Five minutes. Five minutes of silence with fifteen different pairs of eyes on me, while we waited for the last pair of eyes to arrive.

"Mr. Beach."

"Y-y-yes Profess-ssor Ar-Arc?" His already bad stuttering seeming to be worst today.

"Where is your partner Kanel?"

"He- He was in the bathroom- oom and t- told us he would catch u- up."

I let out a sigh, and pulled out my scroll. I was about to send a message to Ms. Goodwitch to see if he was ditching or there was an actual problem. While I was double checking the message for spelling I heard the door open.

Kanel stood there huffing and puffing. Well pretending to be tired at least. I could see the small unconscious movements your body makes, or the lack of movements in this case. He was way too steady for someone that was supposedly out of breath.

"Mr. Nos, care to explain why you're late?"

"Sorry Professor, I was having an epic battle in the restroom, but I hurried here as fast as I could when I finished."

"You could at least put some effort into it."

"Sir?" He asked confused by my meaning.

"I am a father of a six year old, and she's a far better liar than you. So you'll have to try better than that to get past me."

Realizing he was caught, he completely ended the charade. His hands found their way to their usual spots in his pockets as he walked up the steps along the side of the room to his unofficial seat in the back.

I glared at him the whole time he made his ascent. Students like him frustrated me to no end. They seem to think just because they can cut down a pack of beowolves or something they don't need to learn the knowledge part of it. What I taught saves lives; other people's and their own.

"Alright class, turn to pages 673. We'll do a quick review of naval navigation from last semester before moving on."

I waited for them to turned to the page eyeing Kanel as he lazily took his time going one page at a time. When the rest of the class arrived, I sighed and went on ahead.

"So last semester we left off with the history of naval navigation and it's importance. Kanel, would you be so kind as to tell the class what navigational tools were developed pre, and early great war?" Looking to the slacker I called him out, knowing he couldn't answer.

"Um. The magnetic compasses and, um, Chronometers?" vastly unsure about the second part of his answer.

"Maybe you should read the last chapter to ensure everything sinks in."

He grumbled and mumbled ok, before letting his head fall into his hand while he gazed at his book absentmindedly. I started tapping my foot, hoping he would notice, but he needed the student next to him to nudge him back into reality, before he noticed me.

"Wait, you mean right now?"

"For the whole class. I'm sure some might be a little sketchy on the details since break too."

He groaned and stood while reading the the first page of the section. I didn't pay him much mind while he read. I knew the information and he knew how to read contrary to my doubts some days. When he finished he sat back down, clearly annoyed by all the hoops I was making him jump through.

"Alright, as Mr. Nos, pointed out an early detriment to long range naval navigation was scurvy. Till then, most nations used the currents and coast to navigate."

I pulled out a laser pointer and aimed at the far wall with a huge map along it before continuing.

"The Mantle Current starts south of Atlas and travels down all the way past Vale then enters the Vytal Bay following the coast around to Vacuo, it then warms up as it passes the desert and heads back up toward the entrance of the bay. Naturally it's very hard to sail against the current so incoming trade was limited to summer time, when the differences in temperature were less extreme and thus the current less powerful."

"Before the Great War here," adjusting my laser to point to the peninsula just north of Vale at the other side of the bay entrance, "Was the sight of a large trade center called Viz."

"Not only did it have a narrow mountain pass separating it from the rest of the continent, it was also where most traders landed when they reached the end of the current. As such it served as a major port for much of the winter, and for those brave enough one could travel up the content on foot with a dugout canoe and then sail across to atlas once they were far enough north to avoid the current, then sail back down to Viz in time for summer. Provided they had protection from a hired blade or hunter of course."

"One of the deciding factors of the great war was actually the destruction of Viz. Seeing it's incredible strategic importance. Atlas used its superior navy to capture the port. With long beach heads and deep coastal waters, it was the perfect place to anchor their mighty dreadnought battleships. But what really gave them the advantage was the Battle of the Bay. I know, I know; historians aren't exactly known to being the most creative of people." Pausing for the class to laugh for a moment, and for me to take survey on who was paying attention.

