I'm really sorry this took as long as it did. Life has been chaotic recently with shifting work times and painfully slow processes. Add in the BO3 release of DLC 4 and you get major distraction.
Thank you to those who have reviewed and expressed support, as well as those who follow this story. Here is a slightly longer chapter! Enjoy!
Blake
Faunus are most well known for their animal traits and heightened senses, the latter of which has proven crucial in the successes my kind has achieved over the years. Although major victories and achievements can be inspiring and encouraging to me, it's the smaller events that I catch with my enhanced senses which I'm truly proud of. In this case, my hearing and night vision stirred me from my sleep as soft blue light and a quiet voice reached me. With tired eyes I peered from my bed at the blue light that came from the device, the cuboid journal that Corlena used. On her mattress in the corner I saw Corlena speaking with a hushed voice into the device. It seemed a little hypocritical of me to pry into Corlena's secrets when I tried so hard to hide my own, but I could not help myself from straining my hearing to listen. Eavesdropping in the snuggled up position that I slept in was no easy task, but I quickly tuned into Corlena's words.
"… I had a dream. Not a nightmare, a dream!" Corlena sounded both excited and a little sad, which confused me. "I was back at the temple not long after the Battle of Christophsis. Jasper, my oldest friend, and I were discussing becoming Padawans." More names and titles I did not understand sat in the forefront of my mind as Corlena spoke. A heartfelt chuckle escaped Corlena, a side of the mature guardian that no one else had seen as far as I knew. "We were so different back then. Still eager and childish." Another mood swing and Corlena now muttered sadly. "The Clone War changed us a little, but it was what happened at its end that destroyed the children within us. I'm not even sure Jasper survived, and I know my master did not." The more I listened, the more my mind began to tear with conflicting ideas. Corlena had seen war, yet there had never been a war since the Faunus Rights Revolution and the Great War. None of what she was saying made sense to me.
"Either way I must not dwell on the past… something has happened that affects my future." At that moment I refocused on Corlena's words, forgetting the information I had just learnt for now. "Not long after my last entry I was visited by four girls, students to be exact. Their headmaster had sent them to me in hopes of recruiting me. Part way through our discussion I left to deal with a small pack of Grimm stalking around Wilderock, only to return to them listening to the entry I had just made." I recalled Corlena's reaction to us listening to her journal, a little ashamed at being caught snooping where we shouldn't have been. "To those who do not understand the implications. It means that at least one of the four is Force sensitive. Which leaves me with a choice; should I train the one, or leave them unaware of their gift?"
Gift? Training? Force sensitive? My mind was a mess of questions that stoked a now raging fire of curiosity.
"I must take one step at a time. My answer for Headmaster Ozpin requires further contemplation and I still need to discover which of the four is capable. Now I have to go before they wake. May the Force be with us all." The ethereal light of Corlena's journal faded, followed by the soft clicking of the device locking. On the closing of the journal I wrapped myself deeper into my sheets, pretending to be deeply asleep. Everything I heard battered my mind all at once; I could not make any sense of the information. That was the least of my worries though.
"You do realise wrapping yourself up like that only makes you more inconspicuous." Her voice was only a whisper, but I seized up in shock like Ruby had used her whistle near my ear. An amused chuckle came from behind me as I turned slowly in my bed to meet Corlena's gaze. Surprisingly she did not seem mad, which baffled me.
"I'm sorry… I didn't intend to eavesdrop." I said quietly.
"Please don't lie." Responded Corlena with a slight frown. "You're naturally curious about me, aren't you?"
Sitting up, I bowed my head. "Y-yes."
"I'll explain all that is needed in time. Perhaps you could give me a tour in exchange?"
"A…tour?"
"Yes. I have another meeting with Headmaster Ozpin this afternoon, so I have time to spare." Corlena elaborated. "Consider it an exchange for eavesdropping."
I was about to accept the deal when I heard and felt a deep rumbling from my gut. My face flushed with embarrassment as I grabbed my stomach.
"Perhaps breakfast first would be best." Noted Corlena with a smirk.
