A big, big announcement today. It is with great jubilation that after months of editing and proofreading (with help from my good friend and close writing confidant, Ryuzaki 007), that I am pleased to announce that Book I of Age of Heroes, The Hero and the Student will be self-published onto Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing during the month of December. All I have to do now is design a cover and it will all be ready to go. Once it is published, I will post another announcement on each of my major stories to let everyone know.
To everyone who has waited patiently for the longest time, your patience will soon be rewarded. And a big thank you to everyone who has supported me through this, it truly means a lot. If you enjoy my Fanfiction writing, I highly recommend you give my first original work a read, it's my love letter to anime in the form of the fantasy genre. So, let's now commence the next chapter of this tale.
Chapter 23: The Boy in the Forest
As our heroes fly into Atlas, let us take this moment to turn back the clock eight years to a crucial moment in history. Eight years...the moment where the course of one life changed forever…
He already looked like a dead man walking. His eyes were wide, but dead and soulless. He was lumbering, like a zombie from a movie. His hands and face were covered in blood. Not his blood, but blood all the same.
He did not seem to have any interest in his surroundings. He simply pressed on, walking through the dark forest, far far away from his home. Can't go back there. He thought to himself. Can't go back. I don't wanna…
He looked so scared, but lacked the energy to scream. His mouth simply remained open, as though a silent scream were coming out constantly. They're all gone. He noted. No one came to help...no one came to stop it all...no one came for me. Why...did this happen to us? Why did all of this happen to me?
Were they right...does the world really hate us that much. Would...no one really cry if we just died?
Horrifying thoughts for a ten-year-old, but this is the state he has now been driven to. A living embodiment of grief and despair. And we all know what such negative emotions are doomed to attract in the world of Remnant.
Growling rang out around the little boy. He weakly turned his head to see a small pack of Beowolves surrounding him. They all glared at him with those beady red eyes. He knew he should scream for help, scream for his life, scream for something. However, a part of him knew it was useless. No one came to help him when his family was dying after all. Why would someone come to help him now.
And perhaps it was better this way. Nobody really wants him around anyway, right? Maybe death was an escape at this point? Perhaps this was a blessing in disguise? Again, no ten-year-old should be thinking this way, and yet here we are.
The Grimm trudged up to the little boy, growling at him. They seemed ready to pounce and devour him. However, they froze in place, but kept their gazes on him. The largest of the bunch, the leader, gave a single bark, and the Beowolves ran away from him. If the little boy had the strength to muster a look of disbelief, he would have.
Do the Grimm not want me either? He wondered. What did I...do wrong? Why does nobody want me?
Exhaustion finally overtook young the little boy. He collapsed against a nearby tree, tired of walking and of his miserable existence. How long had he even been walking? He never bothered to find out. But it was all over now. He had become so numb to it all, he had not even noticed that his body had reached its limit. As he found himself drifting in and out of consciousness, he found himself making one final plea.
Help me...please. He whimpered inwardly. Somebody, please help me.
Time passed. Elsewhere, a silver-haired man carrying a walking cane was gazing at the destruction of what had once been a safe haven for a disgraced family. The Kobalt Family's secluded estate that had kept them safe from the judgement of the people of Remnant, was gone, destroyed. Several adult corpses lined up neatly in front of the main building.
Professor Ozpin, for the first time in years, felt sick to his stomach at the sight of what seemed like minor carnage in the grand scheme of things. Perhaps it was because of the frantic plea that brought him here in the first place. I have to know, Oz. You're the only one I can trust to find the truth.
"Gods," Ozpin muttered, gazing at the bodies, "this wasn't just murder, this was savagery in its purest form. A person did not do this. This was the work of a monster."
Ozpin gazed at the corpses once more. "Multiple adults, one of them the patriarch of the Kobalt Family: Irving Kobalt. However, no children." Ozpin's eyes widened as his mind immediately went for the darkest possibility. "Don't tell me…"
Ozpin trailed off, the thought too horrible to even consider. Then, his senses picked up something. The trail of a particular lifeform. It was young, but very weak. Ozpin gazed out in the direction of the otherworldly trail that only he could see. "Hope?" He wondered out loud before walking into the woods at a quick pace.