Kanel looked like, if he wasn't asleep yet he would be soon. A few other students looked like they were day dreaming or doodling on their papers, and I made note of every single one.

"Though the Atlesian navy had superior armor and weaponry compared to the Vytal allies. They didn't have the speed to catch them, and spreading their forces too thin in an attempt to do so would leave the individual ships vulnerable to the power of the two combined fleets. Control of the bay was still extremely important as without it, Atlas's troops on Vytal would be cut off from supplies and support. So in a daring move 'Grand Admiral William the Map Maker' took half the fleet north to sail through the Ulna Straights, about three thousand miles west of Atlas. Using new navigation techniques, as well as about three months of supplies, including fruits captured from Viz, they sailed into what was at the time, completely uncharted waters.

As we mentioned scurvy was a major problem for early navigators. With Atlas being so far north, they had little access to fruit, but with the capture of Viz they could afford to supply their navies. As such the Admiral was able to earn permission to make the exploration mission. Supposedly the Admiral had many doubters within the Atlesian court. In the end the king offered to let him perform the mission after much convincing not only from crew volunteering to partake, but also the vouching of doctors and other navagationalists; also on the condition that if he does it and fails, his family would suffer the consequences."

"Guided by a chronometer, compass, and other newly invented instruments, they came around Drake's Head and sailed south into the western mouth of the bay within three weeks. Cornered and taken completely by surprise, the Vytal fleets were surrounded and attacked from both flanks at the same time, thanks to coordination between the fleets via the straight key and what we call morse code.

This was both the largest and last naval ship battle, with the Atlesians capturing 6 ships, and sinking twenty-four others, including the infamous Vacuon 'Goliath' heavy dreadnought."

A few students perked up at the mention of the Goliath, and to hold their interest I went into the mentioned ship a little and how it performed during the battle; despite not being important to the lesson. I mentioned how it was responsible for the sinking of four of the five Atlesian ships destroyed during the battle, and how it destroyed it's second target in a single volley. It survived bombardment from ten other dreadnoughts for almost an hour before all its guns were destroyed and the crew decided to abandon ship and scuttle the vessel to prevent the Atlesian's from capturing it.

"By the end of the war through Vale, unlike the other kingdoms with more traditional war mindsets, were heavily invested in the concept of the airplane and had taken it from its primitive roots in the 'Early Period' of Great War into fully functioning war machines by the end of the 'High period' and was proving itself to be mightier than the ship. With the creation of the 'Kaiser' class war plane, the Atlesian court found their naval superiority to be meaningless. In the final days of the war the Grand Kaiser, Thunder Bird and the Thunder Lance were dispatched along with much of the Vale air force; to support the assault at 'Lookout Point' to push the Atlesians off the mainland, and to attack Viz directly taking away their major forward base.

After four hours of consistent attack, Viz was reduced to a burning ruin. Without any place to dock and resupply, Admiral William ordered a full retreat and later convinced the last king of Atlas to sign a white peace with the Vytal allies."

"Seeing the complete domination of the seas through airpower not ships. William started immediate refitting of his fleet and funneled Atlas's top scientists near unlimited resources through his command to achieve one goal: turn the Atlesian fleet into what would be called in forty years, after the signing of the white peace, the Atlesian Air Fleet."

The bell rung, causing a few kids to snap to attention, while others rushed to pack up so they could take off to wherever they were going.

"I think that's a good point to leave off at. We shall be starting Aerial logistics next week before we move on into cross navigation, till the end of the year. So I want you all to read ahead to page 725 by next week, other then that enjoy your week."

The first students started to leave the room when I called out to one of them in particular.

"Mr. Nos, could you stay behind for a few minutes? I would like to speak to you."