Sun
Beacon definitely had better facilities than Mistral. My team had gotten some serious training done in the combat halls that were placed about the campus. Come the Vytal Festival I wouldn't be surprised if we got to the finals. Right now Sage and Scarlet were sparring in the arena. Sage lacked any ranged capability with only a great sword compared to Scarlet's pistol and cutlass, but the cutlass couldn't stand up with Sage's sword blade to blade. Scarlet resorted to hit-and-run tactics, deflecting Sage's attacks slightly and taking shots at the darkly tanned teen. Both guys were pretty skilled and great when working together, knowing their flaws and strengths by heart, meaning they were pretty much even against each other. Watching them trade back and forth meant my mind wandered while I waited. Mainly my thoughts drifted to Blake and her cool yet caring demeanour that I liked about her. This reminded me, her team was back yesterday and we hadn't even welcomed them back. Deep in thought, it took me a while to notice the constant tapping on my left shoulder. My best buddy Neptune sat there poking me, trying to get my attention.
"Remnant to Sun. You in there, man?" Neptune asked.
"Hmm? Yeah, yeah. Just thinking man. What's up?"
"You gonna ignore our guests?" Asked Neptune, pointing over his shoulder with his thumb. I followed his thumb to see Blake and a cloaked blonde girl stood behind her.
"Oh hey!" I shouted across the arena, which caught Scarlet and Sage's attention too. Quickly I turned to Neptune, who was staring at the blonde all too familiarly. "Ice Queen will freeze you over if you keep staring, buddy."
"Hey, can't a man appreciate a good-looking woman?" Neptune protested casually as the two girls approached.
"Not as much when he's so close to Weiss Schnee." I answered back with a grin.
"I get it!" Neptune conceded with raised hands, smoothly sliding them into his jacket pockets afterwards. "Sup Blake." He greeted.
"Hey Blake, how was the mission?" I asked. Blake gave a warm smile, more common now than when I first met her, but still a good sign.
"A success. Corlena here is actually the one we went to find." Blake answered with a one-handed gesture to her cloaked companion.
"Nice to meet you, Mister?" The blonde asked with an extended hand.
"I'm Sun." I shook her hand and introduced my team. "Mr Smooth next to me is Neptune. Then we have Sage and Scarlet in the arena. Together we're Team SSSN."
"A pleasure." She replied with a smile. Neptune took this opportunity to step forward.
"So uh… if you don't mind me asking. Why were you brought here?" I rolled my eyes at how obvious the answer was. At least he wasn't trying to hit on the girl though.
"Here? Do you mean this room, or Beacon?"
Neptune clarified. "I meant Beacon, but I guess you can answer both."
"Ozpin had heard of my reputation and sent Team RWBY to find me." Explained Corlena calmly. "As for this room, Blake was giving me a tour."
"Isn't that more Ruby's thing?" I asked Blake.
Blake shrugged her shoulders. "I was the only one awake so I accepted her request for a tour."
"Then you can train with us for a bit right?" Scarlet shouted across the arena. "We can only learn so much from fighting each other." Blake immediately looked to Corlena, who I noticed seemed a little uncomfortable.
"The offer is appreciated but… my weapon is not exactly designed for sparring." She declared almost apologetically.
"What weapon do you use exactly?" Asked Sage as he joined us.
"A sword, of sorts. Although I have trained to dual-wield and fight with staves." On her last word I drew Ruyi Bang and Jingu Bang, extending it into its Bo staff form.
"Try with mine then. I don't mind." I presented my weapon to Corlena, which she took carefully. "Just be careful of the mecha-shift; it doubles as nunchucks."
Corlena slowly unclasped her cloak, draping it over a nearby seat in the stands. Immediately I took in the strange robes she wore. A simple white tunic flowed to her knees, with a modest under-tunic. At the waist was a brown leather belt which snugly fit to her slim form. Matching leggings and brown boots covered her legs. All in all it gave a slightly mystical look which raised eyebrows among the guys and Blake. I also noticed the metal and brown leather cylinder attached to her belt, which seemed suspiciously like a weapon. Knowing all the crazy designs that some people could fit into smaller objects, my hunch was probably right. Stepping onto the arena floor, Corlena turned to us.
