Kindled Spirit [RWBY AU Aura Mage]

[AzureAurora]

Kindled Spirit [RWBY Fantasy AU]​

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AN: Welcome! This AU mainly stems from a mass streamlining of the power system in the setting, focused on a single power and it's facets instead of five. And the conclusions of how that changes things. As well as writing for fun and practice! Engagement feeds me. Lemme know what you think!

Chapter 1: The spark of soul.

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Dyllaine Dawnspring stared at himself in the mirror that sat beside his chair in the back of the workshop. A pile of empty bottles in boxes sat at one corner, while rows of shelves with different ingredients of crushed powders and shimmering vials glittered from the other.

He focused on the mirror, where he saw himself. A sea of silver hair framed his face like the frankly unruly mane that it always was. Vivid green eyes peered out at him from beneath the sea of fluff, as a small smile bloomed, only marred by a few prominent scars around his left eye.

Can't forget the smile.

He nodded to himself, before he finally tuned back in to what his companion was saying.

"-So while it's potency isn't fully tested, I do believe that this vial has enough Anima and Vitae aligned herbs to get someone in fighting shape! Although, I've not tested the Side effects completely just yet!" Came the voice of Sylvia, whose tired smile radiated pure pride for a work well done.

"That's great! I knew our hard work would pay off!" Dyllaine cheered, standing up and pulling Sylvia into a hug. Utterly unbothered by the smudging of inks, stains, and potion residue sticking to them both.

He lifted Sylvia off the ground, her drooping hazel eyes widened as surprise won over fatigue.

"H-Hey! Dyl! Put me down- I did all the work, you know!?" She yelped, one hand continuously slapped against his head- but alas, the sheer unyielding flood of hair provided plus ten defense from unarmed damage!

He paused and blinked up at her.

"But what about the drinks? And the food runs? And the coffee breaks? And making sure you got six hours of sleep?" He froze for a moment. "And uh… all the tests! I drank so many vials my tongue-" He stuck it out- low and behold, it shimmered like a popsicle made from evening sky.

"ish steel grlowing!" He exclaimed, visibly pleased.

"I-I get it, thank you for your hard work- now put me down!" Her slapping grew more insistent- before Dyllaine dropped her with a chuckle.

"So you think it's good enough, Syl? Got all the notes and what not?" He asked, unable to stop the grin that was threatening to cramp his cheeks.

"Of course it is! It should in theory, help someone build the proper foundation for spellcraft with a few doses and a short adjustment period…" She trailed off, in thought- as Dyllaine gingerly picked up the vial.

He shook it gently and watched as the liquid swirled and shimmered. Most potions he got to see were luminescent, sure- they gleamed plenty of different colors- blue, red, orange, green- all depending on what they were aligned too. But this?

One corner was dark as night, with small pricks of light within, that slowly bled into brilliant orange light. It was as if both midnight and dawn were contained within the same bottle.

He shook it- and watched the colors spiral together. Touching- but never mixing completely.

"It should take me a few days to finish testing it, I think…" Sylph continued, as Dyllaine hummed to himself.

If initiation is tomorrow, and I've already packed- it pays to be prepared! Then I should be able to drink it now and have a good night's sleep, no?

"It's very important to not rush this kind of thing. I don't think a stimulant this strong has been used outside of maybe the slayer guild, so caution is a must- Dyllaine?" Sylvia finally noticed her friend had stopped responding.

The smell of blueberries, freshly cut grass, and hope. Wafted through the workshop, as the lantern that sat above their heads was outshined by the now uncorked vial in Dyllaine's hands.

He was transfixed, as he peered into the swirling liquid in his hands, as it seemed to take on a silver hue. It felt like anything could be found beneath the surface of the vial- of something so small, and yet so significant.

And Dyllaine was tired of not being anything.

To take the first step, is to become someone new.

The words of his mother reverberated in his head, and Dyllaine smiled.

"D-Dyllaine, I know that smile. Put the vial down- t-that's got the concentration of twenty different herbs! You can't just raw-dog it!" Sylvia exclaimed, as she grabbed Dyllaine's hand.

Their eyes met, hers pleading, and his vibrant.

"I can't?" He echoed, but his tone was anything but accepting.

He raised a brow, and she furrowed hers.

"Dyllaine Dawnspring, you better not-" Alas, her words were unheeded.

"A Dawnspring can raw-dog anything!" He exclaimed, his voice full of pure joy as he leaned forward, grabbed onto the vial with his mouth- and tilted it back.

In a moment- the full concentrated radiance of the potion filled his mouth and slid down his throat. It was warm as if he had taken a sip of both sunset and sunrise. It tasted like his first breath, and his final thoughts at night. Like the dreams he held close since he was a boy, and the fears he never spoke aloud.

It tasted like… Dyllaine Dawnspring.

For a moment, the two of them stared at each other. And Dyllaine smacked his lips a few times.

"Huh, that tasted pretty good." He stated into the silence.

Sylvia's horrified expression didn't budge. And it took Dyllaine a moment to realize why- he looked down.

At the ball of light that slid into his stomach.

"Oh." Was all he managed before it settled in.

And everything was drowned out in a sea of silver light.

--- Kindled Spirit ---

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Dyllaine was amid a heartbeat, in a sea of darkness- where there was nothing. No direction, no sensation beyond shadow, and no indication of life. And then he tasted blueberries and felt the warmth of a hug- of every hug he's ever had.

