Oh my pounding head, I mean… it was the day of our First Mission: We had a choice of multiple missions ranging from: Helping the local Law to Collecting a Bounty to surveilling a Grimm field Area.

Dan was basically a kid in a candy shop today. “Oh let's go collect a Bounty!” He was jumping up and down. “Come on!”

I rolled my eyes. “Easy Cowboy. I prefer not to collect a Bounty.” I wanted to go explore a Grimm area and explore it.

“I agree with Gold Senpai.” Azu holding Sumire's hand.

“But I want to collect a bounty.” Dan was acting like a kid.

I saw Ironwood, Goodwitch and Ozpin walking my way. “Corey Gold Tokiwa-Silver?” Ironwood looked at me.

Oh shit what did I do this time? “Yes?” My entire body went pale. 

“We want to talk to you in my Office.” Ozpin had me follow him.

I followed Ozpin, Ironwood, and Goodwitch to the headmaster’s office, my heart pounding in my chest. My mind raced with every possible scenario, none of them good. I glanced back at my team, who were watching me with confused expressions. Dan was still mid-bounce, but even he stopped when he saw my face.

We arrived at the office, and Ozpin gestured for me to sit in one of the chairs in front of his desk. To my surprise, Ruby was already there, her face pale and her hands fidgeting nervously in her lap.

“Ruby?” I asked, my voice uncertain. “What’s going on?”

She didn’t look at me, her gaze fixed on the floor. Before I could press further, Ironwood spoke up, his tone sharp. “Corey, we need you to explain what happened at the Cross Continental Communication Tower.”

I froze. Of course, they knew. How could they not? But how much did they know?

“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I lied, trying to keep my voice steady.

Ozpin raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. “Corey, we’re aware that you and Ruby encountered a hostile individual last night. Ruby has already told us her side of the story. Now, we need to hear yours.”

I shot Ruby a look, but she still wouldn’t meet my eyes. She must have told them about Cinder, about everything. My mind raced. If I said the wrong thing, I could put everyone at risk—Ruby, my team, even Yang.

“I… followed Ruby when I saw her leave the dance,” I admitted finally. “She seemed upset, so I wanted to make sure she was okay. When I got to the CCT Terminal, I saw her fighting someone. I didn’t get a good look at them, but they were using Dust in some kind of weapon.”

Ozpin exchanged a glance with Ironwood, who frowned. “You didn’t recognize the attacker?”

“No,” I lied again. “It all happened so fast. By the time I got close enough, Ruby was already hurt. I jumped in to protect her, but I got hit too. I… don’t remember much after that.”

“Convenient,” Ironwood muttered under his breath.

Goodwitch stepped forward, her tone firm but not unkind. “Corey, we found traces of glass Dust at the scene. This is not the first time we’ve seen this type of weaponry. If you know anything about the individual who attacked you, now is the time to speak.”

I clenched my fists, feeling the burn in my back flare up again. “I’m telling you everything I know,” I said, my voice strained. “I just wanted to protect Ruby.”

Ozpin studied me for a long moment, his piercing gaze making me squirm. Finally, he sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Very well. But know this, Corey: if you’re withholding information, it could endanger not only you but everyone at this academy.”

I nodded, swallowing hard. “I understand.”

Ironwood didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t press further. Instead, he turned to Ruby. “We’ll be increasing security around the school. If this attacker shows up again, we’ll be ready.”

Ruby nodded, still not looking at me. Ozpin dismissed us, and I followed Ruby out of the office. The silence between us was heavy as we walked down the hall.

Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. “Ruby,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “Why didn’t you tell me you’d talk to them?”

She stopped, her silver eyes meeting mine for the first time. “I didn’t want to, but they already knew something happened. I had to tell them.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I just… I didn’t want to drag you into this.”

“It’s not just about me, Corey,” she said, her voice trembling. “Whoever that was, they’re dangerous. We can’t keep this to ourselves.”

She was right, but that didn’t make it any easier. “I’ll figure it out,” I said. “Just… trust me, okay?”

