Edit AN: I highly recommend you read this chapter again due to the immense edits I have made to it. Nothing much, just a good chunk of it getting thrown out a window into a lawnmower and replaced with far better reading material and content. Like, seriously, I read through this and realized that Ozpin's cane was floating when he was going to shake Astali's hand. Stupid one year old me is stupid.
Disclaimer-I do not own RWBY, which is owned by the late and great Monty Oum and Rooster Teeth. Only thing I own is my characters and such other unannounced things.
"Know thyself, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories."
4 Sextilis, 3176 PD -C. Astali-
I always wondered why Vale was so loud at night. The sounds of partying was dreadful and almost had the sound of artillery fire. A sound so distant yet so close, I may have thought it to be an everyday noise. But what was so attractive about dancing and yelling about nothing? I was used to moving to the music of an opera, or a waltz. After the numerous dances and banquets during the War, I was used to the sounds of choirs and orchestras. Not computer generated booms and crashes that Vale loved to produce. This newer generation of huntsman and huntresses could see me as an old soldier from an even older time that doesn't understand the appeal, and perhaps I am.
I guess I still wasn't used to the World after the Faunus Rights "Revolution", even if it ended eighteen years ago. After the trails of my crimes against the people of Mantle, which I miraculously got out unpunished, I felt... disconnected and uninformed of the world outside Atlas' slums. Only reliable information I ever got was from Father Verde or my team members. Only thing I cared about during my darker years was to get some veterans back on their feet, or at least the ones that weren't still fighting or hated me.
On both sides after the conflict groups popped up for separation or, even worse, eradication. The White Fang was proof of that, I suppose. But they didn't start fighting against humans until that damn woman in Mistral took control. An unbelievable affair that still caused me to have my more primal moments come out. Why Belladonna stepped down is beyond me, but the fact he didn't see this coming is more appalling. Damn fool deserves an eternity in hell for his ignorance of his fellow leaders. To make matters worse, his own daughter disappears not long after his resignation. Likely joined the new White Fang and got killed by some Atlesian Knights. About as dysfunctional as my family.
"Always remember, my boy, the way to peace for this kingdom is the destruction of her enemies. Promise me that you will bring peace to this world no matter the cost. Will you, my son?"
Those words pushed their way into my mind at the thought of my family, and the many times my father either returned home to announce another medal he got or that he 'discovered' that he had a child with some whore. I was thankfully brought out of my thoughts by a shaking of the Bullhead and the pilot signalling me we had landed. I wasted no time in opening the door and stepping onto the landing pad of Beacon Academy. I observed my surroundings, noticing the garish light of Beacon Tower and the long walkway that lead there. Ozpin was known for his love of taking the time out of people's day. Looking at the buildings preceding the tower, the roofs of them prodding into the sky as if it were the sibling it wanted to annoy. The structures seemed more like the structure of a cultural establishment, something Atlas Academy would never be seen amongst. Another difference that I would have to adjust to.
The air in Vale was different, as well. Compared to the blizzards that plagued Atlas for most of the year, It felt warmer and welcoming. I didn't like it much, it was unnatural to me. I was trained to be at my most prepared and cautious at all times. This… air made me want to puke from its hospitable warmth and the carefree nature it presented. And to think Vale helped beat Atlas in the Great War.
I started fidgeting with my chest plates in the odd environment and attached my sheath to my left breast, making sure Peacemonger was sheathed within. After confirming it was, I started my long, cautious, march towards the doorsteps of the great, if easily weak, structure that was Beacon Academy.
The pathway and its many branching variants were lined with a variety of marble and stone statues, either being made in honor of the huntsman and huntresses, or the ever prevailing idiocy that was the trend of modern 'art'. When I reached the doors leading into the school, I noticed one such piece with two huntsman atop a slab of stone, crushing a Beowolf under its weight. Atlas Academy had a similar piece, but far more graphic and realistic. I still wonder how they had made the stone have a resemblance to blood.
"A lovely piece, isn't it?"
I look back slightly to the man who invited me here walking towards me, his cane clinking against the pavement quietly. The bespectacled man soon stood next to me, his silver hair slightly unsettled by the night's wind.
"Beautiful, actually," I moved towards the piece, my hand reaching out and lightly stroking it. "It is expertly carved and represents, I feel, that the living are a crushing stone, weak to some elements, but can be an overwhelming force to others. But what do I know." I turned back, noticing him observe me with an intrigued eye.