His chest grew warm, and the second heartbeat resounded. What followed wasn't blinding, nor was it a grand declaration of heroism- but rather, it was the feeling of… taking that single step forward.

Nervous, uncertain, optimistic? It was silver.

Silver small pinpricks, like the drops of dew on a misty morning, or a swarm of fireflies in a forest at night- they swirled and danced within the air- as if they were shimmering fireworks from the festivals Dyllaine had seen since he was a boy.

They seemed to linger for a moment- before they began to gravitate towards him- forming a ring.

A second thrum resonated through the space, as if it was holding it's breath.

What do you desire?

It wasn't a voice, so much as it was a feeling.

Intrigue- and the ache of a void… of something empty, to be filled.

"Ever since I was little, Ever since I could walk… I wanted to be a wizard." Dyllaine's thoughts were voiced resounded into the ether. There was no air, and yet the darkness around him rippled like a stone tossed into a pod.

"To be able to smile, no matter what. I want to have a party that relies on me. I want to feel wonder, like in the stories. I want to have an adventure. I want to mean it." It was earnest, it was corny, and it came from the bottom of his heart.

No matter how many times Sylvia cracked a joke, no matter how many times his sister rolled her eyes, and his mother tussled his hair…

It could never change. Only grow.

Yearning, memories, connections yet to be forged.

Dyllaine's gaze lingered on the sea of silver, as it slowly formed a ring around him, warding away the dark. Another heartbeat, like the ring of a bell.

Follow your spirit, young scribe.

The ring split into strands of light that flowed into shape before him. A symbol- that etched itself into his mind's eye.

A swirling strand of evermoving silver, woven into two coils- connected by a long curving string. It seemed to constantly shift- ever spinning, ever unspooling- and yet in his heart- he knew.

He would never forget for as long as he lived.

The symbol converged into his heart, and then Dyllaine felt himself expand.

--- Kindled Spirit ---

​

There was a massive canopy sprawling out into the horizon, one dotted with crumbling stone spires, towering treetops, and the occasional massive bird that flew across the horizon's skyline. Only eclipsed by the occasional cloud rolling by the clear autumn morning sky.

A way behind them? Stood the sight of the towering grand building that was Beacon- the greatest slayer guild in all of Vale's Kingdom. It was certainly built like a grand company… or a church, if one looked at the spires and edges, and not the gardens, or the ballistae lining the walls.

But that wasn't important- what was important was the group standing at the cliffside away from Beacon's ground proper. A mostly barren ridge beyond rolling fields of grass and some odd, purposefully built grids cut into the surface of the cliff.

Dyllaine Dawnspring stood on one of the tiles, looking out into the canopy of the emerald forest, as the blonde woman at the front with the riding crop in her hands- One Glynda Goodwitch, an attractive and well renowned slayer and if memory serves, vice guild mistress, went over the rules.

"You are to head north and retrieve the relics from the temple. There will be Grimm in the forest, exercise reason and take out the obstacles in your path. Please do not maim your fellow initiates, that would be grounds for disqualification. We don't need new blood that desperately." She swept her stern gaze across all the initiates; her eyes lingered on Dyllaine's own for a moment.

Dyllaine waved and received raised eyebrows for the trouble.

He blinked, and waved harder, which earned a few looks from the rest of the people stood amongst the cliffs. However she seemed to move on, and chose not to comment.

Between the blonde hair, emerald eyes, and well-defined features- Miss Goodwitch made for an intimidating sight to most, and that didn't include the scepter that she carried with her. The ebony wood of the stave was only matched by the shimmering amethyst crystal inset at the tip- a rune flashed within it's surface with each swing she made- like a conductor's baton.

And thus, Dyllaine's complete lack of intimidation made even less sense.

I think that went quite well!

A wave was a sure-fire way to be friendly, after all.

His other hand rubbed at his cheek. It still ached after the experience he had yesterday. Sylvia confirmed that the concoction worked- after he woke up to her screaming at him to wake up while she slapped him black and blue.

Apparently, he was either going to get really healthy, or be on life support at that point. No wonder she wanted to test it some more!

But hey, it worked!

… he would have to get her a gift or something, after he joined the guild.

Scaring honorary sisters is not the Dawnspring way, Dyllaine.

He chided himself, with a wince, even as Glynda continued to speak.

"The first person you make eye-contact with will be your partner. This system ensures that initiates do not die in the field-"

Like it was clockwork, the scepter wielder glared at a man in heavy armor that audibly scoffed.

"We've had enough arrogant initiates die- we do not except solo initiates. We do have observation golems on hand, so we will know who meets who. Everyone has until noon to retrieve a relic- a symbol of your ability to survive and complete tasks- and make it back. If you don't… we'll come to collect you- disqualified" She continued, as she took a pause to let out a sigh.

Her shoulders relaxed, and her gaze seemed to soften ever so slightly.

"Every slayer here has undergone initiation before. Treat the Grimm with due caution, and you will be fine. Gauge the risks, know your own strength. We'd much rather you return empty handed than in a casket, so think carefully." She ended her speech with a nod and stepped back in line with Ozpin- The headmaster, if Dyllaine's memory served correctly.

Glynda nodded to Ozpin who held up a hand. An array of green symbols flashed across his fingers in an instant, before he snapped his fingers together. A ring of green light pulsed across everyone in attendance.