Ruby hesitated, then nodded. “Okay. But promise me you’ll be careful.”

“I will,” I said, though the burn on my back was a stark reminder of how fragile that promise was.

I went back to my team. “Cat, what did they want?”

I didn't say anything. I remember what I said about protecting Ruby's smile.  “Just about me and Ruby's performance in our….last sparring match?” I knew Dan was extremely dumb enough to buy it.

“Is it because you fought feral and she was on guard the entire time?” Sumire looked like she bought it.

“And you did mumble in your sleep about someone named Cinder Falls.” Azu looked at me with her red eyes.

I felt my back burning more. I tried to hide it. “Cat take off your jacket!” I heard Josh call me.

He was alone again. Does he even have a team? “Uhm Josh what are you doing here?” Dan asked him.

“Well, I'm a third year student and I'm supposed to be making sure all the First years are following the rules for selecting their missions.” The Flamboyant guy tells us. He took off my hoodie and where the fire arrow hit me was revealed. It was still hot to the touch.

“Sorry but in this condition, I can't allow you to go on any missions.” A nurse walked over to me. “TEAM CASD, I'm sorry to say you can't go.”

“What all because I have a burn on my back?” I crossed my arms.

“Also he doesn't have his aura or your Semblance.” Azu tells him.

I glared at her but she laughed. “I have my Aura, just my Semblance is still disabled.” I corrected her.

Josh crossed his arms, frowning as he eyed the burn on my back. “You might have your Aura, Cat, but you’re not fooling anyone. That wound’s serious, and if your Semblance is out of commission, you’re not at full strength.”

Dan groaned, flopping onto one of the couches in the mission selection area. “Great. No bounties, no missions, no fun. What are we supposed to do, sit around and twiddle your thumbs?”

Sumire rolled her eyes, leaning against Azu. “You know, resting and not dying is also a valid option, Dan.”

I sighed, pulling my hoodie back on carefully. The burn still stung like hell, but I wasn’t about to admit it. “Fine. No missions for now. But we’re not going to just sit around doing nothing.”

Josh perked up, his grin as wide as ever. “How about I show you first-years around? You could use a proper tour of the academy anyway, and I’ve got time to kill.”

Dan’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I’m in! Maybe you can show us where the good food is.”

“Dan, you know we have a cafeteria, right?” Sumire said with a smirk.

Josh ignored her, focusing on me. “What about you, Cat? You could use a break. Besides, I want to hear all about this mysterious Cinder Falls you’ve been mumbling about.”

I froze, my body tensing. “It’s nothing. Just… a name from my past.”

Josh raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced but not pressing further. “Alright, suit yourself. But the offer’s still open.”

Before I could reply, the nurse returned, this time with a small bag of medical supplies. “Corey, I’m going to treat that burn. Sit down.”

I reluctantly obeyed, sitting on the edge of a nearby chair. The team watched as the nurse worked, her hands glowing faintly as she applied some sort of Aura-infused salve to the wound. The sting faded slightly, replaced by a cooling sensation.

“You need to avoid any strenuous activity for at least a day,” she said firmly. “And no missions until you’re fully recovered.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I muttered, feeling more like a scolded child than a Huntsman-in-training.

When she finally left, the others crowded around me again. Azu leaned in close, her red eyes sharp and curious. “You’re hiding something, Cat. I can tell.”

I looked away, my ears twitching. “I’m not hiding anything. Just drop it, okay?”

Josh chuckled, tossing an arm around my shoulders. “Don’t worry, Azu. If he doesn’t want to talk, he doesn’t have to. But don’t think we’re letting you off the hook forever, Cat.”

I sighed, knowing they weren’t going to let this go. But for now, I was grateful for the distraction. Whatever came next, I’d deal with it when the time came.

We went back to the dorm. Great, no missions because I'm injured, and I never felt so Useless in my whole life.

Azu was in her Grimm form flying around the dorm. At least she gets to have fun, and Dan was actually doing some work. Sumire was making sure I didn't lay on the burn mark.