If there was hope to be found in this hellish scenario, then he had to find it, and make sure it was safe.
As Ozpin moved through the woods, following the trail, he could not help but notice how deathly silent it was. No wildlife, not even Grimm. The latter surprised him more. He would think that all of this death, despair, and overall negativity would have attracted them in droves. So why? Why were none of them around?
I have more important things to worry about. Ozpin brushed those thoughts away. If there is a survivor out there, I have to find them. Even if there are no Grimm in these woods, that does not mean they are safe. They could die of the cold. Of disease. Of starvation. Dehydration. I can't let that happen.
Instinctively, Ozpin began to call out for that lone survivor. "Hello!" He yelled. "Is there anyone out here! If you are with me in these woods, please respond!"
Ozpin received no response. Undeterred, he kept calling out for what he hoped was the still-living lone survivor. "I don't wish to hurt you! Please, I only want to help! But I cannot if you don't tell me where you are!"
Still no response. Ozpin was starting to get worried now. Was he following a trail that had already run cold? No, his senses were still picking up a faint life. There was somebody out there, but they were weak. Very weak.
"Whoever you are, please, hold on!" Ozpin told the survivor. "I'm coming to help you!"
Ozpin's pace broke into a run. Never had he felt this frantic before. Ozpin was no stranger to death, but something about this moment compelled him…
Ozpin broke into a clearing and was treated to a sight that made him go pale in horror. There was a giant oak tree with roots that had formed into a miniature cave. And underneath that cave was a little boy of about ten years old, his head lowered.
Briefly, Ozpin once again wondered if the child was dead. He knew he could sense whether he still lived, but instinctively, his mind went to the worst case scenario. Then, much to his relief, he heard the faint sound of breathing. He smiled, also surprised to find his cheeks wet. "He's alive." Ozpin muttered. "He's alive."
Ozpin quickly approached the unconscious child. Suddenly, the boy's eyes shot open at the sound of Ozpin's footsteps. He gazed up at the approaching man and immediately retreated further into the cave-like roots. He whimpered, frightened of Ozpin's sudden approach.
Ozpin gasped, realizing he had approached too quickly and had frightened the child. His expression softened even further when he noticed the little boy's eyes. He has his mother's eyes. Ozpin simply noted.
Ozpin then noticed the blood. It had dried up but it was still there. Gods, he was covered in it. His face, his hands, covered in the blood of his own family. Oh Gods, he must've been right there when it all happened. No wonder...
Ozpin was cut from his musings at the sound of the little boy whimpering before him. That was right. This was not the time to be caught up in the past. This boy needed him. Ozpin then gave him a gentle smile. "It's alright," he promised, "I'm not going to hurt you. Just the opposite, I want to help you."
The little boy refused to move from his spot. Ozpin noticed that he was gazing at the cane. His eyes widened, realizing that he was scaring the boy with his weapon. He quickly transformed it into a more compact state (a little feature only he knew about) and strapped it to his hip. "I'm sorry," he apologized, "I didn't mean to scare you. I promise, all I want to do is make sure you're alright."
The boy just stared at Ozpin. Ozpin tried his best to hold his smile, but Gods, did he want to frown in sadness at the boys eyes. Beneath that fear is emptiness. He looks so dead, so lifeless. Gods, no child should look like that.
"My name is Professor Ozpin," Ozpin introduced himself to the boy, "do you have a name, little one?"
The boy nodded. Ozpin nodded back. "Would you like to tell me it?"
The boy still did not budge from his spot. However, much to Ozpin's relief, his mouth started to move. He heard a few sounds, but nothing like that. "I couldn't catch that." Ozpin told him. "Would you please repeat that, little one?"
"My name is...Hansel." Hansel Kobalt, the future Blue Demon of Remnant responded.
Ozpin smiled widely. "Hansel? That's a wonderful name. Do you have a nickname your friends call you?"
Hansel fell silent. Ozpin cursed his stupidity. Idiot, the boy's been living in solitude for years. Ozpin chided himself.
