The story of the Child of Omens, Falke Branwen, is a story of aspiration, freedom, purpose, and love. But what if he had a different beginning? What if the child, destined to bring either salvation or ruination to the world of Remnant, began differe...
It is late midday in the Branwen tribe camp. Inside the sandpit, as usual, two combatants are standing across from one another. One of the opponents is a woman with short dark brown hair and bright blue eyes. She wields a set of ring-shaped blades with double-barrel shotguns mounted on the inner ring of each blade. Standing across from her is an 18-year-old Hawk. Although his hair has grown out much more to resemble his mother's at a glance, his coat has received much-needed upgrades. He had armguards sewn into his jacket, as well as an extra layer of leather sewn underneath the body of the coat to protect him from slashes and other such attacks. In his left hand, a wooden sheath with a straight-edged katana inside, sparking with a flash of white lightning.
Dante(mental): "Alright, kiddo, you've beaten this chick a hundred times over. She knows your moves, and you know hers." Hawk had gotten used to Dante's voice in his mind, choosing to ignore him at first, but that proved to be futile.
Hawk: "It's time to see what you're truly made of, Vernal. This may be the last time we spar like this before I leave, so you better make it count."
Vernal: "Let's just hope you put up a better fight than you did last time." She says, readying herself in a combat stance.
Hawk: "Last time I didn't hold back, you were in the medical tent for a month. But, if you're a glutton for punishment, then I'll gladly accept your request." Taking a battle stance, his right hand hovering over the handle of his blade. Sparks of lightning arc back and forth between his hand and the sword.
Both turn their head to the ringside as Raven watches over the two of them, the rest of the clan cheering the two of them on, excited to see who'll win. Raven nods as the ringing of the bell start the duel. Vernal charges towards Hawk but with a flash of white lightning, she barely locks blades with him as he pushes against her with his katana. His sword sparks with electricity as it hums with energy. As the two lock weapons, Vernal redirects his blade to the side but is caught off guard when he smacks her away with his sheath, a spark of lightning shooting into her sending her flying to the other side of the arena.
Hawk: Sheathing his sword. "*tch* We've done this song and dance a million times already, Vernal. If your planning on boring me to death, it is certainly working."
Vernal transforms her blade into shotgun form, rushing towards Hawk while shooting at him with her weapons. Hawk snaps his fingers as a field of lightning appears around him, disintegrating each shot before it even touches him. Hawk looks towards his mother, who has a satisfied smile on her face. Then, turning back towards Vernal, who is a bit stumped on how to break through his barrier, he grows a serious expression.
Hawk: "It's about time I ended this farse." Gripping the handle of his blade, the field disappears.
In a brilliant flash of light Hawk shoots towards Vernal, leaving only a trail of white lightning to follow him. Vernal had no time to react as she received a lightning-quick slash to her chest. Hawk stopping a few feet behind her sheathes his blade as a bolt of lightning strikes Vernal, destroying her aura in the process. Standing back up, he returns to reality as he hears the roar of the crowd as they cheer him for his victory. Walking back over to Vernal, he helps her up, giving her a solid pat on the back.
Hawk: "You did well, but stopping in the middle of a fight to strategize isn't the greatest thing to do."
Vernal: "Even when I think I have you, you just get stronger and faster." She says as Raven makes her way towards the two of them.
Raven: "Congrats, you two, you both have certainly grown since you both started training. You are both ready to receive your rewards."
Vernal: "But mam, I failed."
Raven: "You did, but not many people can make my son go all out as you have. That in of itself is its own reward."
Hawk: "Besides, my job isn't too hard. You'll make a great second in command."
Raven: "Indeed. I will need someone with the same focus and ambition as my son to help me keep this clan in line while he is gone. Now for you, my son, I believe for your next mission, you will need a weapon to be able to keep up with your abilities." Handing him a metal sheath.
As he takes the blade out, it comes to life as the white lightning of his demonic energy easily flows through it. While holding it, he can feel the blade vibrate with a low hum. Swinging it, he sees that the air seems to separate where the blade slashes.
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Hawk: "What kind of blade is this, mother?" Sheathing the sword.
Raven: "A while back, we raided an Atlas supply convoy and discovered a highly experimental design for a weapon. Using it as a basis, I had this weapon designed specifically for you, my son. It is known as a High-Frequency Blade. It uses a low current of electricity to cause the edge of the blade to vibrate at an extreme level, allowing it to cut through any object made of matter. So naturally, Atlas was looking for a continual power source for this blade, but you seem to generate your own electricity, so it only made sense for you to use such a weapon. And to think they wanted to incorporate it into one of their mindless drones."
Dante(mental): "Aww, isn't she just so nice. For a cold bandit leader, she sure does know how to spoil her son."
Hawk: "Thank you, mom. I won't let you down." Embracing her in a hug that she gladly reciprocates.
Raven: "I don't think you ever could." Releasing herself from the hug. "Now. are you ready for your trip?"
Hawk: "Ready to dive into hell itself."
Dante(mental): "Haha! Don't say that."
Raven: "Good, you understand what your mission is, and what is at stake?"
Hawk: "Yes, yes I do."
Raven: "Good." Opening a red portal as another clan member hands him a duffle bag.
Vernal: "Wait! Aren't you going to name your new weapon?"
Hawk: "Hmm. I guess I didn't think of that...how about..Stormchaser."
Raven: "Enough wasting time. Be careful, son. I will miss you." Then, sending a soft smile towards Hawk.
Hawk: "I know, I will as well." Walking through the red portal.
As Hawk walks through, he finds himself inside an empty bar. Then, he hears the snores of a man that he recognizes. Turning towards the snores, he sees his Step-uncle, Qrow, passed out from his drinking. Growing a disgusted look he makes his way out of the bar and into the city of Vale. Following the signs towards the docks, he sees the transport ships that will take him towards his destination, Beacon Academy.
