Heroes of Haven Reboot (A RWBY AU Quest)

Arc 0 Interlude Part 4: Training For the Future

Your mother looked out at the water as you continued to row. "We're almost there." She stated.

"Good, my arms feel like jello." You whined as you rowed.

"Easy for you to say… my arms hurt too." Albedo joined in.

Your mother sighed and looked back to both of you. "I have been too soft on you boys." She started as she sat down on her seat, rocking the boat slightly. "I thought we would be able to keep you safe from the dangers of the world, to allow you to become scholars that we knew you could become. But now I realized that Grey and I have made a mistake." She looked down, bowing her head to you in shame. "We should have prepared you for this world so that you could be better than us."

"Mom." You whispered, but you could not say anything more. You continued rowing in rhythm with your brother, towards the island.

The island was small, probably the size of your old home, and property surrounding it. Besides the sandy beach with small pebbles dotting it, there were some large tree's, tall grass. Overhead, just above the tree line, you could see a tiny mound of jagged rocks, a hill or mound of some kind.

You beached the boat and got off of it, your aching bodies throbbing in pain as you breathed heavily. Albedo leaned his back against yours, raising one of his arms weakly. "Victory." He whispered.

That was when your mother threw down two small backpacks.

You both looked at your mother. "What's going on mom?" You asked.

"I will be leaving you both here alone for a week to train you in survival." She stated.

Your jaw dropped. "What!" You stood up, invigorated by the sudden news. Your brother fell backward, startled by your sudden movement, and his back was in the sand. "Why would you do that?!"

Your mother frowned. "I need to know you have the fortitude to back up your resolve to become huntsmen." She stated. "You both lack the years of gradual training that every student in that school has. So in these three months, I'm going to beat it into you… As of now, I am not your mother. I am your teacher, and you will do everything I say because your lives will depend on it." Your mother then pointed towards the opposite shore. "If you both want to give up, on the training and your dreams of being huntsmen, swim the ten miles to the western shore, and find the log cabin near the shore."

She then pushed the boat out. "Good luck boys." She said as she jumped into the boat. "Use whatever skills you have to survive."
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You and Albedo rested for an hour, trying to get your bearings and rest your aching muscles. Then you took a look at the contents inside.
"Do you really need to do this to them?" Grey asked.
It was a survival knife, a spare change of clothes, two empty metal canteen bottles, a mirror, one foot of rope, the books of magic you kept on your person at all time and a book on survival.
"Yes." Izumi replied. "I don't want them to get the wrong impression by thinking I would go easy on them.
It also had a note from your mother, which read: "The book is life."
"I know that, but dumping them onto a deserted island?
"What do we do now?" Albedo asked.
"Would you rather I send them to my sister?"
You opened the book and started to read. Absorbing the knowledge within it's pages like a sponge.
Grey sighed. "Good point… Speaking of, are we inviting her over any time soon?"
After a few minutes, you looked towards your brother. "We need to find water."
"God's no, you remember the last time she stayed with us. We had a hole in the kids wall for a month."
Your brother looked towards the body of water you traveled through. The lake was clear blue, untouched by any human contact, save for a small lakeside resort that was across the lake from the island.
"You shouldn't have goaded her into fighting you"
"We found water bro." Albedo stated.
"I was making a joke!"
"But that's not safe to drink you, idiot." You replied.
"A joke on how she is a lonely, military, career-focused women who should try to get a man in her life so she dosen't end up lonely and regretting that she does not have children?"
You both looked at each other, then looked towards the forest. "Mom probably knew there was a water source here that we could use. And enough game for us to live on for a month."
"Okay, it was a bad joke."
You shrugged. "Are you guessing again?"
"Izumi, I know you dislike your sister for her the choices she made, but please try to keep it out of family gatherings."
"Mom knows we do not have the survival skills to really create something that can purify water in massive quantities, but we do have the know how to make the tools using the book." Albedo stated.
Izumi shed a tear. "I know… I just think she'-"
"Into the forest, we do then?" You asked.
"I know. But she made her choices, and you've made yours." Grey took a breath and looked through his binoculars. "How are the boys doing?"
"Why are you expecting me to take the lead? I figured it out." Albedo stated.
Izumi did not need to look through her own binoculars to know what was happening. A mother always knew. "Arguing with each other."
You shook your head. " Yeah, so you should know where it is by that definition."
Grey laughed. "So the usual? They argue than go surpass everyone's expectations?"
Albedo hit you in the shoulder. "You're an idiot."
Izumi smiled. "Yeah… They'll be alright."
You both looked at the forest. The tree's shade covered the floor of the island with a dim light.
Inside, you could hear what lived in it.
"Why did you choose the island anyway?" Grey asked.
You were entering their territory, and if there were any predators among the island's inhabitants… you would have to be on guard.
"You didn't notice the resort we spent our honeymoon at?"
Reaching into your backpack, you pulled out the survival knife, and slide it into your pants pocket.
Grey smiled. "All the time, whenever I'm with you."
"What are you doing?" Albedo asked.
Izumi blushed. "Now hold on there big boy...We've got to make sure the kids survive the week in hell first."
"Being prepared." You replied.
"Dammit." Grey muttered.
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The spring was in the center of the island, and all the other animals gathered around and drinking from it.