"Begin." Ozpin said, without any preamble. And moments after the word left his lips, a loud groan filled the air, followed by the hum of runes that rocked a stone slab upwards rather violently, and shunted a student skywards.

Ker-THUNK.

Which was quickly followed by a gasp and a scream, as the same man in heavy armor was launched into the sky, a rather vicious looking mace in hand- flailing quite helplessly in the air.

Maybe I should've packed a glider. Somehow.

Ah, there's the concern.

I guess I can ask mom if I'm allowed to leap from cliffs when it's the headmaster telling me too? Hm. Later.

Getting launched into a Grimm filled forest was not what he was expecting for the practical exam- but well… he guessed it was practical? At least, if Airborne entry was common for Slayers, anyway.

Dyllaine hummed quietly, as he bit his lip- a sense of bubbling worry only kept at bay by the warmth radiating from beneath his skin. It pulsed slowly in time with her heartbeat. With a deep breath, it bloomed beneath his skin.

'Sigils, the connection with the world. The blade of humanity, the shield against the dark.'

So many names, so many titles, so many stories. But no one knew a damn thing about how it actually worked.

'Founded in thought, blessed in body?' Then why don't more people know magic?

'Bound to life, untouched by death?' Tell that to the moving skeletons and bundles of rock!

'Tied to soul, fashioned with fervor' Does that mean you have to REALLY like fireballs to cast fire magic? Hm.

The next student was launched- a blonde woman with a golden-hued breastplate and matching gauntlets. Yang, if Dyllaine overheard the earlier conversations correctly.

A girl in red cloth and leather with a… really fancy looking bow. Ruby- or Rose? Something like that. There was a flash of light that followed her descent- and he couldn't see much beyond that.

A girl in fine white robes and leather- wielding a rapier- Weiss? There was a flash- and the air grew cold. Her descent seemed to just… slow- as crystalline platforms took shape.

A boy in green and pink appeared unarmed. But he did have some big sleeves. Dyllaine never got his name. There was a shimmer of pink- and the trees appeared to rise to meet his descent.

A girl in pink and white with another breastplate and a MASSIVE HAMMER. Dyllaine like her vibe, but he never got-

"Come to Nora~!" The girl exclaimed with audible delight, hammer resting beneath her, as she went careening into the forest.

… Nora, then.

And thus, it was just Dyllaine, and the two Slayers were all that were left on the cliff face.

The concern continued to bubble in his stomach- it rose to clash against his optimism, something that his thoughts could only stall for so long. A frigid pool of anxiety, hardened into a dense lead slurry that made it harder to breathe.

Dyllaine hitched a breath as a flash of silver emanated from within himself. And energy began to bubble within his mental grip- and slowly coalesced into his arms. A flicker of silver light like the rays of dawn emanated from his arms as the stone block below shuddered.

The groan of stone followed- only audible now with the lack of student voices in the air. The tile sank into the floor, and a sense of anticipation lingered.

Dyllaine opened his eyes, and luminant green locked with the headmaster's hazel.

"Do be careful with that, Mister Dawnspring." Was the only comment he got from the headmaster, his lips hidden behind the rim of his mug.

With a blink, Dyllaine managed to grin.

"Careful? I care plenty enough!" And with that- Dyllaine was sent into the sky.

His mantle fluttered against his shoulders; it rustled in the wind as he rose to meet the sky. He didn't scream… he gasped- his heart beat a mile a minute, as it hammered from within his chest.

The anxiety squirmed in his chest as it multiplied- it swirled in his gullet, it churned in a nauseous slurry as the energy of the soul welled and built up within his arms. It became fully visible, a sea of silver mist that swirled between his fingers and across his arms, as he pooled everything he had together.

A silver star bloomed in the morning sky.

His belt fluttered in the breeze, several vials clacked against his chest as the rushing momentum of the catapult launch slowly started to drain, and his ascent stalled. He went from the ascent, into the descent- and he no longer faced the sun- he faced the ground.

Dyllaine fought with every instinct in the back of his mind to flail- to scream, to cry, to die. Tears welled in his eyes- but that was just the wind resistance he promised herself, even as he had to keep that morning's Atlesian Toast from leaving his stomach the same way it came in.

"Here we go!" He exclaimed- hands held out downwards, towards the ground as he fell like a particularly light rock.



I want to be a hero. I want to make even more friends!

The earnest desire tugged on the power inside of him- supplied by the symbol of two connected threads.

One endlessly unraveled, and one endlessly wound up.

Anima Answered.

The wisps of silver light swirled and merged, it formed an approximation of a cloud- ethereal and amorphous, like a lumpy marshmallow of morning mist. Albeit one with what looked like two foggy cat ears and a tail on top.

Dyllaine's heart lurched in his throat, as th marshmallow of light collided with the ground below him- it dug into the dirt, it compressed, and his face was left an inch from the ground. Green eyes practically aglow with silver light as rivulets of sweat touched the ground.

His light drained out of his limbs like a deluge of silver life- as an exhaustive heat ran up his arms. The expenditure of his light sliced through his reserves like a madman with a knife- the cold of exertion slowly settled into the marrow of his bones. The field of radiant silver vapor shuddered and his body lurched forward.

The splat against the grass became a bounce, and his form leapt straight ahead! With a loud yelp, his body collided with a figure of orange, white and pink.

