Author's Note: Sorry it took long. I was busy working on my other story while still building up the background for this. It was a work in progress plot; Had the skeleton of the story in mind, but now I'm adding the meat of the story. Though I still don't have much of a schedule for this so bare with me.



Also I didn't mean this chapter to be long (about 8,000 words) so I hope you could enjoy it.

Also I fixed up the prologue a little bit, so read it if you hadn't yet.

The Fairy Queen and The Pauper

We will meet again.

Chapter One: The Fairy in The Woods

'Mother...'

It was time to wake up again. The same amber eyes that had to exert themselves awake daily, the same eyes who have seen it all. But after only a second of consciousness the spark of realization hit her: Today will be different.

Cinder got up and looked. Perched on top of the frail wooden table-the only furniture in the room-was the glass slippers.

It was there in the middle, presented like it was revered by the girl. After all, past its unearthly luster it was the only real possession she had. The claim of it was hers.

She rushed towards it.

The table shook violently as the young girl held the corners tight; still never tiring with each examination. Time after time it held her captive. The round, sparsely smudged face reflected off its shiny surface; she really couldn't believe she had it.

The mature developing side of her brain would try to rationalize it and its origins.

Magic?...Don't be stupid, she mentally scolded herself. Meanwhile on the still existing traces of her child innocuous that laid hidden on the fringes of her mind, a riot would drum up.

It came from a fairy: of course it's magic! she praised proudly.

"But could that really be?" Cinder told herself out loud.

With the acoustics of the bare basement the question played over clear and provoking.

Fake, just fake. Plastics wings, and the vial of 'magic'? The rational side was slightly stumped.

Remembering something she quickly went back to her makeshift bed and dug under the pillow.

Grasping on the hidden object she pulled it out: it was book. Old, and the spine slightly bend, but it was in one piece and legible still. Lugging it over to the table like it was on fire she let it drop with a whimpering slam.

Cinder glimpse at the title-Dust: The origins of man and The future of ours. Turning the pages which was dark yellow with age she quickly track down the page that she bookmarked a while ago. Something that had fascinated the young girl when she read it.

She knew that this substance called 'Dust' is a naturally occurring energy propellent. Cinder had heard her mother talking about it once during her discussion of her huntress life. It seemed like something that would power a lot of stuff, but seeing as the town was not use to seeing mechanisms higher than motor vehicles she didn't exactly get much insight on it.

There were days when she couldn't make it over to her favorite spot and had to stay 'home'.

One dull day while reading she found something that intrigued her. There were many novel ways it could be use too. Experimenters would often concoct different elemental results with Dust, others such outcomes were done completely by accident. In any case, from what she has read, the allure of Dust was still in the unknown phase; even with eons of tinkering with it the natural element was mysterious still.

Unfathomable and undefined; much like magic. Cinder tried to wrap her mind around this. 'The fairy-I mean that girl must have been using this Dust.'

Yet another debate raged on; how would she feel about this?

At first she was sadden that magic did not exist, but she saw the lighter side: Something akin to it did in fact exist. A smile crept as she ran her finger on the smooth upper surface of the slipper. The makings still held her fascination, who knows what else Dust could accomplish.

Certainly if those publishers were still baffled by it-probably the smartest people in the world right?-then maybe there were many other things Dust could do.

The smile brighten as the imagination stretched, and the horizon of the future widen. Maybe she could do some research of her own, she would only have to start small for now; learning the basics of course. 'It could be done, once I saved enough to move out of this awful house then I'll go to a big school and learn more about it and then do some big things that nobody has thought about.'

The ever increasing raring thoughts kept going. 'I could become so famous, teach people new things, do wonders for the world and bring back-' Her eyes widen as she raced to a desire that stopped her.

Cinder was done. The little girl hastily put the book back under her pillow with almost no care for the literature that use to belong to her father.

All the time that she had before her usual day was done anyway, and she needed to get ready. The girl changed from her red flannel pajamas into a khaki colored Capri pants and faded pink tunic. Grabbing the torn and loose coat that laid on her bed-which served a dual purpose of an extra blanket-she stormed off upstairs.

This morning she could make all the racket she like: Anastasia was gone for the whole day. Cinder was glad she wouldn't be seeing the likes of her until later at night. Although her stepmother was cold and a control freak she did provide essentials. Cinder sighed, she would have to make her own food today.

Starting with the raw ingredients-she sighed again-this will take some time.

There was a busy activity in the air that Cinder felt when entering the town border-looking at the snoring, lethargic constable lolled on the guard post made her remark that it sure wasn't coming from him.

It was certainly different today. On the main road which would be usually ruled by horses and motorcycles was now filled with people crossing all over it. Looking at the bright cones and traffic barricades barring everything, but the walking populace should have been the first sign.