"I would rather not."

"Alright how about this. You will be staying behind for a few minutes so I can speak to you." Making sure he knew it wasn't a choice.

The class emptied with record speed. His team wanting to stay behind, but I told them to go ahead. After a moment they left, their leader looking back at Kanel, no doubt guessing he was going to be getting in trouble.

I was about to start scorning him about how his behavior was unacceptable. His lack of respect was also insulting to both me and the school itself. I could tolerate someone having a bad day, but only if that was once in a while. Fortunately for him my scroll beeped. I pulled out the handheld and took note of the number.

Mrs. Amber? Why is she calling?

"Hello Mr. Arc?"

"Speaking."

"I apologize for the interruption. I know you're probably in the middle of class, but I haven't been able to get ahold of your wife."

I waved Kanel off, but made sure he knew we'd finish this later.

"It's alright, I finished just before you called. What is this about?"

"I'm afraid Summer was caught hitting a fellow student. I currently have her in the office, but I would like to have a parent come talk to her too."

"Alright sure. I'll be there as soon as I can"

"Thank you, I apologize for interrupting your day."

"Again it's no problem. I'll be there in a bit."

"Thank you, I'll have her do her homework while she waits."

I ended the call wondering to myself how the situation could have spiraled to such a point. I could guess that it was Vang no doubt. Wouldn't be surprised if that bitch Ash or Shale had something to do with this.

So Summer would have asked Vang to play like I asked her to. Now unless the kid was a total ass he would have told her to go away, and I doubt he would be that kind of kid; normally bullies that pick on lots of people are more mild to their victims than a bully who focuses on a single person or group.

I paused my train of thought when I noticed a bullhead being prepped for take off. I ran over and asked what way they were going.

"South west, there is a small fishing village that needs some help with some ocean grimm." The student commented.

"I need a ride to the city, do you mind dropping me off."

"I don't see why not." The pilot commented from his seat, "But you're going to have to jump, we're already a few minutes late on take off."

I offered to help the students load up their equipment to speed up the process. Take off was fast and smooth, but that didn't change my stomach's opinion on the matter.

"Mr. Arc?"

"Can you hand me an airsickness bag?"

:::::

It's strange how I could feel sick on a plane or train, but didn't feel the slightest bit queasy when I was in a car or free falling.

I opened my hands up to stabilized my fall as I rapidly descended through the cloud line. I looked about looking for my target. The school was still a bit ahead of me, and I adjusted my descent so I would slowly make my way toward it.

Wind stung my eyes and face as I raced through the air. The descent was fast and within the minute I was nearing the ground. I curled up into a ball and rolled my body forward. Even with my eyes closed I could see my white aura glowing bright enough to pierce my eyelids. The impact was soft, but the force of being repelled by the dirt pushed my back in a way it's not normally intended to bend.

The bounce quickly repeated, but to not the same height and I finally came to a stop after a few extra bumps.

"HOLY GRIMMBANE!" Someone shouted from nearby.

I felt a couple people come over and help me off the ground. Many of them had panic in their eyes, no doubt seeing a person fall from the sky wasn't a normal sight for them.

"Don't worry I'm fine," I assured them. Save a bad crick in my back I was fine. Probably would bruise later, but for now I focused on running the last few blocks to Summer's school.

The office was the same as it was always. Nice mahogany desk, with a nice coat of polish, bookshelves filled with different colorful novels; many I believed to be about psychology. Summer was sitting on one of the two seats working on what I guessed was her homework.

"Sorry I took so long. I hitched a ride on a bullhead with some hunters going out on a mission and had to run a few blocks after I jumped." I apologized, wiping some dirt from my pants before fully entering her office.

"It's no problem Mr. Arc. Honestly you're here much sooner than I expected."

"Oh, that's good. So what happened?" I asked, curious as to what happened to end with this result.

"Sure let me call up Mrs. Ash."

Typical she'd be involved.