And with his family gone, that's the only life he's ever known. Of course he has no friends. Ozpin could not help but let his mind wander again. Still...to think I'd be face to face with Holly's youngest...the son she…
Ozpin broke out of his musings once more. Focus, you fool.
"Forget that last question, Hansel." Ozpin told him. "You don't have to answer it."
Hansel nodded. Ozpin then held out his arms. "Listen, you can't stay here, you know. This place is dangerous for a boy your age. I can take you away from all of this, if you wish."
Hansel gazed at Ozpin in confusion. Ozpin decided to word it differently. "I'm saying that I'm going to take you where I work. I'd like to give you a new home, if you'd like."
A new home. Those words seemed to create some sort of reaction in Hansel's heart. However…
"Are you sure?" Hansel asked.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Ozpin inquired curiously.
"Nobody wants me." Hansel looked down. "No one came to save me, or my family."
Ozpin's eyes widened. Has the world's hatred for the Kobalt Family reached the point where it affects even the most innocent of the bunch? What a truly unjust world that even children have to suffer for the sins of their ancestors. He sighed, remembering that he had to focus on Hansel's wellbeing. "I'm sorry, Hansel," he said, "life really has thrown several hardships your way. But you don't have to face them alone now. I'm here for you."
Hansel briefly fidgeted, as though he wanted to go to Ozpin, but there was still some hesitation. Ozpin then gave the boy a gentle smile as he reiterated his promise. "Nothing's going to hurt you." He promised. "Don't worry, I'll protect you."
A few moments of silence and stiffness. Then, Hansel rose from his spot and slowly moved towards Ozpin. Ozpin slowly opened his arms and as the little boy neared him, he collapsed into Ozpin's embrace. Ozpin then heard the sound of light snoring. He looked down to see that Hansel had fallen asleep Gods, he must be exhausted. Ozpin noted.
Ozpin then picked the little boy up. "Alright," he said gently, "let's go home, little one."
Hansel did not know how long he had slept, but by the time he had awoken, he was no longer in the forest he had accepted would be his grave. No, he was in an entirely unfamiliar room.
He looked around, desperately trying to find a familiar part of his surroundings to try and figure out where he was. And deep down, a part of him had hoped that all of this was just a terrifying nightmare and he was still home.
Hansel got out of this new bed and found that he was in fresh clothes. His body had been cleaned. Not a trace of blood remained on his body. How had he stayed asleep through it all?
Hansel would figure that part out later. He needed to know where he was. Hansel nervously walked to a nearby door, immediately thinking it would lead to a way out. He then opened it and was treated to a sight that made him feel...relieved?
It was the smiling, relieved face of the man who found him in the forest.
"You…" Hansel muttered.
"Hello there, Hansel." Ozpin said kindly. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm...clean." Hansel noted. "I'm wearing...different clothes too."
"I had someone clean you up with some washcloths, and do some shopping for some fresh clothes. Don't worry, you can run a bath later if you still don't feel clean." Ozpin promised.
"Where...are we?" Hansel asked curiously, taking in new surroundings: a hallway.
"Ah, yes," Ozpin nodded, "welcome to my school, Hansel. This is Beacon Academy. Do you know about the Huntsmen Academies? Do you know about school?"
"...I learned everything at home." Hansel admitted.
Homeschooled. I suppose that makes sense. I seriously doubt any school would let a child from the Kobalts in. Ozpin shuddered angrily at the thought. Ignorant, blind fools, if they hadn't isolated that family, perhaps this boy wouldn't be in this state.
"Do you know about Huntsmen?" Ozpin asked curiously.
"They're...like superheroes, right?" Hansel asked curiously.
Ozpin smiled. "Do you like superheroes, Hansel?"
"...I hate superheroes." Hansel muttered angrily, making Ozpin flinch. "There's no such thing."
He's angry...bitter...and grieving. He has every right to be this way. Ozpin noted. Gods, I'm much better dealing with young adults.
Hansel's stomach then growled, making the boy blush in embarrassment. Ozpin breathed a sigh of relief. Saved by the growling stomach. He mused.
