A/N: Hello! This is a one shot that I came up with, and was approved by my critic friend (At least the concept was). This will be kinda lighthearted, kinda. Set before and during the events of Volume 3, lets go!
Wild Card
Ozpin watched out the window. Staring. Observing. The biggest factors of the day swirling in his head, as the light of the sun turned into orange and red glows. Qrow was late. He has sent his most loyal follower to find the fall maiden, as they had gotten reports of pawns of the queen moving. They were subtle, discreet, but that could not stop Ozpin from seeing through the ploy that Salem tended to play.
Even Ozpin was loosing his patience though when the sun finally slid behind the horizon. He is late. Looking at his watch while still drinking his coffee, he sighed. Very late. A Black bird came swooping down, landing on the railing outside of window, squawking all the while. Ozpin opened the window, but the bird stayed still. It even stopped squawking.
"Get in here Qrow, I have no patience left for your games." The bird jumped into the window and landed somewhere behind him, so Ozpin kept talking as he closed the window and admired the view once again. "I am guessing Qrow that you weren't late because of a side trip or party with Amber. There was trouble wasn't there?"
"Oz, I'm not gonna lie", he heard a ragged voice behind him, "It's bad" Oz heard the top of the Qrow's flask being opened, heard the flow of alcohol the man always had on him since Summer died before the man continued. "Oz I've never doubted you before but letting Amber go traipsing through the country like that, unaccompanied, was the worst plan you've ever had."
Ozpin felt guilt in his gut. He knew Qrow was right. Even with his alcoholic tendencies, Qrow was never a man that felt natural doing nothing. He would often look into matters before being ordered to, often giving credence to Ozpin over his own family. "What was I to do Qrow? Lock her up? She wanted to leave, and as much as I hated to see her put in danger, she could not just stand around doing nothing. She was never one to sit still."
"Still think you could have sent a guard."
"She would have never accepted it. You know this as well as I…. How bad is she?"
"Bad Ozpin, like the dying kind of bad. I know you don't like it, and as much as I hate saying Jimmy was right, in this case he might be. That machine of his might save us here." Ozpin heard the flask come undone again, hearing a large chug that must have drained the flask. "Uh, I can't believe I just said Jim Jam was right...I'm too sober for this"
Ozpin stared down through the window, knowing what must happen but not liking it in the slightest. "Where is she now?"
"I left her in the medical ward with Goodwitch watching over her before I came up. I'm glad Beacon isn't in session right now. Lot less questions that way." Ozpin heard a shuffling behind him and some of the papers on his desk being moved around. "Oh, and I have another question"
Ozpin finally turned around curious as to why his friend would be going through the 'start of term' papers on his desk. What he was met with was curious indeed. Qrow stood over on the other side of the room, leaning against a pillar while looking at a black bird, the same one Ozpin let in earlier.
"I didn't know you had another operative. He looks kinda dumb." While he said this the bird in question got his claws stuck in the papers, tripped over the paperweight, and pushed Ozpin's new computer onto the floor. The bird then squawked again, unfolding his wings, making black feathers fly everywhere. It took flight, still clutching most of the papers that were on his desk.
"Sooo, Oz I don't have time to train the new kid, and I'm outta booze. With a situation like this, there is only one thing for me to do! Find some more, and annoy a Schnee."
Qrow opened the window, getting ready to jump out when the bird in question saw the escape. Diving toward it, the bird managed to scatter the rest of the papers on the desk in every direction. It then went out the window, some of the papers still stuck to its claws. "Hey Oz, he might not be so bad after all. He flies straighter than I do, and he makes it look natural. Good choice." Qrow jumped out the window.
This entire time Ozpin had just been watching like he always does. Once Qrow left he sat down in his chair, taking long sips of the dark gold from his mug. Soon he got a call from Professor Goodwitch. "Ozpin, we were able to get Amber stabilized, but she isn't going to wake up. The doctor says she is in some kind of coma, and her aura is completely depleted."
"Thank you for the update, I'll be down to see her soon."