"So who am I sparring with?" She asked, flourishing my staff like she had wielded it for years. Neptune confidently stepped up to the challenge. Drawing his rifle slowly from his back, I watched as Neptune flourished his own weapon like an idiot, ever trying to impress the ladies. Switching it into his guandao, Neptune dropped low to signify he was ready to fight. Corlena's entire attitude was different. Holding the staff by its centre, she levelled her hands with her head and closed her eyes. After a brief moment of quiet she opened her eyes and deftly twirled the staff until her left hand held it out in front of her. Neptune appeared both hesitant and eager against Corlena, and I don't blame him. The way Corlena wielded my weapon surprised all of us. Tense silence filled the arena, excluding the light hum of Neptune's guandao.
"3. 2. 1. Begin!" I declared.
Neptune leapt forward, jabbing at Corlena with greater range. This opening attack was redirected as Corlena made a two-handed sweep at Neptune's blade. My best buddy seemed off balance and open for a strike, but he drove his blade into the ground and vaulted over Corlena. Now behind his opponent, I was sure Neptune would land a solid hit to Corlena. How wrong I was. Neptune slashed again, this time at Corlena's exposed back. Yet without turning more than ninety degrees, Corlena placed the staff between her back and the blade. Neptune was stunned by her reaction speed, backpedalling as the blonde attacked with both ends of my staff barraging either side of him. Unsuited for this close style of combat, Neptune found himself on the end of a few hits to the ribs and one to the face. Something seemed off about the hits though, since Neptune only stumbled around rather than get floored.
Caressing his face Neptune spoke to Corlena. "I don't mean to sound sexist but… you hit even weaker than a girl."
"Aura shields you from this type of weaponry. If I fought with mine, you would be dead on the first hit." Declared Corlena emotionlessly.
"I doubt it." Spat Neptune cockily, shifting back to his rifle and firing some blasts at Corlena. Again all of us were surprised when Corlena casually deflected the blasts with my weapon.
"If you are still confident, I will hit harder then." With pace Corlena charged Neptune, vaulting and spinning through the energy being blasted her way. A quick shift and the two locked their weapons together, Neptune using his height advantage to push down on Corlena. I focused more strongly on Corlena's actions though, the girl hooking a leg inside Neptune's and sweeping him of his feet. Watching Neptune slam into the ground looked painful, especially when Corlena followed up by driving my staff into his gut. I felt bad for Neptune since Corlena appeared on par with Pyrrha in skill. Being the good pal I was, I decided to even the playing field, or so I thought.
"Corlena! How about Scarlet and Neptune both fight you?" Corlena pondered my suggestion and nodded, removing the staff from Neptune's gut and striding into the centre of the arena. With a long groan, Neptune got to his feet with a little help from Scarlet. I considered his condition karma for all his flirting. Both my friends readied themselves, opting to start out with their ranged weapons. This put Corlena at a severe disadvantage, even if she could deflect the shots, she couldn't keep up with all of them.
I turned to Blake for insight. "So uh… what exactly is Corlena's rep?"
"Defending an outlands village from Grimm for three years." Blake listed, more focused on the duel in progress.
"Impressive."
"By herself." Finished Blake nonchalantly.
"What?!" I sputtered. "How?!"
"My guess is it has to do with that weapon of hers. And whatever training she went through." Blake explained, her amber eyes intently watching the blonde fighter.
Returning my eyes to the fight, I could see Corlena had some serious experience. Deliberately she chose which projectiles to dodge, and which to deflect. Some shots even scraped past the ones who fired them. Scarlet was visibly worried, while Neptune fired with determination. Then the most surprising thing so far happened. Enough of a gap was left in the barrage of Dust rounds that Corlena dropped my weapon and extended her hands outward. Scarlet and Neptune were sent sprawling backwards by unseen forces. Corlena then charged unarmed, reaching out behind her to lift my staff into her right hand.
"Telekinesis?!" I stated in surprise. "I thought only Goodwitch had that Semblance."
"I guess not." Blake said with most of her attention on the fight. "One difference is that the Professor's telekinesis doesn't work on Aura shielded people. So why can hers?"
