A few days later.
"That took way longer than I anticipated, one more trip then we're going home, folks," dad stated in a tired voice.
"What's your job anyway, dad?" I asked him, slightly intrigued.
"Well, we deliver items from all over Remnant, in the beginning, it's letters or packages for huntsmen or huntresses' families when they don't have the time to go to Cross Continental Transmit System (CCTS) tower. Now we all kind of things, from miscellaneous, technologies, raw resources, and Dust. The only thing we don't deliver is weapons.
"Working outside the kingdoms is, difficult to say the least. I don't need to supervise our crew in a normal delivery, even in some Dust delivery. Unless they ship in a high quantity Dust or a VIP package, I might need to supervise it. Since Dust is our world's source of energy and our best tool to fight off the creatures of Grimm." Dad explained.
"So, our job is so important, but not as cool, profitable nor as important like being a huntsman, the protector of humanity, right? So, why stop?" I asked.
"Kiddo, my skill is not suited for killing the creatures of Grimm. Besides, I like my job now, and I'm still technically a Huntsman, a special kind. A lot of things are easier to do when your still one." He said.
"But you were super strong when you were still young. You aced 28th and 29th Vital festival with ease," I said doubtingly.
"What do you mean by that, kiddo? Your dad is stronger than before, and I'm still young. Also, it's not just me, it's us. My team and I achieve the championship together as a team," he walks closer. He kneeled in front of me.
"Sora, listen carefully. You too, Neo," we nodded, "it's good to be independent, but there are times where we can't do things alone. Yes, sometimes someone might know and can do more things than others. But not in everything. One must always know their limitations so that one won't lose everything. Don't let it cage you. Just remember what I said to you. When you grow older, you will surely understand," dad said.
I shook my head then said. "No worries, dad. I fully understand now," I know how important to ask for help from others. I just... know.
"Hahaha, Ok then, if you say so," he ruffled our hair, stands up, then walks enters the train station.
"Let's go, kiddos. We're a few days behind schedule. Unfortunately, we can't meet your granduncle Nick. We should be back at least a day before your birthday so that WE could introduce your sister to your mom and celebrate your birthday along with Neo's welcome party for being part of the Yukihira family." Neo and I looked at each other with wide grins on our faces.
"Yes, dad!" I shouted
*Neo agreeing noises*
A few days later, at the harbor of Luminance City, closest to the city of Vacuo. Because the city of Vacuo is another lock land. It's close to the sea but separated by the mountain ranges.
"That's quicker than I thought," I said, surprised that we're already at Vacuo.
"There aren't many rules obeyed here but the survival of the fittest if you're outside the kingdom's wall. Oh, by the way, don't do the bowing here. Just treat them as equals. Got it, both of you?" Dad asked.
Neo and I both nodded.
A few minutes later. "Hey, Sora! Nice to see you." Uncle Jack said.
"Long time no see Uncle Jack," he visited us before and gave me a lot of souvenirs.
"Look, meet my sister." I pulled Neo in front of me. "Ain't she cute?" I said, proudly.
"Yea, she is!" He said, patting Neo's head. "Aren't you proud, big brother?" He walks towards dad.
"How are you, brother?" Dad proceeds to hug him.
"Good captain. Nice daughter, you have there. By the way, can you take my son to Vale for studying when you move to Patch?" Uncle Jack asked.
"Of course, if you have decided. Does the kid know?" Jack nodded, "and there you go again... calling me captain," dad said.
"Old habits never die. Thanks anyway. You can do any means necessary to discipline him," Uncle Jack said proudly.
They continued talking. Jack is one of dad's trusted employees. Also, he used to be dad's teammate during his school days and a blood brother. He's the Head Manager of both mom's and dad's company in Vacuo. All through his body looks like a giant wall with an upper-body width of three average males.
Uncle Jack stares at dad. Dad told us to wait outside. They closed the door, nobody's here, so I tried to eavesdrop on them, but I can't hear a thing. I instead, play some games with Neo in the guest room until I saw two people with Granduncle Jack's company logo on their shirts. Followed by few dozen Atlesian robots. At the gate
Dad and uncle Jack walks out and seems to argue with the Schnee Dust Company employees. After a while, dad and uncle drove them away.
Neo and I went closer to know what's happening.
"Those bas—" Dad looks around. "Ahem... Those guys have their guts inflated. Thanks, Jack. Just don't go overboard, or else it will be harder to fight them on the court," dad said as he walks towards the guest room.
"Of course, captain," Jack smirked.