It took you only a minute to fill up your canteen's and drink from the cool refreshing water.

"What's next in the book bro?" You asked.

"Building a fire."
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By the end of the first day, Albedo started a fire

You pulled on the rope hard, and the stick turned rapidly, smoke rose from the log you were using to start the fire.

"Come on!" your brother said, anxiety in his voice.

"We need more kindling." You said. "And blow on it, the ember needs more oxygen!"

Your brother placed more kindling on the log. "Come on!" You screamed as you pulled the rope, spinning the stick again. The kindling than light as the embers struck it.

"Yes!" Your brother screamed.

"Get more kindling and fuel." You shouted as you blew more air on the kindling

Your brother then brought the small cabin of sticks he built and gently placed it on the kindlings, blowing on it with you so it could grow.

But instead of growing, it was snuffed out.

"Dammit!" Albedo said.

He then picked up one of your magic books, and he opened up a page.

"What are you doing!?" You asked, standing back.

He set the stick onto the log and got it ready. "Come on!" he screamed, pulling the rope and spinning the stick to create friction.

There was smoke… then there was an ember.

Then there was a small blaze.

"YES!" Albedo cheered, as he blew air onto the growing flame. "FIRE!"
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On the Second day, you discovered how to feel the magic.
"So… how was the night?" Izumi asked.
It was a small thing, you sat looking at the lake, trying to focus, to center yourself.
"The boys are okay. But they're talking to each other again"
"Feel natures energy." Albedo's book said as he read it aloud. "What the hell does that mean?"
"They have food, they have water, why should we worry?" Izumi asked.
"I don't know." You stated. "Now come on, sit down and meditate."
"Their meditating." Grey stated.
"Why are you doing that, shouldn't we start getting some meat?" He asked.
"Are they trying to activate their aura themselves?" Izumi asked.
"The rabbits will be there Albedo. We just-"
"No… They seem to be doing something else."
Your brother interrupted you. "I know… But what if what we did was our semblance?"

The possibility was there, but you did not believe it. Not yet. "And what if it wasn't?"

Your brother shrugged. "I don't know. I want to believe it's something someone else understands so we can talk to them."

You sighed. "I know. But we have to be sure."

Your brother sat down across from you. You felt your heart rate slow.

Then you felt it. The energy of the earth flowing within the world, how it ebbed and flowed through everything.

Even now, as you sat, the energy went into your body. You placed your hand down and felt it calm you.
"Did they just activate their aura by themselves?" Grey asked.
You opened your eyes. "Wow."

Albedo gasped but remained silent. Then he screamed. "WE WERE RIGHT! MAGIC DOES EXIST!"
"No. I don't know what they did." Izumi stated, dumbfounded at what she saw.
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On the third day, you gathered berries into your backpack.

Albedo pigged out on them when you were not looking.
"Albedo still has his appetite." Grey muttered.
Thankfully, the berries were not poisonous, otherwise, he would have been dead before he hit the sand from when you yelled at him.
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On the fourth day, you used magic while conscious and in control.

You and Albedo were breathing in deeply, the energy of the planet going back and forth through your bodies. Your shoes were discarded by your makeshift shelter, the rubber soles interfering with the energy's ability to enter your body.

The energy, calming and clear as it went back and forth through your body, giving you the confidence to try to cast a magic spell.

"Okay, since you used fire the first time you cast a magic, try to use a fire spell, while I use lightning." You said as you pointed at the fire spell that Albedo should use.

"Nigredo, I hope this works." Albedo said.

"Well, if it doesn't work, we might not need to hunt anymore." You said jokingly.

"Than we might be boiled alive." Albedo stated.

"I know." You said. "Alright, let's try it." You smiled with your brother, excited for all your hard work from years of work deciphering the books to work.

Albedo held his arm out and shouted. "Ignius!"

Almost immediately, you felt the energy gather into his hands, and then release. The small firebolt hit the sand and exploded.
"Oh shit." Izumi stated.
You both jumped back and covered your faces as some sand blew towards you.
"What's wrong Izumi?" Grey asked.
"That was awesome!" Albedo shouted as he surveyed the tiny sphere of glass that he made. "Glass!" He ran over to where he hit the sand and felt it with his hands. "It's so smooth!"
"I think they activated their aura, and found out their semblance." Izumi stated.
"Alright." You took a deep breath. "My turn!"
Salem sensed something she thought she would never feel again. Magical energy that reminded her of her past.
You raised your arm and aimed close to where your brother aimed. "Get out of the way you idiot!" You shouted as your brother jumped into the water. The energy pulsed through your body the hairs on your arm stood up from the electricity. "Fulgar!"
It confused her greatly. Enough that she would send a Grimm to investigate.
Then the electric bolt left your hand, thunder boomed in the sky as the electricity made a sculpture of glass on the sand.
It was probably one of the maidens or Ozpin doing something to one of his subordinates again. But better be safe than sorry.
Your brother's head rose out of the water, his face unhappy. "Watch where you aim dumbass!"
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On the fifth day, Grimm attacked you and your brother.