Overall I was stumped on who Corlena was. I looked to Sage for his opinion, but he was completely absorbed by the fight. All I knew was that Neptune and Scarlet were gonna have a bad time. Working together, my teammates flanked either side of Corlena. I noted how the way Corlena wielded a staff made it easy for her to defend on two fronts. Her blocks were strong yet elegant, moving from side to side to keep the two at bay. Occasionally Corlena was forced to deflect a back blow, or ended up in a weapon lock. Every time this happened, she had an escape planned, a manoeuvre to use Scarlet and Neptune's attacks against them. Only once did I see Corlena get hit; when she leapt over a low swipe by Scarlet, Neptune followed up and landed an attack with the base of his guandao to her side. Corlena went sprawling, the Aura boosted strength of Neptune hitting hard. In that moment I realised that Corlena had no Aura, so she had been lucky that Neptune had used a blunt end.
Each side recovered slowly, Scarlet and Neptune catching their breath and rubbing their aching bruises. Corlena, on the other hand, rose to her feet carefully. Stumbling and regaining balance, Corlena then sunk to her knees. At first it looked like defeat, my friends high-fiving each other in apparent victory. Then I looked closer and saw that it was meditation, not surrender. My instinct cried to me that Corlena was getting serious, and I followed up on my instinct.
"Guys, she's not beat! She's building up strength by meditating!" I shouted from the seats, both my teammates looking at me like I was mad.
"In the middle of a battle? That makes no sense." Scarlet questioned my logic.
"Just brace up!" I ordered. The order came too late. Both had dropped their guards and Corlena had seized the opportunity. Still kneeling down, I watched her extend her right hand out towards Neptune. Quickly my best friend rose off the ground, crying out in panic. The panic escalated as Corlena flicked her hand to the side, flinging a wailing Neptune into the seats and out of the sparring match. Scarlet stood dumbfounded throughout the whole ordeal, only acting once Neptune had sailed through the air. A single shot echoed from his pistol, soaring towards Corlena and… stopping. Everyone (minus a disoriented Neptune) gawked as the Dust round hovered inches from Corlena's extended hand. Rotating her hand to palm upwards, the round dropped softly into her hand. Raising her left hand from her lap, my weapon followed suit. Another flick and Scarlet met one end of my weapon in a rather sensitive area. Immediately Sage and I covered our jewels in reflex and pity for Scarlet.
"Ooh." We both chimed as we watched Scarlet squeak in pain and drop to the floor.
Corlena opened her eyes and blinked a few times, taking in what she had accomplished. Quickly she ran to Scarlet's side to check on him, I could see the panic on her face as she knelt down to check on our team's pirate.
"I'm so sorry. I did not intend to aim there!" Apologised Corlena, unsure what to do.
"It's… ok just… give me a minute." Scarlet managed to squeeze out through pained breaths as I climbed up onto the arena and joined them. Not one of us checked on Neptune because honestly, he got the better deal.
After I was sure Scarlet was alright, I couldn't help but praise Corlena's skill. "I get why Ozpin wants you here. You beat two Huntsmen-in-training without your own weapon or Aura. That's awesome!" Corlena smiled at me appreciatively, standing up while responding.
"Thank you. Your friends are skilled as well, especially when- AAHHH!" I caught Corlena as she dropped, her hands clutching the side that Neptune had hit.
"We should get that checked." I asserted my opinion, but Corlena stood slowly and shrugged it off.
"No, nothing feels broken so I will just let it heal." Corlena then lowered herself off the arena floor, placing herself in a seat while I helped Scarlet up with Blake's help. Sage had climbed through the seats to retrieve Neptune. Looking everyone around the arena now, it was a mess of injured and bewildered students. Despite how bad it looked, I couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous we looked. Soon I heard Neptune laughing too, followed by Sage and a weak Scarlet. Blake joined in softly, her laugh being something that made me love her even more. I looked at Corlena, who was smiling a little less than us, but smiling nonetheless. Deep down, I wished that every day could be as fun as these.
?