SMACK. THUD.

it left him on the ground, eyes blinking slowly, blearily, as his vision did it's very best to reassert itself and he found herself pressed against something surprisingly soft but unyielding, like steel encased by a pillow.

A head was below his own. One that was breathing, loud, and very much alive.

"That… Was AWESOME! We should do it again!" Came a voice that he had heard mere moments ago, when he could still feel his legs.

And then his eyes snapped open, and for the fourth time today Dyllaine was looking at someone square in the eyes. Teal eyes glimmered, staring straight into his soul with an excitement that was infectious.

But unlike the other three times- he was in a heap over the other partner of this ocular stand-off. He blinked a few times, before his slightly pale face gained a small tinge of red, and his smile became a little nervous.

Nora Valkyrie grinned like she had just been told it was an all-expense paid holiday. But from the way she acted when faced with terminal velocity- maybe it was?

"My apologies for dropping in!" He exclaimed, a mask for the feeling of sheer relief that his gambit paid off, and he flopped back onto the floor. The remnants of his anxiety ebbing away with the euphoria of the fact that he WAS ALIVE! And uh…

He had a partner now?

"Don't Say sorry- say you're welcome! That was cool! Magnild utterly destroyed that tree when I came down, and I landed like, pomf. And then you bounced off the ground like a silver spring from the sky- and we collided like Woosh! I'd give it a solid 8 out of ten! You could really have done like… a flip or two?"

Dyllaine blinked- and then he laughed. And laughed. And laughed.

Because how else was he supposed to respond to something like that?!

He couldn't stop himself, as he stared at the sky. Nora smiled- it was a painfully sincere smile that Dyllaine could only hope to match.

His eyes stung a little bit, but he just grinned, as she held a hand down to him.

"What'dya say we start looking for them relics, partner?" Nora spoke with a gleam in her eye- as she bounced on her heels.

"I'd love too!" He replied, even as he put a hand over his chest to still his beating heart- and the now dimmed warmth that he had only started to get used to.

After all- He had an Academy to attend. Then maybe… someone would know what the hell the symbol in the back of his mind really was. And if they didn't… he'd figure it out himself.

"… In a moment. I can't feel my legs." He finished with a wry smile.

After all, the world still spun.

Today would be Amazing.

Chapter 1: End.

Sorry for the Delay! This sickness has me by the throat, but here you go! How is it? Did you like it? Does it need more work? Hope you enjoy :>

 

[AzureAurora]

Chapter 2: Souls are for smashing

Dyllaine eventually managed to get his legs under control and followed Nora into the shade of the forest. The morning sunlight dispersed between the canopy and filtered between the spring leaves.

Her ginger hair tussled ever so slightly in the breeze, and those vibrant cyan eyes of hers never seemed to linger on anything for more than a moment. She wore reinforced cloth like he did- under a breastplate that appeared to be a snug fit- and did not appear bothered by the weight.

It seemed that reinforced cloth was a common material choice for Slayers- and she carried a war hammer that was as big as his head- like it was a stick.

She held it over her shoulder, whilst she scanned through the trees with a hand to her brow.

Maybe I should ask to swing it later! That'd be fun!

He patted off his mantle; the green and gold material released a cloud of dust- and he released a few coughs.

"one moment, partner!" He called out, eyes shut, as the cloud passed.

He then slid a hand across the tabard on his chest with a critical eye. Particularly- the golden icon in the center. A budding sapling with a four-pointed star hung just above it.

There, nice and whole.

He smiled, and adjusted the belt slung across his chest, beneath the tabard that rested above it.

And Sylvia said that it wouldn't help, hmph!

He congratulated himself for his own ingenuity, as he slid his hand beneath his tabard, and tugged a vial out from the belt that lay beneath. It seemed that his light kept him from becoming a pancake, and the tough weave of reinforced thread protected his potions from breaking.

Although his smile froze, he only felt one vial rest against his chest.

He tugged it out- with a note adhered to the glass vial- which contained the red glow of a regular draught of health.

'After that stunt you pulled, I'm not letting you have more than one vial for the rest of the WEEK. EMERGENCIES ONLY. Alchemist's Orders.

Also, come see me when you can, I need to make sure your heart doesn't flatline or something.

-Sylvia.'

Dyllaine blinked a few times, before he grumbled, as he stuffed the potion back onto the belt, and pocketed the note.

How'd she even do that!? There were three when I left the house! Was it-

Dyllaine's attention was promptly taken by the sound of a tree felled. The loud groan of the timber collided with the ground with an audible WHUMP.

And beneath it… was a pair of monstrosities.

Wolves, with coats of fur as dark as the abyss, if not for the veins of red that snaked across their muscular frames, all converged upon their eyes, which seemed to glow with malicious hunger.

They sure want a piece of the Dyllaine Special!

Their intended intimidation was less effective when it was mixed with the pained whines.

Because, y'know- they were pinned beneath a tree.

Dyllaine didn't notice the fingers that hovered next to his head until he was flicked right out of nowhere.

"ow! Huh?" He turned, only to see Nora grin at him.

"Ya need a bit more awareness, partner! Less thinking, more feeling! If you've got the right vibes, none of these pooches can sneak up on ya!"