Ozpin gave little Hansel a small smile. "Looks like someone hasn't eaten in awhile." He noted. "Why don't we go down to the cafeteria? I have someone making a nice meal, just for you."
Hansel nodded and immediately latched onto Ozpin's arm. Ozpin then led the boy down to the cafeteria, thinking back to the conversation he had earlier.
"Glynda, could you help me?"
"Professor, who is that child...oh Gods, is he covered in blood!?"
"Nevermind that Glynda, he needs help. I need you to run down to a clothing shop. Grab a change of clothes for him. I'm going to clean the blood off of his body. Once we get him dressed in cleaner clothes, I need you to cook something for him. Use whatever you have in the cafeteria. Do you understand?"
"Of...of course, but Ozpin, you owe me an explanation when this is all done. What are you going to do while I'm running these errands?"
"...Make some calls."
Before Ozpin could think back to that, he found himself in the cafeteria. He heard the sounds of cooking in the back, immediately realizing Glynda was hard at work, just as he had asked. She really was a saint, even when she did not fully understand what was going on.
Thank you, Glynda. He thought to himself.
"Why don't we sit down right here, Hansel?" Ozpin suggested with a smile, leading the boy to a table, close to the kitchen. "That way, once the food's done, you won't have to wait too long for it to be brought to you."
Hansel nodded, taking a seat from across Ozpin. Ozpin frowned, realizing that the boy was still not completely comfortable around him. Understandable. Even if he did believe Ozpin wanted to help him, Ozpin was still a stranger.
The doors to the kitchen opened. Out came Glynda Goodwitch, holding a tray of food. It was what was left of their food supply, as the students had gone home the day before. A still-good steak cooked to medium-well and with bearnaise poured on top of it. Strips of bacon were wrapped around it to help it cook better. Some salad adorned the bottom of the steak. And mixed fruits and vegetables surrounded it.
Glynda gazed at the boy in shock, still wondering why he was here. She was immediately drawn to his eyes, much like Ozpin had. They look so...lifeless. So empty. Gods, what happened to him? No child should look like that.
Ozpin cleared his throat, getting Glynda's attention. Realizing she was gawking, Glynda regained her composure and placed the food in front of Hansel, who simply stared at the food in a mixture of confusion and wonder.
Ozpin smiled kindly at the boy. "Well, eat up, Hansel." Ozpin told him. "Eat as much as you want. It's all for you."
Hansel just stared at the food. He then gazed up at Ozpin in confusion and trepidation. His next words broke the hearts of the two adults before him. "Is this really mine?" He asked. "Can I...really have this?"
Ozpin kept his composure. Glynda turned away, unable to look at the boy without wanting to break down and cry. The world had already taken away so much from Hansel. The idea of it giving anything to him was actually...shocking to him. "Of course," Ozpin promised, "Hansel, this meal was made for you. Meals are made to be enjoyed by the person they are made for. So please, eat and enjoy it."
Hesitantly, Hansel took a fork and a knife in hand and quickly cut a piece of steak with a decent amount of bearnaise sauce adorning it. Some bacon was still attached to the piece. Hansel plopped the piece into his mouth and chewed slowly.
Then, much to the surprise of both Ozpin and Glynda, tears began running down the boy's face. "Hansel?" Ozpin asked in concern as the boy swallowed.
"It's good." Hansel muttered in tears before adding, louder this time. "It's delicious...thank you."
Ozpin smiled and nodded at Glynda, who heaved a sigh of relief. "But...why are you being so nice to me?" Hansel asked curiously.
Ozpin was taken aback by Hansel's inquiry. Glynda, unable to stay in the same room with him, lest she break down and cry from how horribly tragic this child's mind was, quickly made her way out of the cafeteria.
Hansel flinched, thinking he had done something wrong. "Did I...do something wrong? I made her sad, didn't I?"
Ozpin shook his head quickly. "Hansel, it was nothing like that." He promised. "What made Glynda sad was the world around us."
"The world...around us?"
"Life really isn't fair. It's not supposed to be, but by the Gods, is it infuriating." Ozpin said sadly. "To think that an innocent child like yourself has to shoulder such a tragedy alone."