The disturbance was faint, distant, but strong at the same time. Rarely did I feel a shift in the Force. All at once I was concerned, intrigued and eager. Wielders of the Force rarely showed themselves, and if they did it was usually a child who knew not their own power. Three years had passed since I abandoned my previous life, and I regret nothing I did on that day. I survived, grew strong, and now do far more for the galaxy than I ever did at the Temple. As much as I relished the chance to fight a Jedi once more, I still held to my teachings of patience. Opening my eyes, my quarters inside the Imperial Palace melded into reality. Plain and militaristic, it allowed me to forgo the luxuries of life and focus on the Force. Breathing in the air deeply gave my body time to awaken from my deep meditation. Light knocking on my door stirred my senses into fully activity.
"Enter." I stated with my back to the door. The footsteps were heavy, revealing the identity of my visitor amongst the list of possibilities. "Greetings, Fifth Brother."
"Good day, sir." Greeted the large Inquisitor.
"What news do you have for me?" Only important news allowed for someone to disturb me in my chambers.
"Our youngest recruits have returned from their training on Mustafar." Elaborated the Fifth Brother.
"All of them?" Our training was brutal, intending to bring out the hate, anger and fear in our Inquisitors. With these emotions, we could fuel the power the Dark Side brought to us.
I felt the disapproval seeping off the Fifth Brother as he spoke. "One allowed weakness to consume her and fell into the lava. Two returned strong."
"A pity, such skill and connection in the Force takes years to nurture."
"Sir, will they be joining the Inquisitorius?"
"Yes. Their training is complete. Only real experience will advance their skill." Pushing up onto my feet with one leg, I placed both hands behind my back and turned to the large humanoid decked in Inquisitor armour. "Conveniently, I will have an assignment for them upon initiation."
The large Inquisitor cocked his head slightly. "An assignment?"
"Yes. I am surprised you did not feel the disturbance." The Fifth Brother had always been more attuned to the Force than his brethren.
"A Jedi?" Guessed the Inquisitor correctly.
"Perhaps. What I felt was distant, beyond the Outer Rim. I'd rather send fresh recruits that far out than risk losing more experienced Inquisitors on a journey they may not be able to return from." As I spoke, I beckoned the Inquisitor to follow me and walk the halls of what was once the Jedi Temple. Whenever I walked these halls, memories of a man I no longer was flooded my mind. I took pride in my previous service, but my current profession was of greater significance. Ascending to the remains of what was once the Council Room, I felt the Force strongly inhabit the air. Many great wielders of the galaxy's greatest gift had sat upon the now absent chairs, presiding over the Order which sadly fell to arrogance and complacency.
Upon my arrival at the centre of the room I swivelled on my heels to face the entrance. Beside me the Fifth Brother observed the recruits who proudly approached our ceremonial hall. Dressed in our black and grey Inquisitorial armour and covering their faces with pointed helms and faceplates, they knelt before me. The female was tall and lean, just under my two meters in height. The male was smaller but possessed a broader frame. With both respectfully knelt in front of me, I began my speech.
"You have trained and forged yourself anew in the power of the Dark Side. Years of preparation has made you powerful. Hatred is your ally. Fear is your weapon. Without these you are nothing. Seek the Light so we may purge it from this galaxy."
Igniting my red blade and carefully placing it over each shoulder inducted the first into our order.
"Rise, Eighth Sister of the Inquisitorius." She rose before me with a dark smile I could sense beneath her faceplate. I took two slow, deliberate paces to the second recruit and repeated my action.
"Rise, Seventh Brother of the Inquisitorius." He rose more composed beneath his mask, but hateful determination leaked from his form. Formalities done with, I turned my attention to the Fifth Brother.
"Brother. See that a ship is prepared with full supplies for these two and a small contingent of troopers." A snap of the heels and a short bow was all I needed to know my instruction would be done. Naturally content with the compliance of my fellow Inquisitor, my attention returned to the newest of our order. An elongated hiss filled the room as I deactivated my lightsaber, placing the weapon on its slot on my back. Calmly and with authority I addressed the new Inquisitors, exuding my obvious power over them.
"What is our main purpose?"
