Legends. Stories scattered through time. Mankind has grown quite fond of recounting the exploits of heroes and villains, forgetting so easily that we are remnants, byproducts, of a forgotten past.
Man, born from dust, was strong, wise, and resourceful, but he was born into an unforgiving world. An inevitable darkness – creatures of destruction – the creatures of Grimm – set their sights on man and all of his creations. These forces clashed, and it seemed the darkness was intent on bringing man's brief existence to the void.
However, even the smallest spark of hope is enough to ignite change, and in time, man's passion, resourcefulness, and ingenuity led them to the tools that would help even the odds. This power was appropriately named "Dust."
Nature's wrath in hand, man lit their way through the darkness, and in the shadow's absence came strength, civilization, and most importantly, life. But even the most brilliant lights eventually flicker and die. And when they are gone… darkness will return.
So you may prepare your guardians, build your monuments to a so-called "free world," but take heed… there will be no victory in strength.
Or perhaps victory is in the simpler things that we have long forgotten, things that require a smaller, more honest soul.
"Mina."
Carmina Birch was sleeping when her father came by to wake her up. This wasn't an everyday scenario, as she can wake up on her own; however it seems that she may have ignored the alarm block blaring beside her bed several minutes ago. This day was different.
Seeing as she doesn't want to get out of bed, her father exited the room and returned with an electric stick. He placed the end of the stick on her body, and she got up in a jolt.
"GAH!!!", she shrieked. "What the hell, dad!?"
"Mina, time to wake up."
When she finally got up, she rubbed her eyes for a few seconds and then yawned. "You don't usually do these things, do you?"
"Of course I don't. You do know what day it is today, right?"
"Yeah."
"Aaaand do you know what time it is right now?"
Carmina looked to the clock on her right and it displayed 8:59 AM. "Oh god. I thought I've set it to seven o'clock!"
"Yeah, I think you may have ignored it."
"I gotta hurry!"
As her father left her to fix her bed he said, "Mina, remember one of the basic rules of being a huntsman, 'Be prepared.' "
By the time Carmina was done fixing her bed, showering in the bathroom, and changing into her clothes, breakfast was already being prepared downstairs, full of proteins. When she took bites of it, she thought it was a bit cold, but she had no time to lose. Mina was about to go to Beacon, and the airship leaves at 11:00. As she was finished, she quickly finished off whatever what was left to do, grabbed her Helfarch and got inside the car. Her dad was going to drive her to the airport, which may be one of his last drives that he will do for his daughter.
On the way, they did encounter some light traffic on the way, as Vale was a decent sized city. Inside the car, Carmina kept saying the same response as her dad was going through all of the 'remembers' that he had on being a huntsman or huntress.
"Remember to stay close to your teammates and work together as a unit."
"Yes, dad."
"Also, take time to focus on your aim before releasing the arrow."
"Yes, dad."
"Note that there are some Grimm that have learned from fighting humans. Figure new tactics to kill them."
"Yes, dad."
"Mina, are you really paying attention?"
"Yeah, of course."
"Good. Because you'll need to know that once you get to the dangerous world outside of these walls."
The car stopped in front of the terminal entrance. Before Carmina was to open the door, her father was going to say something. "Mina?"
She turned and asked, "Yes dad?"
He paused for a few moments and said, "If only your mom can see you now… Make us proud, okay?"
This is where she got a little emotional. "I will." Her dad then proceeded to hug her and kiss her on the head. Carmina then exited the car, and her dad went to get her suitcase. When it was time to head to the airship, Carmina turned around and waved her hand to her father. This may be the first time that daddy has to let the redhead teenager go out on her own.
---
Leif Spruce had arrived at the airport by himself by taxi. His parents were partially relieved from the payment of his fees because his teacher at Signal had offered to pay the rest. He was a hardworking fellow, and was able to pass the entrance exam that would be huntsmen and huntresses have to take. It was indeed grueling for him, but it was worth it to make his parents proud.
He pulled out an envelope from his bag and opened its contents. A letter was inside, which contained an official message from Beacon Academy itself.
Greetings, Leif Spruce.
Congratulations for being one of the few individuals accepted into Beacon Academy! Our world is currently experiencing an incredible time of peace, and it is our duty as huntsmen and huntresses to uphold it. You have the privilege of being trained by some of the best teachers in their fields. We do hope that we are successful in bringing you up with the necessary skills and knowledge to protect and preserve mankind from evil.
A large airship is currently waiting at the airport, which will be leaving at 11:00. You will be able to enter thirty minutes before departure. Make sure to arrive an hour before your airship leaves. Good luck to you, and see you there!
Leif suddenly got hungry, so he placed the letter back in the envelope and returned it into the bag. He then pulled out a rice bun and took a bite. It was indeed delicious; the meaty pork inside was made just right. As much as he was good at cooking, nothing can beat the rice buns made by his parents. The family restaurant is currently in good business, maybe part of the earnings will go into paying his fees at Beacon. His benefactor might not be providing money forever.
All of that didn't matter to him; he was going to Beacon! He was eager to make new friends and be part of an actual team whose teammates would become his closest comrades. This was the positive spirit that he was so known for by his family and close friends.
---
A black motorcycle can be seen speeding through the highway going to the airport, its rider wearing a gray scarf. He managed to arrive at the airport at around a quarter to ten, just enough time to get inside the terminal. The face of a faunus with fox ears on his head emerged from the helmet that he was taking off. This was Jackson Silver.
His sister Adelaide is teaching at Beacon, specifically in combat classes; the only other teacher other than Professor Goodwitch teaching that subject. Because of this, huge expectations were being laid on Jackson, although he'd never care about them. Neither would he care about whether his skills or his intelligence will match his sister's. Jackson feels like all of the world, including his father, is just comparing him with her.
On the way to the airship, he accidentally bumped into a certain guy with light brown hair and a suit of armor with gold trim. He reacted, "What the hell are you doing!?"
Jackson flippantly replied, "I'm walking, stupid."
He just frivolously walked into the airship, standing by the window. It wasn't like anyone would want to talk to this punk, despite being drop-dead gorgeous. Jackson just brushed his hair upwards and looked outward, even though the ship wasn't going to depart anytime soon. His scroll began to vibrate in his pocket, and so he pulled it out and answered whoever was going to call him.
"Hello?"
A voice came from the other side. "Jackson."
"Oh, sis."
"Are you on the airship?"
"Yeah, it won't be leaving 'till eleven."
"I know. By the way, don't try to call me Adelaide in school."
"Then what should I call you?"
"At Beacon, I'm Professor Silver."
Jackson snickered at this. "You still use that title?"
"At least it's better than Doctor Silver."
"Yeah you're right."
"Also, don't expect to be famous at Beacon, punk. Being a Silver is more than just being my brother."
"I know."
"Alright, I'll be seeing you there. You better not mess up."
"Eh, I'm not promising that I'll entirely keep it."
"Just don't get into trouble. Bye." And the call ended. Jackson took a huge sigh as he put his hands in his pockets. Jackson seemed like a different person whenever Adelaide wants to talk with him.