"...Why are you being so nice to me?" Hansel repeated.
"Because helping someone like you shouldn't need a reason." Ozpin told him. "I helped you simply because I wanted to, and that I knew it was the right thing to do."
Hansel fell silent at this. Ozpin then gave him a gentle smile. "Hansel, I meant what I said back in the forest." He told him. "I'm more than willing to take you away from all of this. Would you like to live here? Just say the word, and Beacon Academy will become your new home."
Hansel looked at Ozpin surprise. "You would do that?" He asked, wanting to make sure it was not just some cruel, sick joke.
Ozpin smiled and nodded without hesitation. "Of course," he said, "I would never say something like that without meaning it one hundred percent. This could be your new home, Hansel."
Hansel looked down. "It's not like I have anywhere else to go." He bitterly muttered. "Everyone is gone...and the rest of the world doesn't want me around anyway."
Ozpin sighed. "I see," he mused, "do you really think that?"
Hansel nodded. "Everyone hates us...hates me. Almost everyone back home said so."
Ozpin gripped the edge of the table in anger, trying to hide it as best as he could so he did not frighten Hansel. Which sorry excuse for a guardian told a child something so horrible? And why? Regaining his composure, Ozpin gave the boy a kind smile. "Well, unfortunately, some people are just ignorant fools." He said.
Hansel looked at Ozpin in confusion. "And that includes the people who told you that." Ozpin told him, not caring that he was speaking ill of the dead. If his own family really told him such awful things, then he really did not care about protocol at the moment.
"Really?"
"Mmm, I can tell you right now that not everyone hates you, Hansel." Ozpin promised. "For one thing, I like you. You seem like a wonderful young man."
Hansel fell silent, crying once more. "...Can I really stay here?" He whimpered.
"Only if you would like to." Ozpin promised. "And if you do, then absolutely."
Hansel nodded. "I...want to stay." He said. "Please."
Ozpin nodded. "Then welcome to your new home, Hansel. It won't be the most conventional of homes, but I promise I'll do everything I can to make sure you grow up in a happy and healthy environment."
"Thank you…" Hansel muttered.
After that delicious meal and after sending Hansel off to bed, Ozpin found himself confronted by Glynda, who was gazing at him in confusion. "What?" Ozpin inquired, knowing what was to come.
"Sir...I've served you loyally for years." Glynda told him. "But...do you really mean to let a child stay here?"
"I don't see what the issue is, Glynda." Ozpin responded.
"Professor, this isn't an orphanage." Glynda reminded him. "This is an academy for students striving to become Huntsmen. Don't you think he'd be better off placed in foster care?"
Ozpin sighed. "Glynda," he said grimly, "no foster home will accept him. Not after they find out who he is."
Glynda gazed at Ozpin in confusion. "That boy's full name is Hansel Kobalt...as in the cursed family, irrationally hated by all of Remnant." Ozpin revealed.
Glynda's mouth dropped open in disbelief. "I...don't understand." She said, regaining her composure. "Why did you bring him here?"
"Glynda...the Kobalt Estate is a wreck. His family is dead. They were murdered." Ozpin grimly revealed.
Glynda paled. "Oh Gods," she muttered in horror, "I don't understand, why hasn't this been announced?"
"Glynda, they've been living in isolation since their reputation was destroyed." Ozpin reminded her. "Off the grid on Patch Island. The only reason they're ever going to know was that I tipped off Detective McKnight about it."
"Where did you find him?" Glynda asked. "Wait...was that why he was covered in blood?"
"It was his family's." Ozpin admitted. "I found him in the forest. It was like he was trying to get as far away from his home as possible. I don't blame him. In his mind, he probably felt like anywhere was safer."
"Professor, how did you know what happened?"
"A call," Ozpin responded, "from Ichabod."
"Ichabod? We haven't heard from him in years." Glynda noted in surprise.
"According to Ichabod, the murderer confronted him after the deed was done. And so Ichabod reached out to me and told me to check for survivors." Ozpin explained. "And...that was how I came across Hansel."