As she went in further into town the commotion started to build up. It is as if the little town suddenly blew up with hoopla overnight. What does she know, for Cinder this place wasn't much to her. It was just a central hub that she just needed to cross, and occasionally be sent to buy supplies.

The town's views on Cinder was mutual too. Thanks to her youth and short stature people were almost running into her in the dense migration. Dodging irascible shoves, and sometimes hostile gestures at the poor girl.

Cinder didn't care as long as they didn't touch her shoes. Looking down to inspect damage or impressions on the seamed leather hide that covered the true jewel hidden underneath. She smile; finding none.

Even though in her mind (and sometimes actually) people would be quick to ignore her or shun her in their preoccupied lives. It is a fact that she has come to accept. But even then she wanted to be left alone for other reasons.

She didn't want to ask questions on why a girl of her meek look and frugal status would have such wonderful footwear. Cinder didn't want to be accused of stealing or worse yet, they might take it from her.

Keeping on with the natural furtiveness she saw that the traffic was almost exclusively held towards Via's central gardens a couple blocks away. There, the Mayor's residence would stand in front of it, tucked away from the general public.

Her eyes narrowed at another strange sight: Atlas soldiers. The small of group of them were patrolling the mercantile district along with a few Via constables.

A strong contrast from small town arms to high-tech military might: the constables wore their meager, heavy dark-brown jackets and corresponding pants while the soldiers were decorated with light-armor on their black bodysuits and helmets that covered all but their mouth.

For sure she could say that they were heading to the mayor's direction. But for what reason? For seven years there hasn't been a sitting mayor. Cinder's eyes dim; for that long the last mayor been dead.

The bell tower adjacent from the mayor's house rung loudly. Her eyes widen and their pupils shrunk; she was late to Becloud's farm.

"Reduce pay." She grudgingly reminded herself.

Her anger clouded her as she nearly split the cabbage apart. Letting the knife rest on the soil she took a strong hold of the vegetable head, and pulled with gentle force. The worn and red wheelbarrow rocked as Cinder dropped the cabbage among the others. Picking up the knife she went over to grab the handles.

Glancing on the fields beyond the girl wasn't alone.

Two other hands were making their rounds picking up the harvest. There was a sort of self-satisfied prided planted on her face as they were both barely keeping up with her. Both late 20's men in typical rancher attire; blue and red flannel-shirts.

Must be where all that reduce pay went, She smiled. You get what you pay for from the inexperience types looking for quick cash on a small town that has not a lot options for some.

The smile stayed on as she pushed the wheelbarrow down the row to harvest the next head. Making her stop she wiped the sweat off her forehead, lowering herself with blade in hand she proceeded to make use of the new found good-vibe, and hum a simple tune. Pleasant feeling and her mother's easygoing song made the day considerably better. Funny how things work out.

It was now two hours later.

The small girl tried her best to make the time go fast. Running back and forth to the drop off station-which was really a wide, metal half-cylinder container outside the farmhouse-making it difficult to do so. Each drop off demanded only a few cabbage heads at a time. No matter how light and fast the glass slippers made her, it didn't make her strong. Mag-"er"-Dust had its limits still.

Magic or not, nothing could bring the smug joy of out beating two grown-men at harvesting under the stinging noon sun.

And yet.

"Stupid girl," The crusty, old farmer told her to her face. "Next time don't be late." He slammed the door after handing the Lien to her.

Whether or not of out pure malice or just not being able to control his body at his old age Cinder wiped away the spittle covering her face. She was disgusted and tried. Turning around, and looking down at the card currency cupped in hand it almost didn't felt worth it.

Hurriedly stepping down the small steps, and into the dirt road off the farmhouse, the thoughts of self-worth plagued her.

Here she was at the tender age of ten and already lived a harsher life than most. Life is short: maybe skipping a day...not eating for the day, and then she could stay at the meadow without care. Cinder frowned, Just one day where she does not have to worry.

The little girl's lips quivered. Just one day, she told herself.

Pop! Crackle! Pop!

The sudden and loud noise spooked her.

Lien rain down on the ground, frantically she picked them up again, and cupped tightly around her hand. She hunched over and looked around warily. 'What was that?' She asked just in time to get an answer.

Pop! Crackle! Pop!

Her eyes widen with a small gasp. In a succession of two greens and reds, fireworks pop over the town. A rare sight to behold. Actually, it was the first time seeing them. Cinder had heard of them, but never actually seen one in person.

Awe at the sight, the little girl found herself slowly drawn to it, cutting the fields towards it. Walking still with the silly grin on her face she was stopped by a tough decision. Would she go to investigate it or go to the her favorite spot?