"I'll just tour the kids around. Just call me if you need me," Neo and I, who are just in the corner, decide to return to the guest room.
"Wait." Dad halted, us included. "Your informer sent you a written encrypted letter," uncle Jack hand over an envelope.
"Who's this Jacob? Are you sure he should be trusted?" Uncle Jack asked.
"I can trust him with my life," dad replied.
Uncle Jack keeps silent but is still suspicious of the sender. Uncle Jack's phone rings, and then excuse himself.
We hurriedly entered the guestroom. Dad's already inside.
"I remember telling you guys to wait here, am I right?" Dad nonchalantly said.
With me not knowing what to said and Neo, who can't speak, silence lingers in the room.
"Princess, can you turn off your semblance so I can see you?" Dad asked, smiling at us.
The space around me scattered like glass then vanish in thin air without a sound.
"You can hide multiple people with your semblance? That's awesome!" I said as I ruffle her hair. So that's why the employees did not look at us. The more I think about it, the more proud I felt.
Neo just stood there beaming with joy.
Dad coughs, both of us remembered, our movement halted, not knowing what to do.
"Don't worry, I'm not angry, but what do you have to say?" He levels with us.
"We're sorry, dad," I said, looking at my toes.
"Sneaking and eavesdropping, you truly are like your mom. Just don't do it again, ok?" We nodded.
"Let's go. We still have few hours before they board the cargo and ready the plane." dad lead us out of the building.
"We're gonna ride a plane this time!?" We ask in excitement.
"Unfortunately, no, only the cargo will. We're taking the road." Dad said.
"Ahhh," I sigh in disappointment while Neo's shoulders dropped.
"Well, let's tour the city. They have famous local delicacies here," dad tried to cheer us up.
"Delicacies?" I asked. Neo tilted her head.
"It means very tasty food. Come on now. We haven't eaten breakfast yet. Are you not hungry yet?" Neo and I touch our stomach, and like on cue, it rumbles makes us feel embarrassed. Dad brought us to eat the food he's talking about earlier.
After eating, Dad hired a tour guide to tour Luminance City. The city was small, surrounded by mountains and hills.
"To your left is the legendary Fort Valhalla. One of the crucial Fort during the Great Fall and the Great Dawn. Where plenty of legends are born and fall for the sake of humanity's survival. People from different kingdoms learned to work together without bias. Fort Valhalla is not only the gate to the city of Vacuo. It is also the gate towards the new era when humanity counter-attack the creature of Grimm after their thousand years of terror. The era that gives birth to Aura," the bubbly tour guide stated.
A few minutes later, we heard a commotion outside, a couple of foreigners causing trouble to a young Faunus. The Faunus just ignoring them seem to piss them more. Things are starting to escalate.
"Are there no law enforcers here?" I asked as I fidget on my seat.
"Another stupid foreigner," I heard the Tour guide muttered in disdain.
"Don't worry, child, although there are no law enforcers in Luminance city, unlike any other city in Vacuo, it's safer here. I can even argue that it's safer here than in the capital," the tour guide stated back to her bubbly personality.
I looked outside again. The foreigners seem to have left already.
A few hours later, after the tour. We hit the road through Fort Valhalla. The only gap between the mountain ranges sealing Vacuo to the outside world. Although it's called a gap, eight vehicles side by side can pass. As we moved further gap is full of twists and turns. The road sometimes widens or narrowed and is separated by multiple rock pillars smaller than the mountain ranges, creating maze-like pathways. Dad asked us to go down beside the tallest rock pillar we have encounter and climb it.
"Why are we climbing a cliff?! We could just go around it!" I yelled, "And don't tell me it's a shortcut! It's like 80 meters high!"
"Stop complaining! Just use your energy for climbing! Have you ever heard Neo complain?!" Dad said.
"BUT, SHE'S—"
"It's just yes or no!" I started to argue, but dad cut me off. I stared at Neo.
"TSK!... no, no, she's not!" I said, feeling betrayed as I see Neo smiling from dad's back. I can't get angry, though– SHE'S SO CUTE!
"THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT!" Dad said while Neo's laughing.
5 mins later, on top of the rock pillar.
"Stop lying down there, come here. You might miss the view." Dad said.
How even? The view won't go anywhere, I thought to myself.