Nora emphasized her point as she held her hammer in front of her. She squared her stance, twisted her hips, and swung! It sailed straight up, and into a wolf that just lunged out of the bushes behind them both.

The hammerhead collided with the beast with a crash of resounding force. A symbol shimmered into view atop the head of the hammer, as a crackle of lightning and a peal of thunder followed the impact- before it flew into a nearby tree.

Dyllaine's eyes widened, as he watched with awe.

So that's how a slayer uses magic- awesome!

Dyllaine's lips pulled into a smile, as his shimmer-filled gaze caught every trace of the magic that dissipated into the morning shadows.

"Come on' There's a couple more of em!" Nora cried out with glee, as her foot slammed down on one of the currently downed wolves. She crushed its skull in a single blow and a flare of cyan sparks.

"Right you are, Nora!" Dyllaine slapped his hands over his cheeks to focus himself.

"Wait, How did you-" Nora was cut off by a large paw that smashed her into the bushes.

But the loud crash that followed shortly thereafter meant she was fine! Probably.

It's time to be a hero, remember?

A single breath in, a single breath out.

Dyllaine didn't close his eyes- he watched one of the wolves approach him. They tensed, but they didn't charge- they watched. They waited.

Well- that suited him just fine.

The light within- radiated by the symbol seared into his soul, floated formless and aimless- he gave it direction, and it began to stir.

While Sylvia told him that this power was often known as 'Sigilism', the power itself was not static. It pulsed in tune with his thoughts, and the loose string that floated in the center of the symbol tightened.

Silver light began to flow out from it. Not to his muscles, or his bones, or his blood… but the shape of Dyllaine Dawnspring in the world.

Honestly, he probably would've had a lot more trouble with it if the sensation wasn't so new to him, as it was now- but he could feel it clear as day. It had taken… half of what he could feel inside of him to survive the fall, according to the vibes anyway.

Breathe in, breathe out.

That's more than enough for a couple doggos!

Each breath followed a tug of his desire. And the light started to respond- it was sluggish at first. It churned inside of him like a tumultuous storm cloud, before whisps of silver light manifested across his right arm. And like a dam had been cracked open- it begun to swirl up and into his fist, where it lingered and spilled out between his fingers-, as if he held onto a cloud that tried to escape.

The monster's gaze locked onto his limb as it shimmered, and the hunger reflected in those crimson eyes seemed to intensify under the light, as it lunged forward.

"Here we- Uh oh!" Dyllaine's voice shot an octave higher, as he dropped to the ground, and watched the beast sail overhead.

That's a LOT faster then I expected.

Dyllaine rolled to his feet, and lashed out with a punch as the wolf snapped around to bite at him. But he was faster- if just barely.

The light infused limb crashed right into the monster's snout with an audible crack, and a whine of pain.

Pain and power lit up Dyllaine's nerves, as the breath of strength was released, a flash of silver light followed a grunt of pain.

The wolf fell onto it's back- and tried to recover.

Dyllaine stared at his swollen knuckles and winced.

"Owie."

I… I think I realized why wizards don't punch things. Oops?

Dyllaine didn't have much time to ponder his blunder, before he had to defend himself once again. So he grabbed onto the cane strapped to his belt- which was supposed to add to his wizardly vibe- He couldn't find a real Staff, and swung for the fences!

There was a loud thump, as the completely mundane stick of metal collided with the monster's neck. It shuddered, and silence lingered for a moment.

Dyllaine shrugged, and he swung again. And again. And again.

Was Dyllaine beating the wolf like it was full of treats? Yes. Was it somehow working? Also yes.

"Have! At! Thee!" He grunted out sufficiently heroic words, in his opinion anyway, as he pummeled the monster like it owed him money.

It took a few more swings for the baleful light to finally vanish from the monster's gaze, as the viscous blood that clung to his clothes… remained attached. His nice mantle now stained with the ichor of his first kill.

"ha.. ha… My first foe… Vanquished!" He called out in triumph, as he leaned on the walking implement to catch his breath.

"Oh! You're done! Great!" Came the voice of Nora Valkyre, who seemed to stand on small pile of the dark creatures. A small pack of wolves with fur as dark as night, and a single bear among their number. She seemed to inspect the bear beneath her for a moment.

"Shame this'll probably go to the purifiers. I could've used a pair of Ursa mittens! Ah well." Nora patted the ursine monster beneath her with a sigh, and leapt from the beast, and to the ground.

"So I wanted to ask- how'd you know my name? Can you read minds!? Are you some kind of super detective? Like an assassin? Or a sleuth from Atlas that can make deductions about someone's lifestyles by staring at them for five minutes or less!?" She questioned with wide eyes, as she leaned closer with each word.

Dyllaine blinked, before he grinned.

Man, that sounds awesome! I wonder if anyone CAN read minds?

"I can beat my sister in rock-paper-scissors with a 40% victory rate, which is almost as good! But I just heard your scream on the way down, that's all!" He smiled, before he held out his hand.

"Can't just introduce myself as Mr. Partner, can I? The name's Dyllaine Dawnspring, and It's wonderful to meet you!" He finished before he waggled his fingers.

Come on, Don't leave me hanging!

Nora stared at him for a moment, before a giggle broke through, and turned into a laugh. However just as her head tilted back with audible joy, her hand collided with his and clasped it for a hearty shake.