"Good. When you come down bring those requisition forms I gave you. I think the students coming for orientation will be in for quite a treat, they just need your signatured approval."
Ozpin looked around at all the scattered papers, some with holes in them. Others he knew were still in the claws of the bird, somewhere in Vale. "The paperwork is not necessary, I already know what we are going to do for orientation day"
"You do? Well, okay, if you think you have it. Give me back the papers then and I will cancel the preparations"
She had called his bluff, hadn't she? "Another unnecessary step, so they were destroyed"
"Ozpin! What do you mean destroyed!"
"I blame Qrow?" He said it in a way that made sure she knew it was a question, but also a plea for mercy. From her end of the line he suddenly heard the loud, angry taps of her pointed heels against the floor.
"I will be up in two minutes. Be prepared to explain yourself"
Ozpin once again looked around the room. The scratch marks, destroyed papers, destroyed top-of-the-line dust computer, feathers everywhere. He sighed, stood up and looked out the window once more.
Goodbye view. I hope to see you again, in my next life.
"ITS MORNING! ITS MORNING! WAKE UP IT'S MORNING!"
I looked at the green clothed slice of handsome that I was totally not together-together with...yet. He was always with me, taking care of me, being the stoic hero he was. We went about our daily prep as we always did, with him being quick and efficient, and then there's me, just trying to get him to notice me. "Oh! We need some sort of code! Do you know how to imitate a sloth?"
"I don't think sloths make sounds too much"
"That's why it's perfect!"
And just like that, we were off to initiation. I though I was gonna cry when they said the teammates were decided by the first person you see, but I left that to the smaller girl and the scraggly blond downwind. I mean honestly, the headmaster is about to launch us, literally launch us, into our future loved ones! No one else can have him!
I flew off, using my trusty hammer to guide myself in the direction of my love. Maybe he'll see me as his partner if we're partners~. It was an intriguing thought, and honestly I was a patient woman. I have loved him for years. YEARS! Yet he sees me only as his 'good friend'. He's never even made a move on me, which is unacceptable given the circumstances!
I hopped off my trusty hammer onto the nearest tree, watching down below as Ren finished off a King Taiju without even breaking a sweat. Now that's a man. I did our call and hung upside down on the branch, making sure to make eye contact with him.
"I still don't think that's what a sloth sounds like"
Its been a couple of days since initiation. Ren and I passed of course, bonded as a team and partners. There was never a doubt in my mind that we would pass. Currently, Mrs. Goodwitch was directing our fearless leader against the forces of darkness.
He dodged a strike coming from the side, and took another on his shield. The large man pulled up him mace and whacked Jaune to the other side of the ring. A buzzer went off and Ms. Goodwitch stepped up."As you can see Mr. Arcs aura is in the red. In a tournament this would mean the end of the match. Mr Arc I need you to watch your aura levels on your scroll and know when to defend and attack accordingly" Our fearless leader looked down, crestfallen. He did not do well, but he is our leader! I bet he's just goin easy on that guy.
"We have time for two more matches. Especially if they are as short as that one" She looked at her tablet and scrunched up her nose. "What about….Nora Valkyrie and Yang Xio-Long"
I got up from my seat, a little nervously, though I didn't show it. Ren must have noticed though, of course he would since we've been together so long. He grabbed my hand, my heart did a back flip. He looked me in the eyes, giving me one of his small smiles that makes my heart melt "Do your best"
I smiled, "Dahw Renny! You always know just what to say!" I enveloped him in a bear hug that pushed his head into my chest, loving his warmth. I looked up to see Yang smirking at me from where her team sat.
"Today Ms. Valkyrie"
"Sorry Ms. Goodwitch" I ran out of the seats, leaving Ren's warmth to grab my hammer from my weapons locker. As I grabbed it, I heard a voice next to me.
"So, green boy is it? He's so quiet, but I remember him from initiation" Yang stood with a grin that screamed all kinds of mischief.
"We're not together-together" I said with a slight blush on my cheeks.
She put her arms under he chest, a slight smirk on her face "Is that right? Then you wouldn't mind if I give him a shot?"
