A/N - I would like to thank all of you that either followed or favourited this story. So, a big thank you to:
- EmberKat
- ChloeMcphail94
- SuperKitty4789
- hellspam
- SerenaCrimsonEternity
- Auguste the clown
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Review:
hellspam - Thanks for the review and thank you for your recommendations, I'll take them under consideration when I reach Vol 4/5.
William Hoenicke - Thanks for the review, I'm glad you're liking this story.
EnderGhost - Thanks for the review, I'm glad you're liking this story.
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Before I had realised, a few weeks had passed, since I returned from my Mission in Menagerie. Since then, I had stayed in the Infirmary for a couple of days, so the doctors could get a diagnosis for when I can start to move around freely. Unfortunately, they had told me, that my wounds were too severe, which caused me to be bed ridden for a week. Thankfully, Ruby and the others had visited me on and off, every couple of days. During the times they couldn't make it, Team JNPR and even Team CFVY checked up on me. I'm just happy my time in the Infirmary didn't suck. Once my week was up, the doctors had allowed me to go back to my dorm room, with the promise of staying clear of anything that would disrupt my wounds. Being friends with Yang and Nora, really pushed the doctor's advice, since they both wanted to spar with me. Thankfully, Pyrrha had managed to convince Nora, while Weiss did the same with Yang. A couple weeks later, the doctors gave me the okay to start training again, and soon I was on another mission with Team CFVY which lead to clearing out some advancing Grimm near Vale.
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Presently, nothing out of the usual had happened. Apart from going to classes with Ruby, Blake and everyone else, everything returned to normal. That was until one day after a class with Miss Goodwitch, she asked me to stay behind.
"Excuse me, Miss Surana. Could you stay behind? There is something I would like to know."
"Uh oh, someone's in trouble." Yang said as she punched my arm.
"Yang, I'm sure it's nothing serious." Ruby said as she patted my arm.
"She's nothing like you, brute." Weiss said as I sensed her jab Yang's arm.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Yang flinched at what her teammates said.
"Well it's just that you can be a bit to... overzealous." Ruby mumbled.
"And a bit too headstrong." Blake also mumbled.
"What!?" Yang exclaimed.
I giggled "Guys it's fine. I probably know what it's about. I see you back at the dorm." I said.
"Okay, but if it's something super important, we're all here for you, got it?" Blake said as I nodded my head.
"Okay team, I say we all should go into the city and get some food. I'm hungry." Ruby said as I sensed the four left the classroom.
"I see that, you have become friends with Miss Rose and her Teammates and her friends."
"Yeah, it's kind of hard not to. I've knew Blake my entire life. Ruby and Yang are both fun to be around. Weiss has been helping me study... it was fun. I didn't think that I would be friends with her, after all that's happened. Jaune and his team, have also been friendly to me. Because I can't see, they've been helping me study...well Ren and Pyrrha have been the helping me the most. Coco, Velvet, Fox and Yatsuhashi stopped by when I was in the infirmary."
"You've been here for a few years now, it's good that you're opening yourself up to others."
"Thank you, Miss Goodwitch."
"Come on, Nyreen. Ozpin wants a word... It's important." Miss Goodwitch said as I nodded my head. We both left the classroom, heading to the Professor's Office.
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As Miss Goodwitch opened the door to the Professor's Room, I sensed he was not in the room, but there were others waiting beyond the door.
"Mr Qrow and General Ironwood? Are you both here to see the Professor too?" I asked.
"Actually, we're here for you." The general said.
Well that doesn't sound good.
"Oz has something to tell you, so listen up."
"I still think it's too soon. She's too young to know and she doesn't have the experience. Who knows what it'll do to her?" The general insisted.
I crooked my head to the side, curiously. "Is there something wrong, general?" I asked.
"It's nothing to worry about, kid. Just Ironwood being a pain in the ass." Qrow said as he stomped over towards me and Miss Goodwitch.
"Her life could be endangered Qrow. How can you not see that? I can't allow Ozpin endanger one of the Maidens we are keeping safe." The general barked back.
"If I may?" Miss Goodwitch spoke, which silenced the two. "While I don't agree with Ozpin's motives on this, Miss Surana is already under a lot of stress being the Winter Maiden."
"That's not the problem. Miss Surana is a Faunus. What if during her 'transformation' she loses herself to her Faunus heritage. She could not only pose a threat to others, but to herself."
This thing they're talking about, is the reason Professor Ozpin wanted me? I might hurt someone!? No, I can't let by that happen.
"This thing that you all are talking about. I won't do it. If I might hurt someone... I can't do it." I said.
"Look what you've done. You've got the kid all paranoid. Look kid, I won't lie at first, it's a bit... weird. But soon you'll get used to it."
"But what about my instincts. If being a Faunus somehow messes everything up and I end up hurting someone... I wouldn't forgive myself."