"Gods," Glynda muttered, "if you hadn't been there, that poor child could've died alone in that forest."
"Do you understand now why I can't just place him in foster care, Glynda?" Ozpin told her. "No foster system will want a member of the cursed family, and no foster family is going to want to take him in. The world hates the Kobalts far too much for something like that. It wouldn't surprise me if a few more...vocal individuals who find out about this proclaim that I should've just killed the boy."
Glynda looked sick to her stomach. "I know people can't forgive the Kobalts for that tragedy, but he's just a boy. He has nothing to do with what happened. How could they even think pushing the blame on him is okay?"
"And that's why he needs to stay here." Ozpin told her. "Glynda, the boy needs love. Not hate from ignorant masses. Not isolation from people who can actually help him. I know it's not conventional, and I know I'm hardly the ideal man to raise a child. But...I can't just leave him be, my conscience simply won't allow it."
Glynda nodded. "I understand, sir." She promised. "When you put it like that, I certainly can't disagree with you."
Ozpin then looked away in embarrassment. "Well, if that's the case." He muttered. "Umm...would you mind acting as the boy's surrogate mother?"
Glynda turned red at this. "I'm not asking you out or anything." Ozpin promised. "I would...never damage our professional relationship like that. It's just...I can't do this alone, Glynda. I hate to sound old fashioned, but I need a woman's touch. The boy's lived without a mother his entire life. Holly Kobalt died giving birth to him."
"Professor, I don't know anything about raising children either." Glynda told him.
"I'm only asking you to consider it. And even if you do not wish to bond with the boy like mother and son, at least help me." Ozpin sounded like he was pleading now. "I'm serious, Glynda, I can't do this alone. I need your help."
"...Why me?" Glynda asked. "You know the reputation I have among my own students. Glynda Goodwitch, actually a Badwitch."
"Well, you don't have to treat the boy like a student." Ozpin reminded her. "Outside of work, Glynda, you are one of the kindest people I know. And if you do this, I know the boy will receive the love of a mother that he needs."
Glynda felt her heartstrings pulled at that statement. To know Ozpin had that much faith in her was heartwarming enough. However, what truly got to her was that Ozpin was right: that boy needed love more than anything.
"Would you please allow me to think about it?" Glynda asked.
"Of course," Ozpin nodded, "take all the time you need. But if Hansel does become comfortable around you, I do suggest you let it happen and just...go with it."
Glynda nodded in understanding. "If that's all, sir, I'm going to go home for the day. I'll...come back tomorrow morning if you need any help."
"Thank you, Glynda."
The next day was a tour through Beacon Academy. Ozpin wanted to familiarize Hansel with his new surroundings so that he would be comfortable moving through the academy alone, if possible.
They had just reached the workout room. "This is where our students go if they want to sneak in some extra training after practice." Ozpin explained. "You will always find the hardest workers here, the ones who truly want to be strong."
"So they train...because they want to be strong?" Hansel was still refusing to move too far from Ozpin.
"That's right." Ozpin smiled, gesturing to the objects throughout the room. "They can lift weights, run on treadmills, or even practice with training weapons."
Ozpin then noticed Hansel's transfixed expression. "Something interest you, Hansel?" Ozpin received no answer.
Ozpin gazed over where Hansel was looking and saw that he was looking at a basket of training swords. "Oh, you're interested in the swords?" Ozpin still received no answer.
Then, much to Ozpin's surprise, Hansel wordlessly began walking towards the basket. He then watched as Hansel picked a sword out of the basket and gazed at it in wonder. Ozpin walked over to Hansel, admittedly concerned with the trance-like state Hansel seemed to be in. Then, he noticed the expression on Hansel's face. It had lit up. His eyes had something of a fire in them. It was like he was alive again.
"Hansel…" he muttered in surprise.
Hansel wordlessly gazed at a nearby training dummy. Then, much to Ozpin's surprise, Hansel gripped the training sword perfectly and dropped into a near-perfect swordsman's stance. He then watched as Hansel let out a yell and ran towards the dummy.