"Hah! I might just call you that anyway! But it's great ta meetcha' Dyllaine! I'm Nora Valkyrie! Queen of Quakes and Pancakes!" She squeezed Dyllaine's hand, just until it started to ache- before she let go.

She make it rhyme! Wow, she's good at this!

I'll need to come up with one too. Hmm…

Dyllaine of the Arcane? But I haven't read much arcane lore…

His thoughts were interrupted by a gentle punch to his shoulder.

"Say, I wanted to ask. How long have you been training to be a huntsman? Those were some interesting moves." She asked, as she slung her hammer over her shoulder once again, and started to walk in the same direction as before.

"Huh? Oh! Yesterday!" He stated with a smile, as if everything was alright with the world.

Nora stopped, and she turned around.

"You've trained since yesterday?" She parroted, as her brows rose.

"Well- Yeah! Helping Syl get ingredients for the shop kept me in good adventuring shape! But I've not had the chance to practice magic till yesterday. I'm gonna be the bestest wizard in the world, ya know?" He continued, the smile on his face only grew.

"That's… crazy! Doing that silver spring thing with a day's practice is… pretty good!" She gave his shoulder another punch.

"Between you and me? You need to work on your punches! If that beowolf wasn't so darn hungry, he could've dodged! Or well… anyone with a working brain anyway." Nora continued after a moment.

"Or I could blast em!" Dyllaine replied promptly, - as he stuck his tongue out- and carefully slid his cane back into the loop of his belt.

There, nice and snug. Now… how would I do a blast? Hm.

"Yeah? Yeah. Blasting's good. I've never been too good with casting like that. Maybe Renny could give you pointers? Or Miss Goodswhatchamacallit! She looked like the magic type. I'm just really strong!" She paused to flex an arm.

Dyllaine's gaze locked onto the woman's muscular arms as she flexed.

I can feel the heroism wafting off her. So cool!

"Any parter of this queen should totally be able to slay as much as I do, so remember that mister!" She finished, as she turned once more.

"Hey, Nora- I've been meaning to ask… do you know where we're going?" He spoke, before silence reigned for a good moment.

"Of course! We're headed north, right?" Nora asked, as she casually knocked a tree over, to clear the path ahead.

Dyllaine blinked and looked to his right- at the cliff in the distance.

"Uh… Nora? Didn't the cliff point west?" He asked. as he scratched his cheek.

"… I knew that! I was just testing you, silly! Comeonletsgotimesawasting!" She spoke quickly, cheeks slightly red, as she grabbed onto his arm, and she took off into a sprint.

Dyllaine yelped as he was pulled into a run- but he felt alive.

It was an adventure already!

Chapter 2: End.

AN: There we go! Chapter two. A bit of a light hearted romp to get some character dynamics in. Sorry for the delay, everyone! I've been sick for a week and a half and it's drained the motivation out of me. It doesn't help that Rimworld's got me by the throat.

Motivation is coming back, but it's slow going. I'll try to get back on track for a chapter every 3 days. We'll see how it goes though. Lemme know what you think :>

 

[AzureAurora]

Hey there all! Good news, I'm starting to feel better. Chapter 3 should be posted this evening!

Also, got new art in the works for Dyllaine in robes. Mage mode >:3

Inspiration is definitely coming back with my health ^^

 

[AzureAurora]

Chapter 3: Souls stand together

"So! You plannin' to get good with that cane, or just wack monsters with it until they fall over like their legs are made of pudding?" Nora's voice rang out amongst the clang of metal colliding with talons.

Sparks drifted into the morning air, as Dyllaine leapt to the side, summarily avoiding an impalement on talons the size of his hands.

"That's a good idea! Kinda hard to do when they're flying, though!" Dyllaine called back, eyes narrowed as he kept his focus on the airborne Grimm that had just attempted to make him into a pin cushion.

Nora was on the side, a large stone tossed up and down in her grip- rather casually. When Dyllaine asked about it, she just grinned and called it insurance.

"Think of it as on the job training, partner! I told you that I expect you to slay just as well as I do!" She cheered, the occasional 'thwip' of the rock that met her palm resounded like a metronome.

Dyllaine leapt over a fallen log, and smiled, despite the rapid pounding of his heart. He heard the dull thunk of sharp talons sinking into wood and repressed the urge to turn around.

Training on the job? I can get behind that! Although I expected that to come after I got in.

"Wish we could have chicken for lunch! Shame these things aren't ready to eat without 'insert guild secret here'." Dyllaine retorted, as the mental image of giant purple chicken legs filled his mind.

Would Grimm meat be sweet or sour? Tangy or Spicy?

He couldn't really stop himself from thinking about it.

Would it be berries and sunshine? Like the potion? Shadow and Ribs?

A few feathers shot past his face- a reminder to take his foe more seriously- sky chicken or no.

This would be a LOT easier if I had some kind of ranged attack… Wait. Isn't that like- Magic 101? Fireballs and the like? It's not like that bird's gonna give me any time to figure it out- though.

Dyllaine grunted as two feather-blades stabbed into his reinforced cloth- and bit into his shoulders. Small rivulets of blood ran down his back.

Like- they say the early bird gets the worm. But could they be more specific? Is it like dirt or wood or stone? It'd probably get it's break caught on the latter two but-

Dyllaine blinked, before he looked down at his slightly bruised hand.

Hey, that could work!