“Cat, tell us about your past.” Dan looked up from his book.

“What do you want to know?” I was going to be honest.

“About this girl named Cinder Falls!” Sumire look at me. My face was drained of all colors.

“I'm not going to touch that.” I bluntly told them.

Azu struck a pose similar to someone who had the best match. “Well, shall we begin?” Her stinger was pointed at me again.

“Try it and I'll not be hesitant to pull the trigger.” I point Fated Hour at her.

“Gold Senpai sacred are we?” She kept buzzing around the dorm. When is it normal to see what you're fighting as a comrade rather than an enemy? She did look peaceful.

I lower my weapon. Then she stung me in my back. She was laughing. I growled at her. She turned back into her Human form. “I didn't use any poison.”

Sumire laughed at this. “Come on Gold Senpai, she's playing around.”

I spun the chamber on Fated Hour. “I warned her.” I raised my gauntlets.

“Chill Gold Senpai.” Azu looked like she was really afraid. “Don't be that monster again.”

I'll look at my Fated Hour. I saw the claws were still broken. She's right, I don't want to be that monster again.  “You know what, screw leave. I'm not going to stay here and wait till they say I've recovered enough.”

Dan looked up from his book. “Can't I finish reading the Great Gatsby?”

“No.” Sumire looked at me in protest. “We're talking about your life.  Why risk it for a dumb mission?”

Azu kept buzzing around the room till she landed on the ceiling. “Gold Senpai, you know what happens if we…”

“They can shove it up their asses!” Dan agreed with me.

“We're a Cascade of colors, Gold, Silver, Blue, Violet and Crimson.” I will explain our team name.

“I always thought it was Cashed.” Azu had her stinger pointed at me again.

“Sting me and I'll not hold back my feral side.”

Azu immediately retracted her stinger, hovering nervously. "Alright, alright, Gold Senpai, point made. No need to go all feral on me."

Dan closed his book with a loud thwack and stood up, stretching dramatically. "Well, if we're breaking rules and ignoring doctor’s orders, we might as well do it with style. What’s the plan, Cat?"

Sumire crossed her arms, her violet eyes narrowing. "You’re all insane. Corey, I get it, you don’t want to feel useless, but this isn’t the way. You’re hurt, your Aura’s barely holding, and we don’t even have a solid mission picked."

"I don’t care," I said firmly, my claws flexing slightly as I clenched my fists. "I can’t just sit here. If we don’t move, we stagnate. And I refuse to let some burn or my past stop me from doing what I need to do."

Sumire sighed, rubbing her temples. "Fine, but if you collapse out there, don’t expect me to feel sorry for you."

Dan grinned and threw his arm around my shoulders. "That’s the spirit! Sumire’s onboard, Azu’s buzzing, and I’m ready to be a distraction if it means getting out of this boring dorm."

Azu landed gracefully and crossed her legs, smirking. "Alright, Gold Senpai, if you’re leading this rebellion, what mission are we taking? Something flashy? Something dangerous? I vote for the Grimm Field Area. At least then we can all let off some steam."

"I like it," I said, the corner of my mouth twitching into a small smile. "It’s dangerous enough to make them regret sidelining us, but not so reckless that we’ll get killed."

Sumire groaned. "You’re all hopeless. Fine, Grimm Field Area it is. But if this goes south, I’m telling Ozpin this was all your idea."

I shrugged. "Deal."

Dan tossed his book onto his bed and grabbed his weapon. "Time to show these Grimm why Team CASD is more than just ‘cashed’ or ‘cascade.’ We’re a force to be reckoned with!"

Azu smirked, her wings buzzing faintly as she grabbed her gear. "Let’s go, Gold Senpai. Just don’t make me sting you again—no promises if you get reckless."

With that, we headed out, defying orders, logic, and maybe a little common sense. But I didn’t care. This was my team, my family. If we were going to make a name for ourselves, it wouldn’t be by sitting on the sidelines.