It seemed like all the wildlife disappeared as the sun began to rise on that day. The isle was silent.

"Nigerdo." Albedo said your name quietly.

"I know." You had both read the books heard the stories a thousand times.
It cant be these two boys... That is impossible. Salem thought as she saw through her Grimm's eyes.
Than the Grimm attacked, it's black body and red eyes impossible to miss as it struck at your brother.
In all her years alive, she has had numerous false alarms when it came to potential magic wielders. Most only used illusions, and were killed when the Grimm got close to them. Oh well, they were still vulnerable, might as well destroy them... Kill them if you can, if not, ignore them.
"AHH!" He screamed, trying his best to protect his neck with his arms and hands.

The Grimm was small, the size of a large dog, with only white bone on its face.

"Albedo!" You screamed as you ran at the Grimm, your knife in hand.
You felt the power within the blood. They had the true power within them. Then you remembered the boys from the house. The ones who destroyed your horde.
You dug the blade into the Grimm, and Albedo rolled away. But the Grimm pushed you away as it shook itself.
The records said that they have activated aura… But it seems Ozpin outplayed her.
You landed on your back and stared at the Grimm.
Leave, quickly. Salem ordered.
Your knife slides out, as black goop hit the sand like blood.

The Grimm stared but then it ran into the forest. Either losing interest in you or to strike you again.
Back away and wait for orders! She ordered her Grimm. She did not have the time to send a horde, not at such a short notice, and when her Grimm was needed elsewhere.
"Albedo are you okay?!" You shouted as you ran towards your brother.

Your brother coughed. "Yeah." He then looked at his hand, now bleeding from the bite on his hand. "Ow…"

"How's your hand?" You asked.
Something has happened. Something that neither myself or Ozpin could foresee.
"Chewed on." He replied as you tore part of the sleeve of your shirt and wrapped it around it. "That was a Grimm… how the hell did a Grimm get onto the island?" Albedo whined in pain.

"It was probably already here." You said.
New wildcards… Young, controllable, wildcards.
"It's going to kill us if we stay here." He said as you finished wrapping the makeshift bandage around his hand.

"No, it's not." You said quietly.
"You boys will be very interesting indeed."
"Than what will it do?" Albedo asked.

"We kill it." You said.
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On the Sixth Day, you hunted the Grimm.

It did not take long to find the Grimm on an island this size. It was waiting on the other side as if it wanted to be found.

It's black body and crimson eyes could be seen in the sunlight as clear as the blue sky above.
A Beowulf. Still wearing the scar from the day before.
Bot you and your brother circled it slowly, taking one side and the other. Albedo's arm aimed at the Grimm, fire ready to torch it. He waited for an opening.

Then you stepped to the right, trying to escape the inevitable explosion from Albedo's fireball, then the Grimm charged at you.

But this time you were ready.

Your arm moved up and electricity released from your arm.

The Grimm fried, disintegrating before it even touched you.
"Watts… I have a new mission for you. One of urgency, and one that requires your position." Salem said.
It was over in a moment.
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On the seventh day, your mother came and was surprised to see how relaxed you and your brother were on the beach.

"Have fun?" She asked as she jumped off of the boat.

"Yep… It was a nice vacation." You grinned, not wanting to worry her about the Grimm.

Your mother smiled, relief crossing her face before she put her fists together. "Than you boys will be ready for the worst 2 months of your life."

"Hello, Boys." Your father waved as he set down the paddles on the boat. "Hope your ready to face the same kind of torment that I had to face from her father to marry her."

Oh shit.

Reward: Magic can now be used in combat. Survival set to Untrained.

Albedo gains: Elemental Manipulation (Fire): You know how to manipulate the magical energy of Flames to a degree.

You gain: Elemental Manipulation (Electricity): You know how to manipulate the energy of electricity. to a degree.

What would you like to Learn or improve:
(Choose 3)

[]Unarmed: (Trained level due to teacher's skill level)

[]Swordsmenship: (Novice level due to skill books and teachers lack of skill.)

[]Knife Fighting: (Novice level due to skill books and teachers lack of skill.)

[]Survival: (Apprentice due to teacher's skill level)

[]Gun Handling: (Novice due to Teacher's skill level)

[]Butchery: (Apprentice due to Teachers skill level)

[]Investigation: (Novice due to Teacher's skill level)

[]Cooking (Apprentice level due to teacher's skill level)

[]Blacksmithing (Novice level due to skill books and teachers lack of skill.)

Do you try to decipher The Blade Master's book? (Dice roll will decide if it succeeds or fails):
[]Yes
[]No

Do you read your books to learn more spells/Effinities (Dice roll will decide if it succeeds or fails):
[]Yes
[]No

AN: Enjoy and vote in plan format, please.