple, hoping that perhaps they would meet their fourth teammate there. Nick nodded, still slightly trembling as he glanced from one to the other. —"Yeah, you're right. Hopefully we'll find them soon..."

Kiera glancing around, trying to spot their third teammate. Who would it be? Who would they now be connected to for years to come?

She was about to look back towards Nicholas when she realized someone new had joined their little group. She turned around, wondering who it was…

Kiera's eyes went wide in disbelief as she looked at the individual who had joined their group. Iris Amitola...? She couldn't be serious...did she really just meet a relative of Ilia's? The legendary Ménagerie warrior? This was too good to be true in her eyes.

Before she could speak, she remembered to compose herself and take in the situation, nodding at her new third teammate with a small smile.

—"Nice to meet you. It seems that we are a team now!" Iris said as she took the bishop chess piece relic from the temple. "Now, all we need to do is grab the last one. Shouldn't be too bad, right?"

Kiera glanced over towards Iris. Now, all that remained was to secure the piece.

—"Right," Kiera replied, once more nodding at Ilia.

—"It just looked...too easy" Nick said. Feeling that something bad was about to happen.

Kiera sighed, feeling a bit conflicted. Was it really that easy, or was something bad going to happen? It was too hard to tell right now. Either way, all they could really do at the moment was go and retrieve the final relic.

She looked back towards Nicholas, who seemed to share her concerns about the simplicity of this task. "Yeah..." Kiera said in agreement, also feeling like something bad might happen. And as they made their way back to Beacon. A furious pack of Beowulf appeared in front of them.

Kiera froze for a second, completely taken by surprise as the pack of Beowulfs came into view. She hadn't heard them approaching until now, it appeared.

She instinctively drew her bow, aiming it at the closest one as she prepared to defend herself from these attackers. Kiera hoped that her other teammates were also ready for this surprise encounter.

Kiera saw Nicholas drawing his weapon, and this had her feeling more at ease. She knew they'd be fighting these Beowulfs with everything they had, and it would make the encounter much easier.

She fired an arrow at one of the Beowulfs, aiming for its head. Meanwhile - if Nicholas was also drawing the family heirloom, that meant that Chryso would likely do the same!

Chryso's weapon struck the Beowolf hard, sending it crashing to the ground with a loud thud as it attempted to lunge towards her. Meanwhile - Kiera fired another arrow at the second Beowolf, quickly reducing their numbers even further.

Kiera's dust infused arrows took a toll on their numbers. While Iris Amitola used her semblance to camouflage herself on the trees. Attacking the Grimm by surprise! Iris' appearance from the trees took the remaining Beowolves by surprise - this proved to be an excellent move on her part, allowing her to attack the enemies while they were not only unaware of her presence, but also preoccupied with the other three.

As she attacked from the trees, Kiera fired yet another arrow at another Beowolf, hoping to take it down with a clean shot.

Kiera's arrow struck its mark, piercing the Beowolf and causing it to fall to the ground with a loud thud. It let out one last, dying groan before fading into nothingness, just like the Death Stalker they had encountered before.

—"It was the last one?" Asked Chryso as she cleaned Helmetheus from the black tarry substance that the Grimm left on it.

—"I hope so. That was quite a lot of Gr-"

Before Kiera could finish her sentence, she heard a rumbling noise coming from a nearby forested area. It seemed as though they were being approached by enemies again, but she didn't know...was this really the last group, or were there going to be more of them?

—"Watch out!" Nick shouted. And slashed Crocea Mors at the impending danger

A third group of Beowulfs came into view, charging towards their group. Nick's quick act saved their team's lives, as a stray Beowolf was about to attack Kiera from behind.

—"Thanks Nick," the young girl said with a quick smile towards him, before taking aim at the leader of this new group of Grimm. She fired another arrow, hoping to take this group's leader down with a single, clean shot.

—"My! That was close!" Amitola said. Appearing again as her camouflage semblance faded off.

—"Definitely," Kiera agreed, breathing a sigh of relief as the new group of Beowulfs finally retreated back into the forest. "I almost wasn't able to react to the last one, but you saved me."

Her smile turned towards the new teammate, looking at her with a slight admiration. "Good job with the camouflage technique," she added.

—"Family thing," Iris said. After all, her mother was once a prominent member of the White Fang, a rare chameleon faunus.

—"Oh, really?" Kiera asked, suddenly feeling somewhat interested in learning more. "Your mom was a part of the White Fang? What was that like for you growing up, if you don't mind me asking?" The young huntress continued, wondering if Ilia had encountered any difficulties as a result of their family's involvement in the organization.

—"Well... She wasn't a member anymore when she gave birth to me... Fortunately for us. Miss Blake Belladonna. A good friend of hers. Saved us from the remaining members"

—"So...your mom was a former White Fang member, and...Blake Belladonna herself saved you from the remaining members?" Kiera asked, feeling baffled as she processed what she had just heard. "Blake is a friend of your family, and she protected you from the other White Fang members?" She asked again, just to confirm that this was correct.

—"That's correct. Kiera. And you're Glynda's daughter. Right?"

—"Right, I am," Kiera confirmed, slightly puzzled by the sudden change in topic of discussion. She was well aware that she was Glynda's daughter, so she didn't see why this needed to be brought up now.

—"Well. I just wanted to be sure. Please forgive if I was rude"

—"Speaking of your mother. We should bring her this thing. Right?" Nick said. Showing the relic on his hands.

Kiera nodded, turning toward Nick as he held the relic.

—"Yeah, you're right. We should go ahead and give that to Ms. Goodwitch before we do anything else."

She glanced towards the temple in the distance again, still wondering if they truly had dealt with all of the enemies in their area.

The group made their way back to Glynda Goodwitch, eager to tell her that they had retrieved the final relic.

—"Congratulations" The headmistress said.

—"Thank you, Headmistress." Kiera said, also glancing at her teammates. They'd done it. They had managed to retrieve all of the relics. The hard part was over!