Curiosity was demanding that she go to town and see what was up. But she also wanted to catch up to the woods and see if the fairy girl was there.

Pop! Crackle! Pop!

This time the sky dazed with purple and yellow clouds.

Her toes wiggled, and her light slippers lifted her as she made her choice: she could do both.

Traffic coming out of Via was sparse while on the other side the streets were stagnated with traveling onlookers who were just as curious as her.

While the little girl did find the whole thing strange, walking back into town this way was the most bizarre to her, having never done so before. Why would she? The woods was all she needed, and the town had nothing for her anymore. It might as well been a road that Cinder needed to travel through.

Among the whispers and the gossip of the people waddling by, music was heard in the distance. A coordinated set of drums and brass instruments. It got louder as she got closer to the garden which was the source of the grand spectacle.

The blend of loud people and loud music pecked at her ears. It annoyed her, and at the same time the speeding tempo motion her into ignoring the pestering and squabbling masses as she scuttled by. Cinder maneuvered each incline and impression on a road that she used to frequently travel on long ago; it gave her advantage on people who were seldom used to this part of town.

Mildly-interested onlookers were scattered around the small park. Constables finally showing some consideration as they instructed gawking losers from climbing up the fence surrounding the only tree featured in the area. She smiled; it's been a while since seeing that young tree now older.

Cinder's mood then shifted and now looked crestfallen. She was met with a wall of people just before the event unfolding. The grand and marvelous residential house was just peaking across the heads of the crowds. More fireworks fired off on the sides, and the band kept drumming up the interest.

The little girl was determined to see what was up. She already has declined her normal routine, and she wasn't going to let her curiosity go unsatisfied. Seeing an opening in the walls of the crowd she judge how quick she would need to be in order to go through them. Rolling her heel she dashed after finding the interval.

Easily squeezing through the row of gawkers she join them watching the 'humble' show.

Really, it wouldn't be nothing special if it was taking place somewhere else. But even for this people who lived on the outskirts of the Kingdom where they dwelled on the shadow of any major event, which made them dead set on following their own routine found this small and unusual event captivating.

It reminded Cinder of the old times. When the town use to be a lot closer and neighborly, when the old mayor use to be influential to the people and to the sturdy structure of the town. As soon as he died the folks became colder and everything warm came to disrepair.

She looked up, and knew now why she felt a sort of nostalgia. A wide banner waving in front of the building's facade. "Welcome New Mayor!" It read simple enough in bold blue on a white background.

Looking at the townspeople they showed a myriad of expressions and moods. Mostly hopeful and others indifferent. An old man was singled out by her as he was shooting daggers at the military presence. Cinder however was still among the confused cluster.

Reading the banner again, and seeing excitement for a mayor brought to mind some kind of emotion that she didn't think would arise. Resentment?

The perplexed girl wasn't the only one with a chip on their shoulder, at be it, a more outwardly disdainful one. Sheriff Basalt was huffing mad and didn't care much if people saw it. His head shaved and sweating red after his cushy job as de-facto leader of the town was taken away from him.

'Stars forbid if he had to do something around here now.' Cinder's nose scrunched. Even when drunk, Becloud in his heyday could run circles on him, but that's not saying much.

The symphony of brass came to a climax and the drums did a steady and quick beat as if summoning something.

Up on the fifteen stairs leading up to the entrance of the white marble looking, big mansion-like building. The Atlas soldiers stood on the left, poise and disciplined while the Via constables on the right looked sluggish and bored.

Whoever this new mayor is, better straighten this force up, Cinder thought. There was a wonder on how this small town wasn't ransack by who knows what during the seven years without a mayor holding office.

Cinder's eyes drew to a man different from the Atlas soldiers standing serious and firm. He had a long dark-brown overcoat over a grey vest and white undershirt, the touches of a red-tie gave him a professional look. His blue-eyes looked cold as steel, like hes been there and seen that, like a general or something. Maybe he could teach the local police on how to be a proper power.

The drums stop and all was silent.

All eyes including her own turn to a bespectacled lanky man with an embarrassed smile approaching the simple podium place in front. He put down a suitcase that he carried, and cautiously tap the mic which gave off a low thumping feedback.

"O-oh!" he said at the reaction.

The crowds started murmuring at his display. Mostly positive and other sympathetic, even the stoney faces among them began to crack a smile. Cinder in her part raise an eyebrow; still not sure how to treat this.

Mousy for a man his age; probably in his middle age. He had a friendly appeal with his teal sweater-vest and Yellow dress-shirt, had brown slacks and loafers that made it seem like he worked for the indoors.