While panting, I stood up and walked closer to them. I saw a city full of greenery and a sparkling cyan lake-like oasis on the southwest, with a giant wall cutting the oasis almost in half, connected to the city's outer wall and a rocky mountain with some greenery creating a diamond shape outline. It has 4 quadrants separated by 2 huge main roads connecting two opposite corners and intersecting in the middle of the city. The most noticeable were the infrastructures at the center. Four identical buildings on each quadrant are leaning towards the center with a bridge connecting those buildings, creating a pyramid shape outline. It's exquisite in contrast to the other barren mountains, desert, and muddy half of the oasis.
"Ok, I agree." I stabilize my breathing. "That's... Beautiful," I continued.
*Neo's amazed noises*
Then I remembered, we could see the same view if we ride the plane with Uncle Jack. The oasis is pretty alas huge stain ruining it.
"But what happened to the oasis?" Dad pointed at the other side of the oasis. Some factories release too much smoke, in my opinion.
"See, those factories?" I nod. "Most of those were from Schnee Dust Company. Before, Vacuo was located there where those factories are. The vegetation used to reach over those barren mountains you see now. The oasis was three times bigger then. But due to excessive and improper mining, both of the Dust Veins were damaged. We can only salvage what's left and relocate Vacuo to where it is now.
"To keep the oasis from drying was to undertake a big project of creating the first manmade Dust Vein with high-quality water, earth, and air dust that we imported from Menagerie for half a price in any of our products for five decades.
"We really can't stop those factories' operations due to the Life Contract signed by the Vacuo's Elders after the great war to share their resources with the whole Remnant. When all superpowers are stranded here, and humanity is on the brink of extinction.
"As stated in the contract that all-natural resources around Vacuo were rightfully theirs. Political figures of all kingdoms can't interfere with the mining but gave it equally to four private businesses, one private business per kingdom. But they must pay Vacuo thirty percent of what they mined and the remaining half to their respective kingdoms. Due to both Dust Veins were at Vacuo's soil, half of the higher quality Dust Vein was theirs. The other half was fought by other kingdoms and won by Mantle, now known as Atlas. Although Vacuo owns the best mining location, they can't mine and process it. So they partner with Schnee Dust Company as they saw Nicholas Schnee worthy of their trust. Years passed by, and all mining businesses' property and the Dust market were in perfect competition.
"Unexpectedly, the next owner of Vacuo's mining business got too greedy and tried to damage the other Dust Vein. They succeed in doing so but got caught red-handed. It backfired, causing the Vacuo mining to go bankrupt by banning trade with Vacuo. An economic crisis for Vacuo as their main source of income was the dust trade. At that time that DAMN JacqueASS EXPLOITED! SLANDERING SCHNEE DUST COMPANY'S NAME!!!" Dad recounted.
"Dad, your scaring Neo," I shouted.
"Ahh... Sorry for scaring you, princess," dad head pat Neo. Neo, at first, was still tense but relaxed in a while.
Dad released it, again. I experienced a similar intent before when Uncle Kiyoshi visited us before. It's just that the Intent he releases today was scarier and dark, just like that guy in my dream but far weaker in comparison. Still, I can't stop my hand from shaking.
"Where was I?" Dad asked as Neo lay down again on dad's back.
I calmed myself down for a few seconds then said. "That JacqueASS, slandering grand uncle Nick's company." Are we continuing? I asked myself.
"Ohh yeah... That...Ass used the crisis and Vacuo's trust in uncle Nick to obtain the right to mine in Vacuo's mining location by signing a biased Origin Contract. That shouldn't be possible due to the Life Contract sign before. A life contract can't be violated, or else the violator will live a life worse than death, nor can it be voided, or at least that's how it was known to be. Turn's out it will be void if one of the people who signs the contract's whole bloodline got obsolete. Origin Contract is what Life Contract was known to be, an unvoidable contract. Also, there is no way to remedy the situation even we can stop them now,
That's the start of Schnee Dust Company's monopoly over Dust products and also the fall of their company's soul. Luckily your granduncle owes us for saving him, and we used that to own a part of the Schnee Dust company property here in Vacuo. With the help of Vacuo's locals and shade academy, we were able to relocate Vacuo and turn it into a trading hub for craftsmanship and a tourist destination. As it's the safest kingdom in the whole Remnant. Well, that's it for today, kiddo."
"Finally", I sigh.
"Now the princess was asleep. Let's go to business. Let's train." Dad put down Neo.
"Wait, what!?" I thought climbing this rock formation is the training. My body is still aching all over.
"Of course, you think we got up here to just look at a view?" Ignoring that, we climb this rock pillar in haste.
"Yeah, that makes sense," I said as I enter my fighting stance. Even if I thought I reach my limit. It happens before, but I was wrong, so I did not complain.