I looked over to Summer, but she wasn't smiling like I expected. Actually she seemed to be trying to distance herself. Clearly she understood she did something wrong, and was afraid of what would happen to her. I was glad that she had the ability to recognize that fact.

The handle turned behind me and Mrs. Ash entered the office, taking a place standing beside Mrs. Amber's desk.

"Thank you Mrs. Ash, could you explain to Mr. Arc what happened?"

"I saw you daughter hitting another student. Not just that, but I saw her do it with aura. Vang, the boy she punched is fine, just a minor concussion."

"Why did you punch him?" I asked, turning to Summer so she could tell me with her own words.

"She-" I cut her off before she started; I didn't care for her view, I wanted Summer's.

I leaned in close to look her in the eye. Not that I would have thought she would lie, but she knew how much it hurt to tell the truth at times and to me that would be punishment enough if she had a good enough reason to do it.

"He was bullying another kid. I told him to stop then he pushed me. I pushed him back, knocking him on the ground. He then threw some dirt at my face and slapped me. Then I punched him."

Wow, now I feel inadequate. Only a third of my age and she already has more guts than I had against Cardin.

I knew the answer, but I felt I needed to ask anyways, "Did you do what I asked you in the car?"

She nodded yes and also explained that apparently he was still being mean to her even after trying to be nice. I put my hand on her head and ruffled up her hair just a little, but she didn't seem to notice. I let her know I wasn't mad with a smile.

"Good job, sticking up for someone who couldn't protect themselves."

"Mr. Arc! You should not be encouraging this behavior." Mrs. Ash near yelled from behind me.

"Why not? In four years she'll be in Signal so she'll have to hit people during sparring."

"You think she'll be at Signal. How do you know she want's to be a huntress when she grows up?"

I turned to Summer, and let her answer the question for me. I felt a swell of pride build up in me as she explained why she wanted to be a huntress. I knew Ruby would be overly excited about the answer too.

"There you have it." I pridefully stated.

"You and Mrs. Arc are a terrible influence on her. You are driving her to become a violent, self centered and-"

"Mrs. Ash! That is highly inappropriate and unprofessional." Mrs. Amber interrupted.

"Don't worry, we'll be leaving." I waved it off, and took Summer's hand.

"You can't just let her go unpunished-"

"Mrs. Ash!" Mrs. Amber said, cutting her off for the second time, "But she is right. It's fine if she wants to be a huntress Mr. Arc, but might I remind you hitting isn't tolerated in this school."

"Alright. Summer, do you promise not to hit anyone."

"Yes."

"Alright, there you go. Next time she hits someone you can just say she broke her promise."

Mrs. Amber gave me a nod, before motioning her hand in approval for us to leave. During the moment Summer was looking away I swiftly gave Mrs. Ash the finger before closing the door.

"So now what?" Summer asked, tightening her grip slightly in my hand.

"I still owe you some ice cream don't I?" I gave her a smile she mirrored, "Race you there!"

"No running in the halls!" I heard one of the teachers yell.

The ice cream shop was just across the street from the school. I told Summer she could get anything she wanted.

"Extra large cookie dough flurry please."

I chuckled and told them to get a large instead.

"You said you would let me get any size!" She complained.

"If you can eat a whole large, I'll get you an extra large." I promised.

I ordered a mint for myself while they prepared Summer's dessert. A minute later they handed it to me, and I passed it down to her.

"Go wait by the bench over there ok?"

She nodded and took her treat as she skipped along the asphalt. When I was given my own cup, I thanked the lady and walked over to where Summer was happily eating her food. I watched her quickly shoveled the ice cream in her mouth, barely taking the time to enjoy the flavor. I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.

"What?"

"Nothing, go ahead and keep eating." I assured her, hoping I hadn't ruined my fun.

Sure enough she kept shoveling it down and I saw her eyes go wide. I laughed harder as she realized what was happening too.