"Hehehe, Sorry for the noisy and rather flamboyant entrance." his green eyes scan the people he had to serve. He took in their jeers and smiles with a good nature stride.

"The Colonel here, James Ironwood, is a good friend of mine, and he always likes to dress up good impressions, especially when I'm involved." he introduced the stern man, practically presenting Ironwood to them.

The man did have an impish sided to him, trying to throw the colonel friend under the bus and pin the blame on him. Not that Ironwood hadn't done the same to him before.

The Colonel smiled as he responded. "I just like to help out whenever I can Dr. Victor." he said with a cheerful tone while he stared everyone else down.

Truth be told he was worried about contumacy among a small town that was virtually untouched by the growing kingdom. His friend was no pushover, but he was a good person that care too much and it sometimes lead to undesired results.

"Please James, drop the formalities," he ended the light banter as he turn to the people. "Anyway, oh! my apologies, I forgot my manners, and haven't properly introduced myself yet."

He coughed to clear his throat as the Sheriff rolled his eyes, and did a "Yak-yak" expression with a hand; it was quickly silence by Ironwood's gaze.

"Salutations! My name is Dr. Sheldon Victor; both of the health-kind and the engineering."

He gave a small nod before propping his chin up with his finger, and absentmindedly started staring up. "Although you could call me Sheldon, or doctor? perhaps mayor Victor?" he rattle off before a harsh and loud cough from the Colonel brought him back.

The man sheepishly smiled. He certainly was a whimsical character, Cinder thought. Looking around on her right and left she could see a couple of children giggling as well as their mothers.

"Anyway, regardless of what you want to call me I hope you come to call me friend." he said sincerely. "Now, okay, some of you who have not yet heard from the town council might be wondering why I'm here-"

"Certainly not with good intentions!" the shout cut him off, making him stumble a bit.

Suddenly everyone turn to an older man on the unkempt side; wearing dark-brown pants, a dishevel blue vest and light-blue shirt, sleeves rolled up to mean a milky-white eye, he scowled, pointing a finger at the soldiers.

"Nothing good comes from that army, I should know, I fought as a youth on the skirmishing battles of the great war when this town was a keystone battle-ground."

Dr. Victor while still in shock gave him a sympathetic look. The frown was rudely shrugged off by the old man as tugged at his plaid green scarf. He ambled forward, eying the Colonel as he step in front of stairs.

"When we fought those fascists more than a half a century ago we were promised succor by your governing heads. Me and my kin held this ground from them all night and day on Fort Blanco waiting for reinforcements." he gave a them a stink eye.

"But they never came. Sure, we gave them hell, but I lost my kin while you'll grown rich and powerful, you Atlas are nothing but selfish forsakers that left us to die for your pit-" he hunched over, and a series of harsh wheezing started.

"Sir," Dr. Victor wanted to help. It was not for the words that he said, it was not just for the Hippocratic oath that he took, but he has always felt the need to aid others. He only made it a literal foot behind the podium before he was held back by Ironwood who look anything but helpful.

The bout of wheezing finished. "There, I said my piece, I'm already halfway a ghost so I can't fathom on the long run on what you might have in mind for this town, but when you bring in that military in tow I just can't see good things coming."

After he seemingly said what he wanted to say he started to leave only to be called back with a plea from Dr. Victor; ignoring Ironwood's attempt at deterring him.

"Sir, do you happen to know about a man named Drew Victor?"

The old man seemingly intrigued turned back. "Yeah," he said to him. "He was one of the few soldiers who stuck by after the war. Me, he and a few build the foundation for this town." taking a deep breath he silently stared at him before he continued. "I suppose he's your grandfather."

He confirmed it. "Yes, and I know not only did he care for this town he also worked hard to give my father a good life. My grandfather didn't protest when my father left Via or when he eventually settled in the kingdom."

He then turn to the crowd. "My grandfather did what he felt was best. He made sure to see that if he saw his family's happiness as investments that they in turn would make good, proper investments themselves." the doctor continued. "My father did good for the kingdom, and I for my part want to do good for everyone. I want to serve and do good for the town that my grandfather told me stories about, that is why I brought these men from Atlas to help me realize that dream."

He turned his attention to the old man once again. "I wouldn't be here if your council didn't see the potential in my help."

The old man said nothing as the rest of the townspeople were held by the new mayor's inspiring words. Others, including Cinder awaited the man to reply only to see him turning away.

"Sir!"

"You do what you want. Time will tell if you're adamant on this town as I once was. Because these old bones can't do much anymore except tell you what's on my mind."

The old man disappeared into the crowds leaving the rest of people murmuring among themselves.