We were Team CASD—bright, bold, and unstoppable. We walked to a terminal to select a mission. I saw Team Rwby picking theirs.

“I thought you guys were on medical leave?” Weiss looked at me.

“Don't worry, We got cleared…. by Doctor Smith.” Dan lies for me.

“What mission did you guys pick?” Azu looked at them.

“Teaming up with a Huntsman in the Southwest part of Vale.” Blake told us.

“Sweet.” Sumire looked at it. “I see great things for your mission.” I'm guessing she has a vision about it.

“We're…. taking the Southeastern Mission to bring down a Nidhogg?” I read the name of the mission. Azu's face went whiter than my shirt.

“Nidhogg?” She sprouted her wings and flew off.

“Uhm Cat are we sure about this?” Dan looked at me once more. “Not even the Atlas Military will face a Nidhogg Grimm.”

Sumire looked at the client. “This is from the Vale Force.”

Ozpin approached us. “I see you're breaking the rules for this mission. Only third years can sign up for it but, I'll allow it just this once.”

The rest of my team looked pale in the face. “Uhm, who's leading this mission?” I asked him.

“Simple, I am.” Ozpin answered. My jaw drops. “Also Mister Tokiwa-Silver, I know that your Semblance is blocked right now. I can see why you want to do this mission.”

Dan tipped his hat. “How did you know?”

“I'm the headmaster of this school, I know all lot of things like Azu being a Grimm, Sumire being a former thief that wants to redeem herself in the eyes of everyone,Mister Crimson you had your daddy pay your way into my school, and lastly Mister Tokiwa-Silver, he didn't even get in the proper way.” We all looked ashamed of ourselves. “Don't worry you're not the only group that is going on this mission.”

Soji, Exhaust, Autum and Navy walked over to us. “Soji his semblance lets him and whoever he touches move faster than the speed of Light. Exhaust his semblance is creating an exhaust fume that stuns his foes. Navy, her semblance is tactical mind, she's basically a general. Autum, can copy her opponents moves.” Dan looked at the Atlas students joining us.

“Isn't that the kid we helped a few days ago?” Exhaust looked at us.

Dan straightened his hat and shot a finger gun at Exhaust. “Sure is, partner! You can thank me later for savin’ your sorry hide back then.”

Exhaust crossed his arms and smirked. “Right. Because it’s not like I would’ve handled it eventually.” He glanced at Azu, who was still visibly uneasy. “What’s with her? Are you guys already scared?”

Azu glared at him, her wings twitching in irritation. “Not scared, just cautious. You’d be too if you knew what we were up against.”

Sumire raised an eyebrow. “Weird flex for someone who got bailed out by a first-year team.”

Exhaust opened his mouth to retort, but Navy stepped between them. “Alright, enough. We’re all on the same side here, and we’re about to face a mission that could go south fast if we’re not united.” She turned to Ozpin. “Headmaster, do we have a detailed strategy for this, or are we going in blind?”

Ozpin adjusted his glasses, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Miss Navy, your tactical mind will serve you well on this mission. I’ll provide you with the necessary details, but adaptability will be key. The Nidhogg is unlike any Grimm you’ve encountered.”

Dan leaned toward me, muttering under his breath, “Why does he always gotta be so cryptic? Just once, I’d like him to say, ‘Here’s a foolproof plan. You’re gonna win.’”

I smirked. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Ozpin’s voice cut through our conversation. “You’ll have two objectives. The first is to escort a group of Vale Force soldiers stationed in the Southeastern region back to the safety of the city. They’ve been cut off by the Nidhogg’s advance. The second objective is to deal with the Nidhogg itself. It’s been sighted near a major Dust mine. If it reaches the mine, the results could be catastrophic.”

Soji adjusted the gauntlets on his arms, his expression calm but determined. “How many Vale soldiers are we talking about?”

“Six,” Ozpin replied. “They’ve been holding the line as best they can, but their resources are limited, and their Aura reserves are low.”