I did the same, noticing the pictures I had seen of him over the ten years of teaching at Atlas were a mirror image of how he looked now. He was wearing a black suit over a black vest and green shirt, with black dress shoes and dark green pants. I found that the scarf and coffee cup was a bit much, but to each his own. It's not my fault if he wanted to be like the current generation.
"You must be Captain Cadec Astali, I had heard many things about you from both James and Layton," He seemed to notice my look of disdain at Ironwood's name and quickly stopped any attempt at insult. "Only good things from them both, I assure you."
I wasn't worried about Layton insulting me, man was far to forgiving to me for what I did. Hell, he would likely forgive a burglar trying to steal something from him if he didn't have Amanda to keep him in check. Ironwood was a different story altogether. That brute of a man was insufferable, stubborn to a resolve and was to forward in assaults. That's not even mentioning how showy he is with his robotics. The man was a dictator veiled under years of Council approval and support from the people. I suppose it also helps to have his own assassin haunting those that he deems a 'threat'.
"Ironwood? Praising me? I would laugh if I knew you weren't joking," Moving to shake his hand, I realized that he didn't have an available hand to shake with. Sheepishly, I lowered it back down and moved a little bit away from the statue. "And it's Colonel now, thank you." That sounded a tad bit rude, but the headmaster showed no sign of being taken aback. Then again, this is the headmaster of Beacon Academy, he likely has a neutral face for everything.
"Interesting, I've never seen anyone rise, fall, and rise again in Atlas' military." Even I must admit it is odd I was promoted again. Especially from such an insignificant thing as leading the Fifth Fire Brigade out of the Third Great Freezing six years ago. But I'm also the man that took the term "warming up the industrial heart" a little to literally in Mantle. I mean, who would have expected the former co-general of the Faunas Suppression Force to ever rise in rank again?
Mentally brushing aside the thoughts of the past, I began fidgeting with my chest plate again. An awful habit that I picked up from my partner during one of my rare missions. His was due to him not liking the armor, mine was due to silence and nothing to do or look at. After an excruciatingly long silence, I broke the quiet atmosphere with the reason I'm here. "So, would you like to discuss this proposal of yours? It was rather interesting to look at."
"I would hope so, it would be displeasing to hear that you weren't coming after what it took to convince the Council about this." He paused and took a small sip from his mug. He than looked at me with what I thought was sympathy for a minute before speaking again. "I had also worried about the hassle that James would give you," Another sip and pause. He turned to look at me fully this time, "There was only one supporter for this offer in the Council, but even he knew this was a gamble."
Someone supports me? In Vale's Council? I wonder how that conversation must of played out in their meeting about this. Poor man must have been very young and naive to do so. No way to help him now, must focus on the current rather than the foolish mistakes made. "James was no problem in the slightest, Headmaster. No hassle at all."
He lifted an eyebrow in an almost unbelieving look, taking a long swig from his cup before speaking. "I hope you are not offended when I say I do not fully believe that. We both know James is far to prying to let something like this be left alone." How observant of you Headmaster to not notice the obvious answer.
"The reason that he was no problem was because I left without his knowledge. He never knew of this arrangement we had set out." His smirk told me he found at least some amusement in that, but his eyes said the very thing we had met here to do. "You do realize that if I were to accept this deal there is a large chance that not only am I going to lose my rank in the military, but that your school will have a large target on it. That and my teaching can be a tad bit... overwhelming and traumatizing for some people to experience. I am a very imposing man after all, but my project also has something to do with that." At that last bit of information his eyes narrowed and his aura seemed to push against mine, the power behind it far greater than I had ever experienced.
The words he spoke told me just how dangerous Ozpin could be if I pushed him to far, "If your so called project endangers my students in anyway or if you bring unneeded threats to this academy, I will not hesitate to evict you from here. Am I understood, Cadec?" The calmness of it all made me blink several times and my brain to quit functioning for a minute. I don't doubt he would go through with his promise to me or even hesitate to kill me if he wanted to. The power from his aura alone...
I quickly collected myself and cleared my throat, "I understand completely, Headmaster. But do not worry, the project is a means for me, and occasionally the students themselves, to know who they are. Nothing more than that." The pressure on my aura subsided, a quiet breath of relief forcing its way out from the most threatening situation I could have possibly had in the last decade of my life. He looked over me with a cautious gaze, before returning to his mask of neutrality. I'll have to learn how to do that when I decide to get the apparatus off. "And, should the need arise, I will call one of my partner to watch. A pair of eyes will help nicely in making sure nothing gets out of hand."
"Excellent, does this mean you accept my offer? As I said, it would be disappointing to have you decline after all the work put into getting this approved." I swore there was some hope in his voice in the beginning, but I could easily be hearing things.