"Ow, brainfreeze."

I had to put down my own cup to keep it from spilling as I laughed.

"It's not funny, ow."

"Put your thumb on the roof of your mouth, it'll help a little." I managed to squeeze between my chuckling. I gave her a moment to settle the pain while I checked the time. It was only two thirty, so we should probably start heading home.

"Come on Summer, let's go."

"But I'm not done yet." she complained

"Don't worry, I'll get you a second one, but we should head home now since we need to walk."

"Why?"

"Dad took a bullhead, so the car is still at Beacon; but that does mean you get to see Uncle Ren today."

She cheered with joy before following on my heels back to the stand. I ordered up a medium while she finished off what was left of her current cup. I gave her, her second serving then walked her away down the street. I gave my back a small stretch; the crick was coming back and had a very irritating pain just out of reach.

I watched Summer run ahead, I was about to call her back because she missed the turn. I stopped when I realized what she was doing and let her drop her stuff in a garbage can, and I called her over so we could take a shorter route.

The alley was empty. Actually looked like someone had gone through and cleaned it earlier that day. Summer walked closer to me as we made our way down. I felt like I was being watched. My gaze darted around looking for the source. My back started to burn, and it took me a moment to realize, it wasn't from my fall earlier. It was because I was under attack!

"Look out!" I shouted, panicked shoving Summer to the side before I felt something impact with my head.

I felt myself fall to the ground, but there was a pain in my head and a ringing in my ears that disoriented me to what was happening. I thought I heard a voice, but the ringing in my ears diluted the sound. A second hit smashed right into my face, my aura was no doubt protecting me from anything too permanent, but the blow still sent me back to the ground.

I let out a soft groan of pain, as I once more tried to stand. The ringing faded and the glow of my aura dimmed for a moment so I could actually see what was happening. All I saw was a ball of flame racing toward me. I was prepared this time so the blow didn't hit as hard as the other two, but three direct blows to the head was certainly putting a massive strain on my aura.

I jumped to my feet just in time to see the fourth attack coming. I braced for it, but before It could start its flight I heard Summer shout "NO!" before running between me and the attacker. Her body glowed a soft red as she threw her arms up to stop the attack.

Before I could move to help, she let out a loud scream in pain as the attack smashed into her face sending her to the ground.

"SUMMER!" I shouted as I dove toward her, keeping her from falling onto the hard pavement.

"Summer are you ok?" I didn't need to ask, it was just reflex.

I examined her face. the whole left side was severely burned, from her forehead along her nose and just short of her mouth. She needed to get to a hospital ASAP, but I doubt I could make that happen. I looked up at my attacker, a rage I hadn't felt in years building in me.

"Oops, sorry about that. I was hoping to do that later, but I guess it can't be helped." The raven haired women taunted as she strutted forward.

"Cinder. You should be glad it's only me, Ruby would cut you apart piece by piece till you were begging her to kill you." I growled, drawing Crocea Mors from it's scabbard; my shield folded out with a soft snapping sound and I was ready to fight.

"Oh, scary." she taunted, another pair of fiery spheres coming to life in her palms.

I charged forward, shield held in front to ward off any incoming attacks. Her eyes widened slightly, probably by the speed of my assault as I closed in. I made a quick lunge, keeping my shield close to my chest as I let my momentum carry me an extra few inches.

Cinder took a half step to the side, slapping away my blade. A small burst of fire erupted from her hand when she made contact with the steel. The force threw my hand forward, and to keep balance I had to show my back to her for a moment. I summoned my aura at full force, hoping to blind her before she could strike. I managed to turn around without harm, and the tactic seemed to work as, her hand was covering her eyes slightly, while the other hung over head like she was about to go for the attack.

"Smart of you to step aside, otherwise you'd currently be pulling yourself out of that wall over there," I commented, trying to deter her from trying something like that again.

"Foolish boy, I've been fighting insects like you since before you were born. I think your wife is a good example of my abilities," Cinder taunted.