"Folks, I-I m-mean it," the new mayor paused, vacantly staring at the podium. Lost for words as the crowds continued their murmur he glanced at Ironwood who had a concern look, pensively waiting before he tried to intervene. However, Dr. Victor stopped him, grabbing the mic with a new-found firm attitude he spoke.

"I mean it when I say I want to do good for you all." He had a determined look in his eyes and a fire in his belly.

What the man said did not waiver his resolve, but did the opposite. Though harsh and unpleasant he wanted to thank the man for telling him this endeavor wasn't going to be easy.

"With the threats of bandits and Grimm going about outside the walls I think we all deserve the right to not only to be safe, but to prosper beyond. The kingdoms are not the only ones that should be safe havens. I know the town of Via has shown the tenacity to survive, but from what my grandfather has told me that sometimes means struggling."

He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a small, thick disc. A holo-projection platform, often used in general schools and hunter academies he saw it fit to treat everything new as a teaching process. A trait drilled in by his father; not that he minded.

A press of a button made a whirling noise, and the platform produced an image of a four crystal-like entities of array of basic colors hovered three dimensionally over it.

Cinder's head tilted forward trying to get a closer look, but there was no doubt; she seen those exact things before in her book. If by coincidence or something more he began speaking about Dust, moving her lips along with his brief explanation she was able to perfectly mime each words uttered, they were the same ones one use in the introduction of the book she had.

'He's one of the authors.'

"For eons since its discovery Dust has been use to complement and add to our defenses and as well as more archaic in my opinion used to set upon destruction on our own kind. As your neighbor has reminded us a moment ago."

Reaching down, opening the suitcase that he brought pulled out vial containing a magenta colored powdery substance that seem to shift and shake on its own.

"In the past twenty years Dust has been use as an alternative fuel source, it greatly expanded our horizons and past its offensive properties. And I'm looking to expand on that, expanding on how Dust can help the people of Remnant." He presented the vial to the people proudly. "I've been working diligently on creating a new type of Dust that just keeps on giving and I believe I have found it."

Almost every soul in town peered their eyes at the vial he held in his fingers, except the sheriff and a few like-minded lackeys bored out of their skulls.

In the other side of spectrum however, an intense fascination raged on a little girl's mind. Cinder wanted to ask so many questions. True to her child being, her mouth jump the gun before her mind could catch up.

"Excuse me! Mister?!" The little girl jumped up and down, waving her hand anxiously in a big display. "Can I ask you something about Dust?"

The new mayor was briefly baffled. He eagerly expected curious minds and some deliberation, but what he hadn't anticipated was a small girl to be the first one. Then again, she wouldn't be the first little girl to take in an interest in his field of work.

He smiled warmly before replying. "Why yes, you little girl, what would you like to ask about Dust?"

She gasp, gulped, and nodded in a single sequence. "Is there any limitation on what Dust can do?"

It was a broad, and at the same time heavy question. Seeing the girl's bright smile he didn't want to dampen her hopes or in truth, himself either.

He snapped his fingers. "I'm very glad you ask." Turning around briefly he beckon someone with a wave. "Even after centuries of using Dust we have barely touch their full potential. The possibilities of the applications could be endless. Although highly unprofessional for some of my field to say I wholeheartedly consider Dust akin to the fable magic."

Cinder's eyes widen. 'I knew it!'

Dr. Victor shot her an encouraging wink. "Who knows? Maybe you'll be the one who will unlock the secrets of Dust."

"Now then," continued where he left off.

Until now Cinder never notice that there was someone waiting outside the front glass panel doors of the residence. Now it was her turn to be baffled, as she saw the little girl around her age carrying a small, semi-transparent box-like object with a cheerful smile.

'It's the fairy!'

The astonished girl watched the other one knowing she was the same one in the flesh. Brunette with a bright pink bow, the same green eyes and singular cowlick as the mayor, though, except for light-brown hair that he had. Still wearing the silly fake blue butterfly wings tied on her back even at a event like this.

"Ah! here comes my adorable little assistant to help me demonstrate some of the present applications Dust can do for us."

The fairy girl settled the box object on to the podium. She smiled, and waved as Dr. Victor patted her head. "This extremely helpful assistant of mine is my granddaughter, Penelope Polendina!"

He clapped as she did a courtesy bow, tugging at her dark-blue skirt.

'She's the new mayor's granddaughter? Penelope Polendina?'

The others in the crowds started to join in a chorus of hand clapping, even the stoney face individuals were not immune. With Penelope waving and smiling back at them it there was no reason not to do the same. Right off the bat the girl naturally emanated a sense of infectious jovialness.

Dr. Victor continued to smile. "Thank you Penelope." glad that they all taken a shining to his granddaughter he was ready to demonstrate with her help.