Sensors went off in my head. I saw stars float about, and I sear I heard several tiny me's in my head scream. I had to respond, but I was frozen still. Did she like him? I mean of course she liked him, what's not to like about him? I need to respond…. "Uh" It was all I could get out. Words escaped me, leaving me empty.
She saw something she liked in my expression. Her smirk got wider "That's not a no, so I'm gonna try it" She turned, opened a locker and slid metal gauntlets over her wrists before walking back towards the door leading out of the locker room. "You might want to hurry or Goodwitch will get mad"
I grabbed my hammer and looked down. There's no way this was happening. I have been with him far too long, but what does she have that I don't? Nothing that's what! Ren will notice me and until he does everything will stay the same. Normal, she's just teasing me.
I walked onto the stage, my confidence back when I looked over seeing Renny, his eyes drifting over me as if to say 'you've got this'. He's always had this calming effect on me, his eyes piercing my very soul.
Yang walked on stage after waving at her sister who somehow had a 'Go Yang!' flag, hat, and shirt on, while the other two just offered the occasional head nod. There was a small voice inside her head while she looked at her opponent.
See, she's harmless, you were afraid but she was obviously just teasing you.
Yang looked over where she stood and gave another smirk before looking back at the audience, specifically at one green-wearing-pink-eyed boy. The boy noticed this and looked back at Yang. Yang gave a wink and blew a kiss in his direction.
Bitch has to die! Break her legs!
Well that was a fast change, but the voice in her head drowned out everything else.
Ozpin has had a very long day. Paperwork was always killer, even outside of the school year. Since the school year started he thought that a vacation from paperwork might come, tunes out when you bring a bunch of hormonal teenagers to one place sparks fly….sometimes literally. That brought him to his current predicament, reading over a students file while said student sat in a chair in front of his desk. She seemed to be humming a tune as she swung her feet back and forth, like she hadn't a care in the world.
"And you have no idea why you're here?" Ozpin said
"Am I getting a reward!? Best fight in the history of Beacon!"
"No" he deadpanned, "You attacked another student with your weapon, destroyed an entire classroom, and Ms. Goodwitch had to stop you by layering her semblance over you three-fold!"
"So, no reward? Fine I want Renny!"
"Is that all you have to say for yourself?"
"I'll take the punishment you give me, just as long as I get to be with Renny"
Hormonal teens! I am glad I never have to go through teenage years again. He looked over at his deputy, who had not said anything, but seemed to be glaring daggers at the student. At least they're not pointed at me this time. If looks could kill.
He sighed. "The damage was not bad enough that Ms. Goodwitch could not fix it, and has already done so. The student you attacked also did not suffer major damage as it seems her aura and semblance took most of the blows" He looked back at the girl. It honestly looked like she could care less, still humming her tune while kicking her legs. "You will have counseling sessions with Doctor Oobleck, and detentions with Ms. Goodwitch."
The student seemed to grimace at the thought. "There's no other way?"
"I also expect a hand-written letter of apology to Miss Xio-Long for attacking her"
She didn't seem to like that idea either.
"Look, while this is a huntsman school and it looks like we encourage violence, we also encourage responsibility and comiradery towards each other. Today she may look like an enemy, but tomorrow she may be the one watching your back against grimm. I've seen too many fall due to arogance, being alone. Think on this before you apologize"
The student got up from her chair, looking like she finally understood the severity of the situation. "I understand what you mean professor, I've lost people as well" She moved over to the door to the elevator and clicked the button, "But there is one thing you have wrong professor, I'm never alone because Ren is always by my side, protecting me!" The elevator opened up and she jumped in spinning and smiling before looking back at Ozpin. "And I won't loose him to her"
The doors shut, Ozpin and Glynda being left in silence, both hearing the cheer in the girls voice, and the determination in her last words.
"Well I think that went well"
Glynda now shot him daggers while he sipped his coffee.
He looked back down at her records. Nora Valkyrie. 17 years old, never seen without the accompaniment ofone Lie Ren. Always someone watching your back huh? Interesting.
"I hate it when you get that look"
"Oh Glynda, What ever could you mean?"