Hansel swung the training sword right at the neck of the training dummy. Ozpin gasped in shock as Hansel took the head of the training dummy off in a single swing. However, the training sword shattered as well. The head of the dummy fell to the ground with a loud crash.
That crash snapped Hansel right out of his trance-like state. He gazed at the broken sword and the broken dummy in shock and horror and screamed in terror. "Oh no!" He yelled. "I broke Professor Ozpin's stuff! I'm bad! Bad! Bad! Bad!"
Ozpin was snapped out of his awestruck state at the sound of Hansel having a mental breakdown. He watched in horror as Hansel curled up into a ball, repeating to himself that he was bad.
"Professor Ozpin?" Came Glynda's voice. "I heard a crash! Is everything alright?"
Glynda came rushing into the training room. She immediately saw the decapitated training dummy and the broken training sword next to Hansel. "Did...he do that?" Glynda asked in shock.
Hansel heard Glynda's words and tried to retreat further into himself, whimpering. "I did something bad," he choking, "awful, worthless, horrible, horrible child. And he's been so nice to me too. That just makes me even worse."
Ozpin knew he had to make this situation right. He slowly approached the sobbing Hansel. Hansel noticed Ozpin approaching him and flinched. "Here it comes." He whimpered. "He's going to tell me how worthless I am…"
"Hansel." Ozpin said to him.
Hansel just whimpered in response. He noticed Ozpin raising his hand and flinched even further. He's going to hit me. That's never happened. I really did something bad this time.
Then, much to Hansel's shock, all that came was a gentle pat on the head and an affectionate tussling. "Hansel," Ozpin said to him with a proud smile, "do you even realize how amazing that was?"
Hansel looked up at Ozpin in shock. "What?"
"Hansel, you broke a training dummy that's supposed to be used by people far older and more experienced than you. Do you not realize how talented you are?" Ozpin told him. "In all my years, I've never seen such raw strength in someone your age. Imagine how strong you're going to be when you're older."
"You're...not mad." A flicker of hope appeared in Hansel's eyes. "You don't think I'm…"
"Worthless? Awful? Horrible? A bad child?" Ozpin frowned, wondering if this was his family's doing as well. His proud smile then returned. "You are special is what you are. And you really need to know that."
"Special...me?" Hansel looked again at the broken materials next to him.
Ozpin nodded. "Tell me, did you like wielding that sword?" He asked curiously.
Hansel found himself remembering the feeling wielding that training sword brought him. "I...can't really explain it." Hansel admitted. "But...when I picked that sword up...I felt...different."
"Did it make you feel happy?"
"I don't know." Hansel shrugged. "But...I definitely felt different from how I've been feeling. I think...I like how I felt when I had that sword than I do without it."
Ozpin then came to a decision that changed the lives of both of these individuals. "Hansel, would you like to learn how to properly wield a sword?" He asked.
"Wh-what?"
"You would have to learn the ways of a Huntsman, but I think it would be good for you." Ozpin explained. "Training to be a Huntsman, learning to use a sword, it will make you stronger. And because it will make you stronger, it will give you the confidence to grow past all of these horrible feelings you're experiencing. Do you want to be strong, Hansel?"
Hansel nodded. "I...don't want to be weak anymore." Hansel admitted. "I've felt so useless my entire life."
Ozpin nodded in understanding. "This won't be easy." He told him. "I'm going to push you hard if you really do want to be strong. Do you understand?"
Hansel looked up at Ozpin. "And then," Ozpin continued, "you'll be strong. You can overcome all this pain you're feeling."
"You'll...teach me?"
"Will that make you happy?"
Hansel nodded eagerly. "Yes, sir, it would." He replied without hesitation. "I would love to learn from you. It means we get to spend time together, right?"
Ozpin nodded back. "I'm going to do everything in my power to make you a strong Huntsman, Hansel."
Hansel frowned slightly. Ozpin gasped slightly, remembering that Hansel hated Huntsmen right now. Or rather, he hated the idea of heroes in general. He could not help but wonder if he had ruined the whole thing. Hansel then looked up at Ozpin. "Sir, I don't want to be a Huntsman." He admitted. "But...I would like to be like you."