I shouldn't have let it get to me, but it did. I charged her again, this time I kept my blade back as I closed in. She remained in a balanced stance as I approached. With lightning speed I pulled Speculo Mortem from it's scabbard on my opposite waist and lashed out with it. The shield slowed my swing down, and she managed to jump back to avoid the shorter blade. Crocea Mors followed up with an uppercut slash, and I managed to catch her before she could land on her feet.

I could feel the damage the blow did to her. On top of the fact she was sent a good fifteen feet down the alley way. I held back, not wanting to get cocky and rush into a potential feint. She lashed out at the air defensively, proving myself right as she got up.

"Alright I'll admit that was a good move. Perhaps you're not as hopeless as last time. But unfortunately, that little trick won't work a second time."

I humphed in reply and returned my short sword to its scabbard before switching out to Lamina Tonitrui. The blade was an inch longer than Mors, but the new trick was that it was also a gun.

Cinder threw a newly created fireball at my head. It harmlessly splashed along my shield and I humphed again, hoping to provoke her. Another attack aimed low was easily dodged, and my blade cut cleanly through a third, letting the embers harmlessly disperse around me. I let my shield snap closed as I moved in, wanting to make sure each attack was quick and precise.

She threw another attack, once more I easily slashed my blade neutralizing the threat. I came in with an overhead swing. Cinder smirked as I came in. Instantly a glass blade formed in her hands just in time to stop my sword at the start of it's swing. She twisted in, so her back was to my chest so I couldn't get a good swing at her with my other sword. Another blade, a wicked looking dagger, formed in her free hand and she brought it around backhand style right into my shoulder as I tried to move away. I felt my aura take another massive hit as the glass tip shattered on my skin, between my armor and pauldrons.

I stumbled back a step, while she safely moved away, knowing the force she delivered would keep me from swinging my arm in any way that could threaten her for that moment. Lamina Tonitrui collapsed on itself. the blade folded up and tucked underneath while the muzzle sprouted from the center. All in on motion the blade shifted its form and was pointing dead on at Cinder.

I fired a few rounds, the raven haired women easily blocking each shot with ease. She ducked underneath the last one, and spun around dramatically into a crouch. A bow with three arrows pulled back took aim at me. I snapped my shield open just in time to intercept the shot going right for my head. The second one hit me in my elbow, causing my shield to go wide, away from my front. while the third hit me in the ankle. My aura held strong, but I could sense it was getting low, and the force knocked my foot back causing me to fall to a knee.

I threw my hands forward to keep myself from falling on my face. I looked up to see her waving her arms about randomly. The moment I recognized what she was doing she pulled them close to her center and clutched them into fist. My aura burned on both sides, and I couldn't help but look to my left to see a black and orange whirlpool on the brick wall on the side of the street. Before I could react a torrent of flame erupted from it, slamming into me with a lethal amount of force. I met the same force behind me as the blast of fire crushed me between the two.

I yelled in pain as the flames burned at my aura. The intense heat causing my sense to go into an overload of pain. When it stopped the air itself felt like iced water on my skin. All my energy was siphoned to keep my aura up. I fell to my hands, almost unable to keep myself up. I felt something strike the side of my head causing me to fall over. I looked up to see Cinder looking down, a ball of flame in her hand as she smirked down at me.

"Don't die just yet. I still need you for a little bit longer."

The ball of flame consumed my vision as its blinding white light smashed into my face. After that it was just dark.

Sorry for the delay. Real life and shit. Thanks for reading though, next time we're going to learn some things. Till then you'll just have to wait and see, Thanks to /u/Spartacus400 for editing. Also no spoilers buddy.

Also if you like the AU so far "The Heart of a Huntress is What's Inside Me" is Weiss's story in it, takes place years before Last Spark so you don't need to worry about spoilers or anything.

Review+ Follow; till next time cheers.