He stashed the cane by his belt once more, as his right hand held onto the wrist of his left. A mental tug began the slow draw of the power from the Symbol in his mind. The whisps of warmth began to converge, as he heard the monstrosity shaped like a crow taped to knives take to the air again.

Wizards don't punch Wolves, but they are known to lay a trap every now and again!

Dyllaine recalled the feeling of strength, as he coaxed the mists of his soul into his left hand. The feeling of pushing open the dam- and the light began to flow, gleaming silver mist trailed off his fingers.

He dug his fingers into the wood like they were claws- and with a loud 'thunk', the bark gave way, as if under a sap tap.

His muscles tensed, and he grit his teeth.

I'm gonna worm the HECK out of that bird!

His thoughts resounded in his skull as he roared, and a chunk of wood came loose- a makeshift board of timber. He felt the sap stick to his fingers, and the splinters threaten to dig in, as he grabbed onto the board with his other hand.

The whistling of the bird falling into a nose-dive met his ears, and he thrust the wood forward.

"GET WORMED, Idiot!!" He roared, as the white ashen beak of the dark avian collided with the wood. He saw it drill through the wood, and his heart leapt into his throat. His right arm burned and nearly buckled under the force- without his light to strengthen it.

His left arm strained as the whisps of silver light flowed into the wood, and it gained a faint silver hue. It groaned- it cracked, but it held. The bird's beak came to rest just Infront of his face. He had to cross his eyes to see it hover over his nose.

Nora's whoop of excitement reverberated through the clearing, as sweat drenched his brow.

"You got it, Dyllaine! Now kick its Ass!" She called out, as she hopped in place.

"I don't think it has one, Nora!" He replied through grit teeth, as he threw the bird to the side.

It clattered to the floor, angry muffled squawks halted by the wood it was trapped against. Both talons sunk into the wood- but that just made it worse.

It's now or never, Dyllaine! Make with the fire and the ball already!

Dyllaine poured the whisps of light towards both of his palms. Doing his best to coax the energy together.

Just like the landing- but less lumpy!

The energy began to churn within- Light made into movement, formless power given direction- swirling whisps of silver light started to converge, pushing and packing into a sphere in front of him. He held it as if he were holding a snowball that hovered between his fingers, mentally pushing the energy into shape.

But as it slowly started to take shape- Dyllaine realized something important-

How… do you set light on fire? Uh oh.

It's only ever been mist-light-stuff! And Mist is like, the opposite of fire? All damp and cool or humid. But if it follows his thoughts… maybe if he thinks something just right, it'll listen?

The flame burns in the hearth, The lighting strikes in the sky, The water churns in the ocean. Blood pulses in the chest.

Dyllaine started listing off all the forces that came to mind- to no avail. A noise akin to a keening whine left his throat, as the bird's head snapped up- halfway free.

Running out of time, Dyllaine. Focus!

He bit his lip, and glanced over at Nora. Her eyes were locked onto the pair of them- and at the energy coalescing between his fingers. She nodded once, the rock clenched tightly in her hand- a symbol reminiscent of a storm filled sky emblazoned upon it.

She won't need that rock- c'mon! Just keep going!

He sucked in a deep breath and slowly let it out.

The gale rocks the trees, the earth rumbles beneath the sky- The Hero Strikes with the Lion's Courage.

A Thrum rolled through Dyllaine's light as his Symbol, as Anima, resonated with the thought. The green shimmer of his eyes seemed to intensify as an uncertain smile became certain.

The thread of thought seemed to fade from there- but what he had? It was enough.

Intent gave power definition- and what was initially a formless sphere of power- started to take shape. A silhouette of a cat's head- with two triangular ears and a formless body for a tail. Its face changed from rounded to angular, like an arrow. It seemed to hum in his grip- eager.

"I guess we're having chicken legs after all! Go!" Dyllaine called out- as he thrust his hands forward. The cradled projectile rocketed forward- just as the grimm freed itself from the wood- breaking it with a loud crack.

It's furious screech was cut off as the warbling orb of spirit and light colliding with its body- and like the wolf he struck before- it was sent careening into a tree.

But this time… it didn't get up.

"YES! Cat Wizard!" Dyllaine cheered, as Nora dropped the rock, and grinned.

"Cat Wizard! I take back everything I said about you Dyllaine!" Nora exclaimed.

Dyllaine paused, blinked, and looked at her.

"What did you say about me?" He asked, as she froze.

"Uhhhh- Nothin?" She said a moment later, as she scanned the treeline.

"Okay-" Before Dyllaine could finish, she gasped and pointed.

"Look! Maidens that need a cat wizard!" She yelled promptly, as she grabbed her hammer and hefted it skyward.

Dyllaine processed it- and turned around. "Maidens in need!? Where!?"

But before he could spot anything- There was an arm looped around his waist- and Dyllaine was no longer upright. But rather- he was being carried.

"Onwards!"

Dyllaine yelped, as Nora whooped with joy- and leapt off a rocky outcropping, which promptly dropped the both of them further down- on the path towards the relics.

--- Kindled Spirit ---

​

Ruby Rose was not having the best Initiation in the world- that much was for sure. Oh, she was attending far earlier than she had expected to- and that was great, don't get her wrong. But, well, her sister had abandoned her to the woods! To the elements! To get killed, and eaten, and never see Zwei or her Father again! Oh the humanity!