"Now, water, water is the most basic and essential necessity to all living things on the planet. Unfortunately, it's also the hardest to come by. Even when you find a manageable source you never know if its truly clean."

He turn to his granddaughter. "Penelope?"

"Yes grandpa?" she replied sweetly.

"Would you drink water from any old pond you find?"

She shook her head. "Of course not, would you ask a fish to drink out of our toilet? or perhaps our bathtub?" she counter pointed in matter-of-factly way.

"You make a very compelling point!" he agreed enthusiastically.

"Why, of course I do silly!" she did twirled around, flexing her arms making the light-blue plastic butterfly wings flap. "I am a fairy! we're good at winning arguments." facing the crowd she did a mischievous wink.

Playfully seeing that there was no use in continuing the banter he gave in. "Oh my, how foolish of me!" he woefully place his hand on his forehead in shame. "I should have guessed!"

The duo turn to face each other and bowed. Their light-hearted show was more than enough sway the hearts of the present townspeople.

'They're,' Cinder looked around. The People, the ones who just stayed in their own course, who barely acknowledged each other were now laughing and smiling together. It was surreal and phenomenal. It was just like the faintest memory she had when she was a toddler.

"As my 'ahem' little fairy friend has said. Nobody would drink unhealthy and mucky water." He tapped the object that Penelope has brought over.

The mechanism opened a injection port with a press of the finger. "Now, reverse osmosis machines are nothing new, but sometimes they could leave some undesirable traces."

"And their lousy inefficient when it comes to powering them." Penelope interjected. Pulling out a star wand she waved it. "Too bad those things can't run on magic!"

"Very true, and I can't ask you to spare some either, else how are you going keep the beauty of the world going?"

She gasp and smiled. "Why that's another silly notion Grandpa!"

"What is?" this time he was genuinely puzzled.

"People! Magic is magic, but it's people who keep the beauty of the world going." the girl made a fist and hammered her open palm. "and that's why we need water, without it magic is just moot."

"Y-your." Dr. Victor was at a lost for words. He sometimes forgets her maturity for her age. "You're right again!" he lightly bopped his adoring granddaughter's nose which she reacted with a giggle.

The Doctor reintroduced the magenta vial in view. "We can spare magic but we can't spare people. Like I said before, I toiled years into finding a long lasting energy source and I believe I have found it." He injected the vial into the port which released its contents.

"As you could see…" Cinder had trouble understanding all of it. His words trailed off, but the the adults seem to understand; even passing down their knowledge to their young. The little girl had no such luxury.

The excitement in her started winding down. By now she would be relaxing at the meadow after a long day. Her dead tired state return, and her attention began wandering elsewhere.

Meanwhile on the other side. The other little girl was focusing on the crowd. Despite being young and past her quirky outlook she was just as enthusiastic as her doting grandfather to help others. Penelope was the encouraging pillar in which cemented his resolve into helping the town.

Although liked overall by people she couldn't seem to hang on to a friend her age. They liked her initially, but in the end: Too weird or too out there was always the end result. Penelope would feel it pointless to have the capacity for any negative feelings, but there were many of time that she would feel sad that all her attempts to connect with people were insipid at best.

But one day something changed.

Her grandfather would tell her stories of a town of his father and his grandfather. Penelope didn't know how or why back then, but she felt an intense, 'Sensational' feeling as soon as she heard of the name Via. That she would find a friend that would understand her there.

Tired amber eyes met jubilant green and that same feeling rose as before.

Both girls were by chance looking around before their gaze met. Penelope made an 'o' expression with her mouth; while Cinder just stared at her like she was the weirdest being in the universe.

After a blink and a small gasp the fairy girl attempted to communicate with the poor girl. Waving low and grinning just made Cinder respond quizzically by raising one of her eyebrows. Regardless she ignored her to focus on the mayor answering questions on the drinkable amount versus water-waste.

But there was one thing Cinder couldn't prepare for: Penelope was stubborn. Not one for giving up on the first try she made a move again with a more chipper wave, and a brighter smile directed at Cinder. She in turn felt a little embarrassed and anxiously looked away somewhere else.

Grinning at her response Penelope went for another, but was prematurely called by her grandfather much to Cinder's relief.

"Now, I will demonstrate how clean and fast the water would produce with the machine being powered with this form of Dust." Dr. Victor turn to his young assistant, catching her off guard. "Penelope, if you will?"

She gave him a dear in the headlights stare. "Huh?"

Smiling sympathetically Dr. Victor pointed at the brown suitcase. Getting the hint she smiled and nodded.

Opening the contents, she looked through the vials of extra Dust and even another wand that he pack in there for his granddaughter just in case. Finally she held the sealed jar out of the soft, inner casing. The fluid was dark green, sloshing heavily as she quickly handed it over to him.