"No, no, no, and Hell no"
"Listen Qrow, I know it doesn't seem the best idea, but we are running out of time. Amber is not going to last much longer, even with the life support the pod is giving her. We need a plan"
"And this is what you came up with? Honestly I've heard more sane plans from Jimmy. Jimmy Ozpin!"
"As much as I dislike the wording of what he says, I have to agree with him. This is not a good plan Oz" Ironwood turned to Qrow, "And that's general to you"
"Right whatever Jimster" Qrow said while taking another drink from his flask.
"And can you tone down the booze? I heard specialist Winter put a restraining order against you after a 'drunken oaf broke into her bathroom while she was in the shower', her words not mine"
"Honest mistake. I needed to go, and hers was the closest one"
"Witnesses say differently. I could have you arrested just due to your proximity to her in your little scuffle in the courtyard"
"Just try it" the challenge was issued.
Both felt a great weight push them down, pushing Ironwood to one knee and completely knocking Qrow, who was unprepared for it, to the ground. Both looked over to see the furious face of Glynda Goodwitch. "Ironwood, behave yourself! You came here to have diplomatic talks, not start a fight!"
"Someone's in trouble" Qrow said with a smirk, which stopped when he felt the pressure increase on his back, Glynda's icy glare sliding over to him.
"And you. We will have to talk later about your drinking and….excursions"
Qrow saw Ironwood stand back up, no longer fighting just to stay on one knee, but the pressure on him didn't let up, keeping him pinned face-down on the ground.
"As I was saying before" Ozpin continued, "Amber had many problems, one being she was always alone and therefor vulnerable. This girl is different"
"She may have her team Ozpin, but she is still only a first year student. What makes you think her team could do what what my robot protection could not? Plus I don't even think she is even suitable for being the maiden"
"Jimmy your robots suck!—ow ow ow"
"While you may have concerns with my plan, let me assure you there is one thing that sets her apart from others. Her love"
"Some would say obsession-OW, please stop!"
Glynda looked at Ozpin questioning as well. "This is a school full of teenagers, love comes and goes as fast as lightning"
"Not that its helped you any—OW, Glynda! The glass is breaking! Glynda!"
Ozpin sipped his coffee, paying the man no mind. "This man she is with has been with her since they were kids. He knows her, and will stay by her side through it all. Over this past semester I've observed them both and never have those two been apart for long, and they fight in complete synchronicity"
"Even so, this student acts like a berserker. Why should she be the one to inherit the powers? I heard that she attacked a student, destroyed a classroom, and felt no remorse for doing so"
"My niece! OW!" A cracking noise got louder, and Qrow started grunting with effort, trying to move away from it unsuccessfully.
Ozpin stood up, walking around room, staying clear of the cracking portion before stopping and looking out the far window. "Sometimes life is straight forward. Everything can be changed though by one event. One rouge element though, one wildcard that the enemy cannot plan for can be the difference between success and defeat. I believe her to be this wildcard"
Ironwood sighed, "You're going to do it no matter what I say, aren't you?"
"Perceptive aren't you. Yes" Ozpin turned to Glynda, "What do you think?"
"If you think you can control he more...unusual tendencies, I think she would make a great asset. The first good asset we've had in years..."
Ozpin then looked at the only one left. "Qrow anything to say?"
Said man was sprawled out as far as possible, trying not to put weight on the cracks, with his face still on the floor. "Its a bad idea Oz, that's all I have to say" The pressure seemed to to subside a little, "Maybe she could help someone in finding a boyfriend-"
The pressure came back in force, breaking the already cracked floor, throwing Qrow down into one of the large clock wheels, flaring his aura before throwing him down towards the buildings below at a fast speed.
Ozpin sipped his coffee, "So we are all in agreement, then I will make the necessary arrangements"
A/N: This is part 1. I've found that after a while I get bored of writing the same story and want to write something different, so I am. Part 2 will be out sometime later next week with the next chapter of Wilt and Blush. Before then there may be other stories coming out depending on family matters.
Until next time! Read and Review!