Autumn folded her arms, her golden eyes glinting. “And the Nidhogg? Do we know its size or any specific weaknesses?”

“Approximately three times the size of a Goliath Grimm,” Ozpin said. “Its main weapon is its corrosive breath, which can melt through even the strongest defenses. As for weaknesses…” He paused, his gaze sweeping over us. “You’ll have to discover those on the field.”

Azu muttered under her breath, “Great. We’re doomed.”

I rolled my shoulders, ignoring the sharp pain in my back. “We’re not doomed. We’re Team CASD. And with backup from Atlas, this overgrown lizard doesn’t stand a chance.”

Ozpin nodded approvingly. “That’s the spirit. The airship is ready to depart. Good luck, and remember: work together. This mission will test all of you.”

As we boarded the airship, Dan looked around at our group, his usual grin replaced by a rare moment of seriousness. “Alright, y’all. This might be the toughest thing we’ve ever done, but we’ve got each other’s backs, right?”

Sumire gave him a firm nod. “Always.”

Azu sighed but managed a small smile. “As long as you guys keep up, I guess we’ll be fine.”

I glanced at Autumn, Soji, Navy, and Exhaust. “Guess it’s time to see if our teams can actually work together. Let’s do this.”

The airship’s engines roared to life, and as we took off toward the Southeastern region, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of what lay ahead. But if we were going to face the Nidhogg, we’d do it as a united front—bright, bold, and unstoppable.

_________________________________________________________

We sat in the airship, my team on one side and on the other was Autum's team. Ozpin was in the cockpit with the pilot.

Navy was talking to Exhaust quietly. Soji was polishing his sword and Autum was reading. Dan looked pale in the face.

Azu and Sumire were holding hands as they kept each other calm. I didn't have a plan for this. “So uhm Soji your Semblance lets you move faster than the speed of Light?”

“Yes, Clock Up is my Semblance. My dream is to be the King of Remnant….” He got interpreted by a loud thud.

“Sir! Our engine was hit.” The Pilot told us. The Airship went into a spiraling dive. If I had my Semblance, I could manifest a bubble for us.

Navy looked at Dan. “Your Semblance is Stubborn, right? Soji, touch Dan and enter Clock Up!” She ordered him.

“Yes!” Soji touched Dan.

“Azu, how much can you carry with your wings?” I question her.

Navy eyed me. “That will take too long.”

“If she went full Queen Lancer, she could…” I started.

Azu looked at me with wide eyes, clearly uneasy about what I was suggesting. “Full Queen Lancer? Are you serious, Gold Senpai? You know I hate that form.”

“You might hate it,” I said, my tone firm, “but it’s our best shot if we’re going to save anyone here. Right now, you’re the only one with the flight capability to make a difference.”

Navy nodded, her tactical mind already piecing together the potential of my
plan. “If Azu transforms, she could stabilize the descent or carry a few people out of here, but she can’t do it alone.”

Sumire tightened her grip on Azu’s hand. “I’ll help her. Whatever you need me to do, just say it.”

Azu glanced between us, her stinger twitching nervously. “Fine. But if we survive this, you owe me big time.”

“Deal,” I said without hesitation. “Autum, Exhaust, can you help stabilize the airship with any of your abilities?”

Autum looked up from her book, calm but focused. “If I can see how the wind’s behaving, I can mimic any adjustments the pilot’s trying to make.”

“Good,” Navy added, snapping her fingers at Exhaust. “And you—use your Semblance to cover the damaged engine. If we can buy even a few seconds, it could save lives.”

Exhaust groaned but got up. “On it. But don’t blame me if this gets smoky.”

As Azu stepped forward, her body began to shift, her Grimm traits growing more pronounced. Her wings extended into a magnificent but terrifying display of Queen Lancer dominance, her eyes glowing a fierce crimson.

“I’ll focus on slowing us down,” Azu said, her voice deeper and more commanding. “Sumire, keep me steady.”

Sumire nodded, gripping Azu’s arm. “I’ve got your back.”