A few clicks and the jar open. It was a nauseating display, most people in the crowd grimace or said 'eww' a lot. Even the-so-called (self-called) tough as nails Sheriff looked away in order to gag; earning a smug smile from Colonel Ironwood.

The mayor reacted just the same as he tried not retch as well. "Yuck! And to think I got this from a riverhead on my way here."

He turn to his granddaughter. "Can you confirm that it smells my fairy friend?"

"Sure does!" Penelope said nasally as she held her nose.

Unloading the contents he turn to the people. "Folks, I'm really not kidding on my confidence that this source will not only become drinkable, but become the bee's knees of water."

"That's a pretty bold claim grandpa!" the girl acclaimed.

The water purifying machine was just about done. "Well, that is why we are here. To make our claims a reality; so how about we show the people of Via we mean it." he pour three glasses of the now relatively clean water that seem to just glisten under the sun.

She was handed one while her grandfather took the other confidently hovering it before his mouth. In sync they both drank the cups with a smile.

"Delicious!" they both remarked out loud as the cowlicks on their heads danced.

"But don't take our words for it folks." he grabbed the third glass. "So which one of you would like to samp-" he paused. "Actually, I seem to remember a little girl in the crowd who seem to be just as keen about Dust as I am."

Cinder practically jumped as all eyes went on her. The mayor zanily pointed his finger at the girl.

"You little girl, may I ask, what is your name, dear?"

"um," the little girl flubbed around with her words. Not being use to so much attention her gaze wandered to Penelope who showed her the widest grin anyone could make.

"It's Cinder." she finally spoke.

"Cinder huh? My, what an ardent name; no doubt a name adorn to someone driving to know more about Dust."

He held the glass up. "So how about it Cinder? Would you like to see (or in this case taste) the other applicants of Dust first hand?"

She nodded yes. And with that the fairy girl took the glass cup from her grandfather; nearly knocking him off as she surprised him with her swiftness. Penelope small legs practically glided down the stairs while somehow making sure not to drop a single ounce.

Her brown boots plopped in front of Cinder as they met eye to eye. The poor girl was taken aback on how close the fairy girl was to her; her green eyes shine and she could almost count all the freckles under them.

"Here." Penelope said to her in a sweet and calming voice.

Cinder stood there with a wary look. The glass was firm on Penelope palms; her cherry smile encouraged her to take it. Cinder expression shifted to that of an annoyed one as she took the cup and drank it harshly. Almost in an attempt to just get her to leave.

After chugging the last drop. Cinder was surprise on how crisp the water was. It felt so soothing going down; like fresh water from a untouched source.

"It is delicious!" she said amazed.

Penelope giggled, Cinder practically made the words jump out of her. Cinder scowled embarrassingly at her for laughing.

Dr. Victor was extremely glad to hear her words. Not that the machine wouldn't work; lots of trials and restroom breaks has made sure it was safe for the public. But he was glad that least one of the citizens of Via was convinced of his work. It was just one of many device that he had plan for the town to make it a safer and bountiful haven; the first of many around the world.

Finishing the glass Cinder tried to hand it back, but Penelope protested.

"You can have it; I made it just for you, ya-know." smiling as she pushed glass into Cinder's hand. She instantly felt shivering sensation as Penelope winked. "I'll see you at the meadow in an hour."

'What does that mean?' before she could articulate the words out the fairy girl dashed back to her grandfather's side.

"You heard it here folks. Dust is more that nature's wrath that we made it up to be. It could be so much more!" he roused his voice.

"So much more!" Penelope boasted as well.

"Yes, the Dust I created is potent enough that it will be able to last more than a century. Just think of what you can do with all that energy to spare. With all the materials and power that Dust is able to make alone; I foresee clean, fresh and free water for all; lights on every building without expense, illuminating every book to read."

'The possibilities are endless.' Cinder beamed.

Her slippers clang together in excitement. Dust is magic; no if or buts about it. On this day forward Cinder noted that she would learn to harnessed the secrets of Dust. Unlock the secrets of the world it; maybe if asked really nicely-like she could convince Dr. Victor to teach her. Maybe even bring back-No. Cinder just stayed quiet as she listen to the mayor speak once more.

"Just think of all the possibilities that we have yet use for Dust folks. And I'm not stopping even as this town becomes the first of many havens on Remnant."

He continued. "Okay starting tomorrow the municipality and I will be hold a meeting to discuss in length and detail of the future development of Via. Since it concerns you all then all of you are welcomed: Men, Women, Children, Humans and Faunus. If you're proud to call Via your home then I hope that you would come to express your voice."