"I will gladly accept, Headmaster. Not only do I get a change in scenery, but I have the added bonus of spiting Ironwood as well. I only see positives in this arrangement." The man had his cane under his arm in seconds, his arm outstretched to shake my hand. With little hesitation, I grasped his hand and shook firmly, the man having a small smile. "Other than you possibly hurting me beyond functionality if I did something wrong, of course."
He chuckled a little, releasing my hand and grabbing his cane again. "Let us hope that it doesn't come to that." He slowly turned and faced the moon, which looked like it was slightly formed, with only a small part of the top being separate from the rest. Mirroring has action, we stood side by side as we looked at the damaged satellite glow its heavenly light. It always reminded me of the better days, before me and my team were split apart by the Revolution. My heart dropped as I remembered the fateful argument that resulted from my joining of the FSF.
Pushing the sadness aside, I decided that it was time for us to finish this meeting between us. "Shall we head to your office to finish our agreement? I would like to get the paperwork done as quickly as possible."
"Agreed, I have to look through all the students before they arrive next week for Initiation." He began walking towards the doors of the tower, followed by me without pause. He slowly came to a halt at the doors and seemed to look around the environment, as if searching for some hidden force. About to question him, he sighed and rubbed his eyes for a second. "Apologies, I had thought I saw something. Likely not enough sleep, on my part. Nothing some coffee couldn't solve." He took a long drink from his mug and smiled in content for a minute, before apologizing again and leading me into the building. What did he think he saw? A spy of some sort? What would one possibly want to achieve from stalking us from a distance, know Ozpin doesn't sleep enough?
Shaking my head, and with a silent chuckle, I continued to an elevator that Ozpin had stepped in. Who would possibly want to know anything from a meeting between a soldier and a headmaster?
-?-
"How peculiar..." I watched from one of my several Seers as it broadcasted the view of its twin. Resting atop my clasped hands, I watched with bored interest as the Colonel and Ozpin entered the tower. The meeting had been unexpected, the only reason I knew of it was the fact that one of my pawns got a hold of the letter that Ozpin, under the alias 'Grun Magier', had written to him. Even then, it took many comparisons to other letters from Ozpin to confirm it was his handwriting. A letter carried by pigeon was genius this day and age, it's easy to have it be lost among the many flocks and murders of birds. Losing sight of the set in the elevator, I snapped my figures for the Grimm to end and go dormant. I turned my chair and beckoned another towards me. Its dome slowly gained the image of someone with a clothe hood covering their head, a singular hole in the right side for them to see. There was no visible sight below the neck, but I had an idea of what was there. One of my pawns. She wasn't there it seemed, sadly.
They bowed before looking at me with subserved longing and complacency. "Where is young Cinder, if I may ask?" There seemed to be a small bit of fear and shame as they averted their gaze from me. Annoyance rose within me as the pawn did not answer. A small, shadow hand slowly lifted the pawns head to look at, panicing as it did so. "Now don't be quiet when asked a question, it's quite rude. Now, tell me where she is."
"The young mistress left to speak to the Torch about... Um... busnis?" The pawn, a female, said in a fearful and hesitant tone. The poor girl must have been a younger one by any indication of the lack of intelligent speech and pitch of voice. I will have a older pawn teach her how to speak civilly. She will do for now, however. "The young mistress said that she will return in... O-o-on... No, one! She said she will return in one hour!" She beamed at the success in finding her ability of memory and counting, while I ignored her pointless excitement.
"I see," That was odd of her to go to Torchwick personally, she despised every moment around him. I still couldn't see the overarching plan for Beacon including him surviving past the Breach we planned for. He was a nice distraction for my and Cinder's acolytes' activities to go unseen, but that was as useful as he was. I will have to convene with Salem to understand his value past the Breach. "Inform her upon her return to see me. I have something of interest to show her." The pawn bowed quickly before I made the Seer dormant.
Turning and facing the previous Seer, a snap brought it back to life and the image showed the distant doorway of the tower, the occupants likely discussing something trivial, such as pay or rules of being a teacher there. Rather dull things. It was going to be a long discussion, most likely, with as much small talk in between all that dullness.
Sighing, I leaned back in my rather comfortable chair and watched and waited as I settled in for another night of observation of the possible threats to the Queen.
Author's Note:
I was very reluctant to start writing for a while until I felt I was in a good enough position to start this little spark of an idea. I am looking forward to any feedback of any kind. Criticism, encouragement, or even a little bit of advice, this is my first story after all.