11 years old

"You know, Rave, I don't see how it's fair that I have to go to Signal."

I was eleven years old... A certified badass of a child... in hand to hand. Still couldn't hold a real sword due to lack of muscle but that will come in the future.

Practising hand-to-hand combat with dad was... Nice? Though he did try to teach me boxing, the keyword "Try", I decided to stick to Muay Tai.

The bird tilted her head in interest.

Over the years, Rave would come to me whenever I was alone. At least I could talk to the bird, Though Zwei wasn't really letting me have a quiet time as much as I would like to.

Zwei was a small dog that Dad brought home two years ago, he was hyperactive and I do not doubt that the original Roy would love him. I love him too, though I doubt he would still be here had I not saved him from yang.

She tried to add dust to his food, still confused about where she found the dust but I never got an answer.

"I mean, they're just kids, wanting to play huntsmen, hell, I bet they will expect the opponent to stop when they surrender."

Rave just stared at me as if to say "You're a kid too" and I just waved it off.

"Semantics. Still, Uncle qrow avoids me and yang like plague and only stays at the house when he has to yet he took up a teaching job? One would think that he hates kids."

She squeaked again and perched on my forearm.

"Can't I just... Idunno, skip signal, I know the history of the kingdoms, the wars, the Grimm, I even learned about the minor conflicts, what can Signal give me that I dont have? Punching bags?"

She didn't respond and pecked the strawberry.

Looking down at my leg, I saw Zwei, snoring away peacefully... Hanging around animals more than I do with actual people says a lot about my social life.

"Sometimes I wish I could be a cloud-"

That got her attention.

"-Not having to care about anything, just go where the wind takes me... and if for some reason im in a bad mood I can just piss off everyone else by making it rain."

I chuckled at the last part getting a slight peck on the hand from the bird. Looking at her with a raised eyebrow, she looked over to the two wooden swords in the corner, I did decide to learn how to use two swords but I doubt I will use two, maybe keep one as a spare but I wouldn't dual wield, at least for now.

Sighing, I move to pick them up and leave the house, These years were not wasted, I learn a lot of things about my fire. It's like an extension of myself, if I dont want it to burn, it won't burn, If I don't want it to set anything on fire, it won't.

though the time it took to achieve that effect was by no means short, a little over a year.

Tightening the grip on my sword, I watch passively as it burst into fire, it didn't burn and turn into ashes as most would expect, it retained its form and held strong... even though it was just wood.

Maybe this isn't the best choice for me... the front guard is restricting me too much and I can't switch to the reverse grip if it is ever needed, I can but it will take too much time.

"Hey, Kiddo! Still practising?"

You know, sometimes, I wish I was reborn as an orphan, but then I realise that I would have no one to practice with me and get me the practice swords. You win some you lose some.

-Unknown POV-

Sabers don't suit him.

I flapped my wings, getting distance from the Xiao Long residence. Transforming back into my human form, I massage my shoulder.

The kid is interesting, ever since I made contact, he hasn't stopped working hard. But that saber is holding him back, his fire is compensating for it, however, if a weapon could be more to his taste it would just push him to higher levels.

Summer created a very terrifying offspring...

("You know raven, if you ever have a child, I call dibs on the godmother position!"

"...Summer, it's the second year of beacon and we have goodwitches class, now is not the time."

"Wanna be the godmother of my children?"

"Fine! Now come on, im not spending time in detention because of you!")

Well... I guess it's time for a present to help my dearest godson.

Opening a red portal in front of me, I walked through, closing it behind me.

-Roy POV-

"You know, this could be considered child abuse."

I block a wooden sword with my own and jump back to avoid a kick.

"Im training you, you asked for it."

Rolling on the ground, I stand up and try to land a hit on my asshole of an uncle.

"If I asked you to stand still, would you?"

He rolled his eyes and blocked my swing, only to redirect it and hit me with the flat side of his practice sword.

Raising an eyebrow, I dashed forward bringing my sword to strike at his left leg, when he tried to block, I jumped up, using my aura to boost myself and try to swing at his head... He caught it.

"Well, at least you're unpredictable."

Grunting, I use the position to my advantage and send my leg right in his face, before it could hit, I was thrown to the side.

"You're tired, work on your stamina."

Gee, thanks.

"And that sword doesn't suit you by the way... Thank god, So I suggest you try something else... Like a scythe!"

"No."

"Aw, come on!"

I stabbed the blade in the ground and stood up, dusting myself off.

I was too tired for this and I have a semblance to train... So much to do.