Meanwhile, Dan and Soji remained in Clock Up, a blur of motion that was almost imperceptible. Whatever they were doing, it was clear they were buying us time, but it wouldn’t last forever.

The airship shuddered again, and the ground was closing in fast.

“Everyone, get ready!” I shouted. “This is going to be rough!”

Azu took to the air, her massive wings beating furiously as she positioned herself below the airship. Sumire held onto her tightly, channeling every ounce of her strength to keep Azu steady as she pushed against the descent.

Autum closed her eyes, mimicking the pilot’s movements to guide the ship’s trajectory, white Exhaust’s fumes obscured the damaged engine, reducing some of the drag.

For a moment, it felt like we had a chance.

Then, with a deafening crash, we hit the ground. Dan was holding the nose of the plane with his bare hands. “Grah!” He cried as the force was pushing him down more and more.

Soji looked at him. “If you want to stop, the force of the plane will snap every tenant in his body.”

Ozpin looked at us. “Very good, your teams worked together like a real unit.”

I crossed my arms. Azu turned back to her human form, Sumire kissed her. Autum, and Navy helped the Corp we had assigned to us out.

Dan lets go and the plane falls apart.  I could see his Aura was already at the breaking point. “How did you guys get down before us?”

“We used my Semblance of Clock up and I pushed him out of the plane.” Soji explained.

Dan groaned as he fell to his knees, clutching his arms. His body was shaking, and his Aura flickered faintly around him, threatening to shatter at any moment. “Clock Up or not, that was one hell of a landing,” he muttered, his voice laced with exhaustion.

Soji smirked, brushing dust off his jacket. “You’re welcome, by the way. Without me, you’d probably still be a pancake in that cockpit.”

Dan shot him a glare. “I didn’t ask for your help, speedster.”

“You didn’t have to,” Soji quipped back. “That’s what a team does. Even if we’re not officially one.”

Ozpin stepped forward, surveying the wreckage. Despite the chaos, his calm demeanor never wavered. “It seems everyone survived, which is a testament to your teamwork and quick thinking. However, the true challenge begins now. The Nidhogg Grimm is still out there, and it knows we’re coming.”

Azu, now fully back in her human form, wobbled slightly as Sumire steadied her. “You could’ve told us this before we crash-landed, Gold Senpai,” she said, throwing me a half-hearted glare.

“Would it have changed anything?” I shot back, rubbing my still-burning back. The truth was, we all knew this was going to be a nightmare mission, with or without the crash.

Navy walked over, her face stern but focused. “We need to set up a perimeter. Autum and I will scout ahead to make sure the area’s clear. Exhaust, check for supplies or anything salvageable in the wreckage.”

Autum nodded, already moving with precision. “Stay alert. The Nidhogg’s presence means other Grimm are likely nearby.”

Dan stumbled to his feet, his Aura dimming but still holding. “And what about us?” he asked, gesturing to me and the rest of Team CASD.

Ozpin smiled faintly, his cane resting against his side. “You’ll assist with preparing for the fight. Corey, you’ll take points alongside me. This Grimm is unlike any you’ve faced before. You’ll need every bit of your leadership—and then some.”

I didn’t like how he phrased that, but there wasn’t time to argue. “Fine,” I said, glancing at my team. “Dan, get some rest while your Aura recovers. Azu, Sumire, stick together and be ready to assist Navy and Autum if they need backup. We’re not splitting up in this hellhole.”

“Yes, sir,” Sumire said with a playful salute, while Azu simply nodded, still catching her breath.

As everyone dispersed to their tasks, I turned back to Ozpin. “You know what’s really out there, don’t you?” I asked quietly.

Ozpin’s expression grew grim. “The Nidhogg is no ordinary Grimm. It’s intelligent, calculating, and capable of drawing others to its side. It will test your limits, Corey, and it will force you to confront what you fear most.”

I clenched my fists, my claws digging into my palms. “Then we better make sure it’s the one that doesn’t walk away.”