Somewhere in the floating metropolis and military heavy kingdom of Atlas, there was a bar called 'The Rusted Giant', where the middle and low-class hang around. They'd laugh, curse, cry, throw back a few drinks…and sadly in a few cases, blame their problems on the Faunus, even if the bar didn't allow them.
Unbeknownst to most the patrons, a certain somebody was also there, looking for information. The stranger wore a cloak that, while weathered, was still fairly nice looking. Not 'rich' nice looking mind you, more…'bought a few days ago and already been through the ringer.'
"And who are you supposed to be, eh?" A gruff man with a beard asked the small scrawny figure who was casually shuffling a deck of custom-made cards in hand.
"Just a young gambler hoping to strike it lucky." The figure said in a young boy's voice before flicking his wrist and showing the Ace of Spades. "Care to place a deal?"
The boy then took his feet off the table and stood up, revealing his ensemble in full; he wore a light blue waistcoat over a white undershirt, a light blue tie, armored pants, knee-high armored boots, a utility belt with a large revolver and machete holstered, and a snow white trenchcoat with a light blue snowflake on the back. He also wore a white cowboy hat and a pair of ocean blue-tinted sunglasses.
"Well, I'll be damned..." The man said in awe before smirking, but keeping his voice down; no need to cause a scene just yet, tempting as that was. "You're a goddamn Schnee, ain't ya? What? Got tired of the high society crap you wanted to mingle with the commonfolk?"
"More or less. See...I actually wish to put the proverbial screws to Mr. Jacques, you see." The boy, Whitely, chuckled as a drink was brought to him. "And I'll be more than willing to pay a pretty penny for a little help in getting me directions to Beacon Academy in the Kingdom of Vale.
The man narrowed his eyes. "That ain't good enough, Schnee. You'll have to come with better grease if you want me to budge."
"Oh, I figured you'd say that, which is why I came prepared." The boy said as he produced several Dust Crystals and an as of yet unsigned land claim.
"There's a sizeable Dust mine, just discovered but not yet claimed by the SDC. From what we've picked up, it could boost everyone in this bar and town to upper middle class at least. You help me get to Vale? And it's all yours."
That seemed like a grand deal. Hell, most activity at the bar had stopped, a dead silence over the room as they realized that, depending on how this went? Their town might be moving on up.
"What if…?" Another drinker began to speak, but Whitley cut him off.
"If the SDC does attempt anything, you can demand any price for the mine, and they are legally required to pay said price if they want it. Besides, with a signature and possession of the deed, even their lawyers would have a very hard time proving it was SDC property to begin with, 9/10ths of the law and all that…even Jacques has enough sense to avoid bad PR."
The patrons all wordlessly looked at each other, a few minutes passing as Whitely finished his drink. He then looked to the patron he'd begun speaking too.
"You want to get to Vale by Bullhead or boat?"
POWR
"Oscar, are you sure?" Ruth Pines asked for the last time.
"I'm pretty sure, Auntie. Ozpin knew my parents and if I can talk with him, I know for a fact he'll be able to help."
Young Oscar Pine was already putting on his primary hunter attire that once belonged to his father; a black bicorne hat with a preserved Nevermore's feather attached, a black leather coat with a cape attached, a dark brown waistcoat over a white undershirt, black slacks, and dark brown boots.
He was setting off out to meet Professor Ozpin at Beacon Academy, having received a scholarship offering and personal summon from the Headmaster. Apparently, Ozpin had known Ruth's brother Denslow, Oscar's father, and Dorothy, Oscar's mother, and had offered to tell the boy anything he'd ever want to know about them…and give Ruth's farm some business by starting a trade deal for fresh produce and bread.
Oscar then made sure to take inventory, which consisted of every weapon used not just by his father and mother but also by his grandparents and ancestors. Storing them all using a specially crafted bag that could store a near-infinite number of items that had been created by his grandmother, he set out on his journey.
"Please be safe..." Were the words Ruth said with a sigh.
Oscar turned back once more, gave her a smile and nodded as he as he disappeared into the forest.
POWR
"WHEW! What a nice swim!"
From the dock emerged a tall, well built young man of around 17 years old, his brow decorated with antlers and his form otherwise covered in scales that glistened not only by water but by moonlight.
"…and no such maidens to admire me…this is different. Oh well!"
He then shook himself dry and made his way into town, hoping to find some food and maybe an inn for the night.
It had taken Momtaro some time to lose his retainers and sneak away from his boat; he'd left a note assuring them and his parents he'd write, and then swam for a whole day in excitement; a hastily swung back containing his lien and his father's beloved sword; Aoi Takeigami.
Soon enough, he came to a shp called 'from Dust Til Dawn' and made his way in, buying some food and then heading to the magazine rack to get a 'Remnant Monthly', when he realized he wasn't alone in the shop:
Reading a copy of 'Weapons Weekly' was a girl in a red hood, listening to 'This'll be the Day', who, when Momo reached to grab his magazine, turned startled and revealed her ivory skin and silver eyes.
She was rather adorable, Momo mused.
"Sorry…" He smiled, embrassed to have startled her.
"Oh, no worries! Sorry, I vanished into my reading," She assured him, then gave him a once over. "I'm sorry, but…are you new in town?"
"Just arrived, actually." Momotaro admitted. "This was the first shop that was open and..Oh Oum, my manners!"
The girl composed herself, seemingly realizing the same thing and offering a hand to shake.
"Ruby Rose."
"Momotaro." The prince replied, returning the gesture; he kept his last name a secret for now; no need for it…and he was impressed Ruby seemed unphased by his strength.
"My sister is pretty strong." Ruby explained. "I'm used to it."
Momo smiled again before he realized theat standing behind them was a tall man in red with a sword drawn and levelled at them.
"Put your hands where I can see them!" he demanded.
"Are…are you robbing us?" Ruby asked.
"YES!"
"…Huh." The two teens mused before Ruby kicked the man outside and rushed to reveal she wieled a scythe.
"HAHAHA! I knew it was a good idea to come here!" Momo laughed as he drew his family's prized sword and leaped into the fray, sending several thugs flying as Ruby dispatched the others.
The leader of the thugs was disappointed in his men and made a quick get away, the teens in pursuit until he got onto the waiting Bullhead, trying to throw a Dust Crystal at them, but his plot was foiled by the sudden appearance of a tall blonde woman in spectacles with a wand
"Whoa, you're a Huntress..." Ruby breathed out. "Can I have your autograph?!"
POWR
"Now Penny, we'll be heading to Vale next month. I need you to be on your best behavior, okay?" Pietro Polendina gently said to his android daughter Penny, who simply saluted.
"You have my word, Father!"
Pietro chuckled. It was true he wanted to make sure Penny was safe in unfamiliar territory, especially with Ironwood moving his forces in preparation for security, but the old scientist wanted his daughter to be able to interact with other people. He simply hoped that the ones Penny met would be good eggs.
"I know you won't let me down, baby girl."
POWR
Deep in the recesses of the Forever Fall forest laid a tomb, untouched for countless millennia. In the tomb was a casket marked by the Brother Gods, which would be opened when the time came for whoever was inside to come out.
It was a last will from the Gods themselves before they left Remnant behind. That a figure blessed with their powers would rise and help guide humanity to either prosperity...or destruction.
The mark on the casket glowed brightly as it shifted. It was not time yet, but it was coming very soon...
Knightmare Lord A/N:
Hope you like the set-up for our main team as well as Momotaro and a mysterious figure who will be very important later down the line.
We're sorry if the chapters are short, but we'll be sure to start setting up bigger and better ones as we progress!