"There's no need for that. I will teach some useful techniques," dad walks closer to the edge.
Excited, I listened carefully. Ok... thank you, I thought.
"First, jump down." Dad stares at me.
"Huh?"
"Jump down," dad repeated, then points his finger down the edge.
I looked down from the edge dad was pointing at the haystack on top of another rock mountain. Still, it's around 50 meters drop.
"gulp... Is that even possible? You haven't even opened my Aura." I said.
"No worries, you don't need Aura to do this technique. You think I let you kill yourself. Just copy me and be free," dad stands straight, spreads his arms, then jumps gracefully like a flying eagle. He flipped at the last moment landing on his back directly to the haystack. Dad stayed inside the haystack for a few seconds before going out.
"NOW YOUR TURN! REMBER TO BE FREE FROM EVERYTHING!" Dad shouted.
It looks so awesome, but when it's my turn. The distance between me and the haystack seems to be higher than 100 meters. I felt scared because even in my dreams. Nobody can jump this high without external help, but somehow I felt so relaxed when I spread my arms. I closed my eyes, then jumped and flipped early. As I fall, I'm somehow aware of my surroundings without feeling anything but comfort. I don't feel the air going against my body, which I should felt when I fall from high places. It's bizarre because It's like I'm looking at myself in the eyes of others, and in a second, I will hit the ground beside the haystack. Wait, wh—!?
"Ahh, that hurts!" I screamed.
"Kiddo, stop with your overacting. You loosed focus on the last moment, so it won't hurt much." My dad argued. "I think?" he whispered.
"Huh... You're right. It doesn't hurt much," I spin in place to check if something is wrong with my body.
"You nearly did it perfectly. You can take my kill— I mean my battle intent a while ago. No worries, kiddo, you can't perform a leap of faith perfectly once. Even talented people must keep practicing to perform a leap of faith perfectly." Dad tries to console me.
"They call me talented, but it took me few hours to calm down and few days to perform, leap of faith on 10 meters high within a
controlled environment, but this brat did it in the wild, 5 times higher, and most of all he's half my age. Ohh, my self-esteemed," dad whispered sadly.
"Dad, you know I heard that, right?" I said.
"Don't listen when adults are talking," dad scolded.
I was about to complain that he's alone, but a loud wail can be heard echoing.
"Oh no! Neo's waking up." I jump to the rocky mountain I jumped down from then climbed at my fastest speed.
"Aaaaah! Aaaahh!" Neo's crying loudly.
I hurriedly ran towards Neo. I hugged her. "Don't cry, Neo. We didn't abandon you. Dad and I are just training. So stop crying, ok?" She nodded, then stop crying.
"You're spoiling her too much, kiddo," dad said.
"And you're making her cry multiple times," I argued back.
"HUH! No, I did not," he answered back.
"Yes, you did." Neo nodded.
"What? I'm just setting up our zipline. So how did I make her cry? Hurry up, you two, let's go to Vacuo and eat lunch. I'm hungry." Dad ordered.
At Vacuo, in our hotel room.
"Neo's asleep again. Well, her nap got interrupted, and she enjoyed that zipline," I looked at Neo as her tummy was bulging like humps.
"Later this afternoon, I have some meeting with Vacuo's Counselors. Just stay here at the hotel, I'll be back before dinner," dad said.
"Ok, by the way, what were you about to teach me again? You said techniques, not technique," I said.
"Ohh, that. I was supposed to teach you to activate your Vision, but you already achieve advanced Vision. It's like a sixth sense, dormant to everyone. History stated it's in the genetics, but one scientist within the brotherhood discovered that activating Vision enters a state similar to the state when we perform the leap of faith," dad said as he drank his tea.
"Do you mean that if I achieve Vision? It's easier to perform the leap of faith?" I asked seriously.
"Yeah, that too." He continued to drink his tea.
I looked at Neo sleeping, "Then why not teach me that first?" I complained.
"Do the hardest difficulty first so that everything comes after will be easier. Just like what your manga 'My Hunter Academy' said PLUSS ULTRA, right? Besides, that's how I did it" Dad puts down the cup then turns around to leave the room.
"Activating Vision should be harder..." Dad muttered, but I did not hear it.
Show off, I thought. I went to the kitchen to plan what to cook for our dinner.
A few hours later.
"You're hungry, Neo?" Neo nodded.
"Let's eat first then." Neo shook her head.
The door opened,, then uncle Jack entered. "Kids, we're going. We will meet each other at the harbor. Sora equipped your tanto." Uncle Jack ordered.
TO BE CONTINUED.