The crowd around Cinder started murmuring again. All she thought about is how she would sneak past curfew and off Anastasia's radar in order to go to the meeting. Thinking about plans to device she was interrupted by a familiar youthful voice from yesterday.

"Hey Mommy! that may-yer guy is pwretty funny! and the fairy girl is even more awesome than yesterday!" the girl in a straw-hat from before giggled as she held her mother's hand and attention.

The mother with the same straw-hat and wide pink-eyes as her daughter smiled approvingly. "Yes, dear." she looked at the mayor. "He's already is shaping up to be a good mayor just as the one before him."

Upon hearing that Cinder felt a mixture of emotions that were instantly clear as another voice butted in into the two others conversation.

"Tch, I say this guy is way better mayor than the last one!" a random woman said.

Cinder turned around, and another one spoke. This time an older man. "I agree, this guy is a doctor, and he brought over Atlas to help us! Much more than we could say about the scraps we got from the last mayor."

Soon enough like minded talk was going around and spreading. Cinder was petrified with one singular emotion instigated by the once cold people chanting and praising the new mayor while they criticized the old one.

It felt personal.

A feeling resentment reeled its ugly head, and she wanted out. Thinking the sparsely populate park would give her some room. Instead she felt her anger grow; she just wanted to make something shatter as an outlet. And so she did.

Her hands shook as the glass cup broke with a throw. She stared at it, and on closer inspection she saw that was more than a simple glass cup: the cylinder shape was inscripted with butterflies and ribbons.

Right then she felt sorry for taking her anger out on such a crafted object. She wanted solace before she could do anything else.

She wanted to go back to the old routine; back to the forest.

It had taken at least thirty minutes before she found the right track to the meadow.

Whether it was from bitter grievance that clouded her, and made her run off heedlessly into a general direction or the realization that she was too accustomed to the same route to know anything else; she was just glad to be on familiar grounds.

As the sound of the bubbling river became faint in the distant, it became apparent that the location was close, and with it Cinder was put at ease. There the lone oak tree was in in view. She was so glad to see it; when the world didn't make any sense there was still one untouched land that did.

A sight for sore eyes, and eager to just lie down on the untamed grassy fields like the world was nothing she ran to the meadow's mouth. The glass slippers kept up with her demand as she push on; the leather hide didn't stand a chance as it blew away from the sheer velocity, and her little feet almost slipped off it once or twice on the way.

Marching up the small hill over the covered boulder, making sure to not to tumble or fall like last time she made it to the top. Brushing away the covering branches she hadn't expected it to fight back as a gust of wind resisted her. Regardless, she won, and open her eyes to a mirror image of yesterday.

In the middle of the meadow looking unaware, It was her: Penelope Polendina.

She felt irk; the last thing she wanted to see was her. After all that happen all she wanted was to spend the time alone her meadow.

The little girl started twiddling her thumbs; she couldn't even conceive on how that girl even beat her here.

"You dwid take long." a voice behind her spoke, but the thumbs kept on twiddling in their own world as she deliberated.

'I could just ask her to leave.' she suggested to herself. 'but even if she is the mayor's granddaughter and that she is a bit abrasive, she did gave me these.' her heels clicked.

Cinder frowned on what to do. She didn't want to make the other girl feel bad; after all is not intentionally her fault on why she felt anger.

"Maybe you'll shwoud p'way together and shware." the ignore voice advised to her.

Nodding in agreement with the advice she smiled. That is until Cinder realized she was talking to someone else.

Slowly turning her head she was met with a pair of jovial pink-eyes staring right back. The tiny girl in the straw-hat blinked and Cinder with the same quizzical expression blinked too.

Before Cinder could speak the smaller girl shouted: "Boo!"

Cinder never saw herself as the limber or acrobatic type, but when you're face with a sudden surprise you too would jump like a cat. The poor girl landed on the boundary of the meadow; looking back at the boulder overgrown by the tree she must have jump six feet before her feet found ground.

Up there the girl giggled and said: "Job done!" before she ran and disappeared into the woods.

Legs buckled and Cinder fell to her knees as she was hit with a wave of emotions that had accumulated today. Heavy eyelids wanted to close and feel the calming air. But as she felt the looming presence that brought along an excitable air with her. She knew, for better or worse, that the day has yet to end.

The shadow stopped behind her and amber eyes peered. Today would end differently.

In hindsight, it would be the first of many such greeting given to her.

In the same unremitting cheerful voice the fairy girl spoke.

"Salutations Cinder!"

Author's final Note: And so the meeting of Cinder Fall and Penelope "Penny" Polendina begins.

Hopefully I will do more chapters for next month.

Until then, review if you would.