"To serve the Empire and destroy what remains of the Jedi." Answered the newly instated Seventh Brother automatically, his voice partly mechanical due to the faceplate.
"Then you know what I am sending you to do."
"Yes, Grand Inquisitor." Immediate response and complete loyalty. I almost felt bad for sending such promising Inquisitors on such a mission. Yet with my life-span I would not put it past me to see far more recruits rise and fall before I do so myself.
"Splendid." I expressed my satisfaction with their answers. Only their specific orders remained. "Brother, your connection to the Force is as strong as mine. Search deep for the Jedi and track them down. Sister, be ruthless, be cruel. Drive the Jedi into the open so that both of you can capture and destroy them. If you wish to truly best the Jedi, break their spirit. Now go! Report to the Fifth Brother and leave as soon as you are ready."
"Yes, Grand Inquisitor!" They chimed in sync. I could not help but let a sadistic smile creep across my face as I walked between the two Inquisitors. If I had still possessed the ability to feel pity, it would be directed at the Jedi who my Inquisitors would be hunting down. All I had left to do now was continue my own work. Lord Vader required the report of his growing Inquisitorius.
Corlena
Since when did I become so stubborn? Refusing medical aid was probably the stupidest decision I had made in years. Walking around with throbbing pains in next to my ribs was extremely uncomfortable; it was all my fault too. Not only did I underestimate the skill level and teamwork of Neptune and Scarlet, I underestimated the amount of damage one hit could do to me. Even if I had not suffered any major damage, the bruising from the strike was agony. After the spar I had slipped away for some privacy, excusing myself to allow Blake time with her friends. I'm not saying I did not enjoy their company; I simply am so used to my own. Thankfully my cloak and robes hid my arms, which were clutched round my injured side. Mindless wandering and taking in the beauty of this planet made for ample distraction. Such wandering eventually resulted in me standing before a tall and expansive forest. If not for the Grimm that undoubtedly stalked below me under the canopy, I would have wanted to explore it. Instead I found myself kneeling near the cliff edge in peace. Unlike Wilderock, however, peace of mind seemed hard to come by when you were at Beacon.
"Enjoying the view?"
Ozpin had somehow snuck up on me, forcing a combination of training and an already tranquil state to fight against jumping out of my skin. My body resorted to slightly seizing up as a compromise, creating a twinge of pain at my side.
"Yes." I uttered quickly, more focused on subduing the pain. "It is simple yet… enchanting."
Ozpin sounded amused. "Alongside Forever Fall, the Emerald Forest is considered an incredible natural beauty in Remnant. If you consider this simple, I can only dream of what is truly beautiful in your eyes."
"Dreams are all I have left of those times. Well… dreams and my closest possessions." My right hand brushed against another object hidden in my cloak. Cold metal should never provide warmth, yet the object I drew from my cloak soothed and saddened me simultaneously. Ozpin was obviously watching me as I held another lightsaber in my open palms before me. The major differences to my own were the lack of a leather handle, and the severed end.
"That is not your weapon, is it?" Ozpin queried sadly.
"No. It belonged to someone very dear to me. Someone I will never see again."
Ozpin now stood next to me, staring out over the Emerald Forest. "I have lost many good friends in my years. In wars and fighting the darkness. In doing so I have learned one thing."
Craning my neck, I tore my eyes away from the lightsaber to study the headmaster's expression. "That is?"
"No matter how many friends you lose…" Ozpin elaborated. "…There are always more to make. So why not try to make some here?"
I chuckled at Ozpin's last words, losing to a childish urge. "Do or do not. There is no try."
"That is quite a loaded saying." Ozpin commented with interest.
"It came from the Jedi Grand Master. Who had lived for centuries." I explained fondly. "If anyone else survived the Purge besides Master Kenobi, he did."
Very few within the Order ever went against Master Yoda's counsel, and I would follow it now more than before. I returned the damaged lightsaber to its hidden pocket, letting the silence I shared with Ozpin wash over me. Clean air and open sky suited me far better than the claustrophobic cavern that was my tower. Aside from the odd sipping noise coming from Ozpin, my meditation continued uninterrupted. Only once Ozpin had stopped drinking from his mug for good did he bother me again.