Ozpin gasped in surprise. "I...wanna be just like you, Professor Ozpin." Hansel told him.
Ozpin's face relaxed into a proud smile. He patted Hansel on the head once more. "Hansel, trust me, you don't want to be like me." He told him. "Strive to be your own man, carve your own path. And you'll be great, I just know it."
Ozpin then held his hand up. "Now then, why don't we go shopping for a training sword that can stand up to that strength of yours. You would like to keep using a sword, right?"
Hansel nodded. "Sir, there's a sword back home I'd actually like you to get me, if you don't mind." Hansel nervously told him. "It's...a family treasure that I've always wanted to use."
Ozpin smiled. "Of course, I'll gladly go get it for you. But first, you need to learn how to wield a sword properly. We'll work with training swords until you're ready to use this treasure of yours."
Hansel took Ozpin's hand and was helped to his feet, only for his little ten-year-old legs to give out. "Hansel!" Ozpin yelled out in concern, catching Hansel as he fell.
"I'm...sorry sir, I guess my illness is acting up."
"Illness?" Ozpin asked in confusion.
Hansel nodded. "I've been sick for as long as I can remember." He explained. "Dad always said I couldn't play for too long. Said the...exertion would take too much out of me. I guess swinging that sword took away all my energy."
Ozpin frowned. Strange, I detected no sign of an illness when I found him. Perhaps I'll play along for the time being until I can figure out the truth behind that.
"Well, your body just probably isn't used to the stress just yet." Ozpin explained. "Those sudden movements were probably a shock to the system. But you know, if we work hard enough, I think you can beat this illness of yours."
"Really?" Hansel gazed at Ozpin in surprise. "But...they always said I'd have it forever."
"Hansel, did you know that there have been stories of people who've overcome their illnesses by embracing what is known as a 'strenuous lifestyle?'"
"What's that?" Hansel asked inquisitively.
"Well, it basically means working hard to overcome hardships. In this case, embracing a life of exercise and hard work can make your body strong to the point where your illness will never bother you again."
"We'll have to take it slow, of course. It seems your family kept you quite sheltered. But I'm sure embracing the 'strenuous lifestyle' will do wonders for you." Ozpin promised.
"I'll do it if you think it'll work, sir." Hansel promised.
"Well then, why don't you rest up for the rest of the day?" Ozpin suggested. "I'll go shopping for a training weapon that won't break from that wonderful strength of yours."
Hansel nodded eagerly. "You're going to be great, Hansel," Ozpin wondered, "just work hard, and you'll become the man you're meant to be."
"I'll be fine as long as you're with me, Professor." Hansel responded, making Ozpin's heart melt at such childlike innocence.
Back in the present, Ozpin could not help but dab his eyes at the memories from back then. He was now back at Beacon Academy. "Professor Ozpin?" Ozpin turned to see Glynda Goodwitch walking up to him with a look of concern.
"Oh, sorry you have to see me like this, Glynda." Ozpin chuckled humorlessly. "I was just...thinking."
Ozpin smiled at all the memories. "Can you believe it's been eight years since that day?"
Glynda smiled back. "Hard to believe." She said in agreement. "He's grown so much. I don't think he'll ever fully comprehend how proud I am of the man he's become."
"Same with me." Ozpin added. "I've made so many mistakes in my life, Glynda. But I'd gladly do it all if it meant having that boy in my life."
"I feel the same way." Glynda said softly.
Ozpin thought back to Hansel, who was by now, landing in Atlas. You're going to do great, Hansel. I know you will.
You're my apprentice...and my son, after all.
A.N: God it feels great to be back on this. With Volume 7 starting, I thought it was as great a time as any to get back into this. And what better way to get back to this story with a look at the horrible, horrible life of Hansel Kobalt. Remember how Glynda said it was so bad she did not want Hansel to even confront his past? This is just the tip of the iceberg. It's worse. So much worse.
I don't think I can possibly exaggerate this, but Ozpin saved Hansel. It really is no wonder the guy is completely loyal to the professor. Hope everyone enjoyed this emotional roller coaster, because I honestly loved writing it. Personally, I think it's one of my best in a long time.