Ruby's silver eyes locked onto the movement in the bushes- the glint of tusks shone among the light scattered between the trees. A shock of red blood stood out amidst deep black hues and purple-wrought and matted hair. A finger twitched, a breath left her lips.

A bowstring went taught, and the whistle of an arrow echoed through the forest, a glint of steel in the air, as dark blood sprayed across bushes- and left them in a full-spring bloom.

"Uh oh!" Ruby squeaked, taking a step back, as the plate covered boar charged out of the bushes, oozing blood from its cheek. What should've been a kill-shot, stymied by that bestial vigor- kept alive by sheer rage and musculature. The arrow still hung from its face, trapped within the iron wall of musculature.

The red cloak draped around her slim frame shimmered, the edges of its cloth seemed to blur- to float upwards, and be wreathed in white light, as she tugged on the power within her mind.

Ruby Rose felt the hum of Lumos, a symbol of the sun rising above an endless horizon. And her body was flooded with light.

Under her own hope- gravity faltered. And Ruby Rose leaped.

Within moments, she was far above the monster's reach, legs over head- as her eyes narrowed into focus. The bow in her hands was drawn back, pointed straight down- as she lingered in the air for a long moment.

A second arrow whistled through the air, as it shot into the monster's haunch, and a squeal of pain filled the glade.

Ruby landed with barely a crunch of the grass- as Gravity reasserted itself once again, and she rose the bow in her hand. The lacquered wood and crimson metal of her weapon glinted in the morning light, as she faced her foe again.

"You'll need to try harder than that to hit this silver-eyed sniper!" She exclaimed, as she reached back to grab her hood- and missed.

"Dangit-" Feeling around a bit, she managed to pull it over her head and drew an arrow once more.

The boarbatusk was injured- but it was enraged, and the next charge was faster than the first- blood oozed from both wounds as it made its mad dash towards her.

"Hello Again!" A voice called out from the treeline- followed by a flash of bronze- as a circular shield slammed into the snout of the charging boar. A shimmer of bronze light radiated from it- and its wielder held fast- furrows dug into the ground- but she was otherwise unmoved.

She lowered her stance, shifted her hips- and pushed upwards, which sent the boar monster onto its back with a whine.

"Pyrrha!?" Ruby yelped, eyes wide- as Pyrrha Nikos' sudden appearance knocked the archer out of her groove.

"I don't suppose you have a partner yet, do y- ah, would you like to get this? I've been told that kill stealing is, uh.. rude, no?" The gladiatrix asked, as she momentarily planted her blade into the ground to rub her cheek.

"Oh- right! One second!" Ruby stammered- as she suddenly realized that she was, in fact, in the middle of a hunt. A third arrow was drawn, and with a narrow gaze, she drew the arrow back.

The symbol of Lumos manifested once more- emblazoned on her bow- just above the arrowhead. A shimmer of white light overtook the arrow, and wrapped around its head- before it fired.

The arrow spun in the air, trailed by a streak of white light, as it sunk into the neck of the exposed monster, ending it.

"Finally! That thing was way too stubborn. I know this is for initiation, so the Grimm here are supposed to be tough- but c'mon!" Ruby grumbled, as she strung her bow back over her shoulder.

Pyrrha smiled politely. "Well it wouldn't be a challenge otherwise, would it? Excuse me, Weiss didn't leave much- ah, time for introductions. I'm Pyrrha Nikos, do you have a partner?"

Ruby's expression momentarily went flat.

"Oh right, her. Little miss 'what are you doing here? Don't drink that, you'll explode, bleh.'" Ruby's stellar impression of the heiress was interrupted by giggles. Her cheeks flushed.

"I- right! Introductions. I'm Ruby Rose, huntress in training, and the best markswoman in Patch, it's a pleasure to meet you. Oh- and not yet!" She held her hand out, her smile turning brilliant, as Pyrrha took it.

"Then I suppose we're a team now, are we not?" Pyrrha returned the smile, only to pause as a yell filled the air.

"LOOK OUT BELOW~!" Screamed the voice of one excited Nora Valkyrie, as she collided with the earth but a mere few paces away.

From the rising plume of smoke, Dyllaine Dawnspring stumbled out, one hand clutched to his head, amongst the fluff of silver hair. He glanced at both girls, blearily blinked a few times, before he smiled a ditzy smile.

"So, did either of you see any maidens that needed help?" He asked into the growing silence.

They looked at each other.

"Dyllaine… a little help? I got my leg stuck in a pothole…" Nora's voice emerged from the pillar of smoke behind him.

"The maiden in need… was the friends along the way." Dyllaine whispered, as if he unveiled a spectacular revelation.

Ruby Rose… missed her sister, the betrayer that she was.

Chapter 3: End.

AN: Initiation is probably gonna last for another chapter or two. I've just been enjoying the shennanigans, to be honest. It makes me smile. But now the team's together! We'll get to see how they play off one another. Lemme know what you think!

 

[AzureAurora]

Hey everyone! Sorry for the radio silence.
I planned to edit the past three chapters one more time to implement more shifts to the fantasy vibe.
That took a lot longer then expected.

Got pretty busy the past few days, and sick, and busy again. But I got it done!

And good news! I am one hundred percent recovered now!

I've also gotten an update on the art, as an appology for the wait!

I'll be posting the next chapter today, or tomorrow latest. As my motivation is soaring right now!