"Have you thought over my offer, Miss Sho'ryn?" Started Ozpin.
"I have." I replied with my eyes closed. "Think of it as more of a counter offer though."
"Hmm?"
"Duty binds me to Wilderock. So if I am to remain here I would need a greater duty and for someone to take over my current one." Another hum of thought from Ozpin signalled for me to continue. "Whether by fate or luck, I found another duty in Team RWBY."
"I'm not entirely surprised. But why? And what?" Ozpin questioned cautiously.
Breathing out deeply and breathing in again, I opened my eyes and looked at Ozpin. "One of those girls is attuned to the Force."
If Ozpin did feel some emotion at the news, he was very good at hiding it. "Which one exactly?"
Given the close proximity of the girls most of the time, finding the identity of the one was difficult. I did, however, have a plan to figure out.
"I do not know, but I can find out soon. Most likely today. That is, if you agree to send aid for Wilderock to defend themselves." I negotiated. "Additionally. I will not be a student of yours if I am to be a teacher to another."
"So you wish to join my faculty?" Ozpin assumed from my answer.
"No." I corrected sharply. "I will aid you with protecting Remnant. But I will only teach the one, and any others if the rare possibility happens."
Ozpin sank deep into his own thoughts to mull over my offer. My gaze never left the headmaster. What surprised me was it took less than ten seconds for Ozpin to make his decision. Smiling broadly at me, Ozpin extending a hand to complete the deal.
"I accept, Miss Sho'ryn." We shook hands briefly. "Now. Tell me how you will discover who your pupil is."
Ozpin
Miss Sho'ryn's plan was fairly simple to both organise and execute. I simply had to find some vacant rooms with cameras installed, then call an individual member of Team RWBY to each of them. Watching from my tablet gave me a split screen view of each girl. All were very confused as they entered their rooms. Sat upon a single desk in each room was one of the devices known as a holocron. I had witnessed the knowledge held within them, yet still knew very little of how they actually worked. My hunch was that their activation was linked to the Force. All I had seen of this 'Force' was the telekinetic aspect, yet my conversation with Corlena the day before hinted at more than lifting objects. One by one I watched the girls look at the devices, then sit down in front of them to study them closer. After this Corlena had lifted a Scroll to her mouth and spoke into it, her voiced being carried to speakers in the rooms.
"Back in my tower you opened my journal." Every girl jumped at the disembodied voice of my newest acquaintance. "I want you to replicate what you did in my tower. Open the holocron before you."
We watched each girl sit in bewilderment at first, recalling whatever they had done in Miss Sho'ryn's home. I noticed Miss Xiao-Long lean back in her chair and relax entirely. The others followed suit slowly. Half a minute passed and not one of the holocrons had shifted one bit. While I was entirely unsure what was going on, Corlena simply raised the Scroll to her mouth again.
"Relaxing your body is one thing. I want you to also relax your mind, expand your senses. Become attuned to world around you." Slowly the girls followed Corlena's directions, their posture shifting slightly to compensate for their change. In the following seconds I truly believed that nothing was going to happen. Then I heard a click. I looked harder at each of the holocrons, but the limited angle and distance of each camera made it hard to make out what had happened. Turning to Corlena, I noticed she was in a standing meditative trance of sorts. Her eyebrows were furrowing as she seemed to be tracking something mentally. Her hand moved to my tablet carefully, my eyes following it as she tapped a single screen. This expanded the screen, and also gave me a slightly enhanced image of one of the girls. Before this girl the holocron's corners had twisted open, the device unfolding and levitating before her.
This girl. Was Weiss Schnee.
And done! I quite enjoyed writing this chapter. The scene with the Inquisitors was extended a bit because I owed you guys for making you wait, and the reveal was going to be next chapter but the same reason applied.
Plus their is more mystery! Who are these new Inquisitors? Whose lightsaber did Corlena hold? How will everyone react to Weiss' new powers?
Don't hesitate to review and tell me what you think. I'm still open to your pairing suggestions too.
Wardtortle, out!