Well, allow me to put your fears to rest." A new familiar voice said. "I apologise, I had a run in with a certain team that Miss Surana are friends with."
"Of course, they've done something." I let out a sigh.
What did Ruby and the others get up to, this time?
"Now, since that is out of the way, allow me to answer why I asked you here, Miss Surana." The Professor said as he walked to his chair and sat down. "Now if you please, take a seat."
I did as so, as Glynda stood behind me, her hands on my shoulders. "I'll be right here, okay." I nodded my head.
Wait!? The Truth!? Is there something the Professor isn't telling us? Does this have anything to do with Salem and the Maidens?
"I guess I'll start at the beginning. This isn't my body."
"What!?"
"I mean what I said. This isn't my real body, or should I say my original body. You see, my very existence is a mistake. Or if you would like, cursed. For thousands of years, I've walked the surface of Remnant. Living, dying and reincarnating in the body of a like-minded soul. The Professor Ozpin you know is not my first form, and it won't be my last. This body has lasted over 50 years."
"So, what are you?" I asked.
He's not who the Professor Ozpin that I know because he's reincarnated multiple times over a span of thousand years, maybe more. Seriously, this is making my head hurt.
"I am the combination of countless men who've spent their lives trying to protect the people of Remnant. With every rebirth, my soul is eventually merged with another and I am changed, but my memories stay with me." The Professor spoke, but I heard another voice coming from him.
That must have been one of his past body's
"This curse was bestowed upon me by the gods, because I had failed to stop Salem in the past. But we must stop her."
"How do we do that?"
"We ensure the safety of the other Maidens and keep in contact with the other Headmasters around Remnant, who each keep one of the Relics."
"Relics?"
"The Relics are key to defeating Salem. Each of the four Headmasters keep one of the Relics hidden. Ozpin has one, I have one, and the headmasters of Shade and Haven Academy have the others." The General answered.
"I'll continue with what I was saying. My ability to reincarnate, though a curse, isn't without a few key benefits. Much like yourself, I too possess a certain... magical power. Using this power, I was able to gist Qrow and his sister the ability to see more, to move freely and be unburdened by their natural bodies."
"Move around more freely? What do you mean?" I asked.
"Qrow, why don't you give a little... demonstration." The Professor said as I sensed Qrow step away from Miss Goodwitch and myself.
I noticed there was a sudden gust of wind and then Qrow disappeared. I tried to sense where he was but there was nothing. A 'caw' echoed around the Professor's office until I felt tiny three-pronged hands or feet on my lap.
"Q-Qrow... Is that you." I heard a caw from my lap.
"I didn't know it's you." I giggled as I held out my hand and as I felt Qrow nuzzle my fingers.
"As you can see, I gave them the ability to turn into birds." The Professor chuckled. "Rather ridiculous sounding out loud, isn't it?"
"Well, it's not every day, your teacher turns into a crow." I giggled. "But why did you do this? I mean, turn Qrow and his sister into birds?"
"Granting this power to them was no trivial task, and I can assure you it was not done frivolously. I required assistance in gathering information on Salem's plans, as well as searching for the other Maidens, when their hosts became unclear."
I felt Qrow jump from my lap and sensed hi transform back into his usual self. "Um, I have a question."
"Ask away."
"Have you done this with Miss Goodwitch or the General?"
"We weren't given the choice." The General answered.
"We would have refused anyway." Miss Goodwitch said.
"As helpful as that might be, unfortunately it is not that simple. My power is finite, and if I'm being honest, dwindling. The amount that I gifted to Qrow and his sister was, all things considered, rather miniscule. Now are you ready, Miss Surana?"
"Yes, why?"
"You see, I sacrificed a great deal of magic to four young women. Who I hoped would use my gift for good. Summer, Spring, Fall and..."
"Winter... The first Maidens." I jumped in. "You gave the Maidens their powers... My powers?"
He answered with a simple "Yes."
We lingered in silence for what felt like an eternity, until the General broke the silence.
"Since you know the truth, is there something you want to ask?"
"So, the reason why you have been keeping me safe is what? To make up for past mistakes?" I shouted out.
"Miss Surana!"
"Calm down Kid!"
"Nyreen! Watch what you say!"
"No, it's okay. I deserved this."
"All the lives you wasted, and for what? Nothing!?
"That is why I have spent generations making up for my past mistakes. No one should have their lives thrown away. All I ask is for you to trust me." The Professor Pleaded.
I let out a heavy sigh.
"I guess, you didn't have to tell me a about this. You could have kept it a secret."
"You would have figured it out sooner or later, your Mother and Father were the same. They figured out something was wrong and called me out. In private of course. That was why they sent you to me."
"So, Mama and Papa knew about this, too?"
"Yes. I asked them not to speak a word about it until you were… more experienced. We... Were all supposed to do this together."
Adam got in the way of that.
"I can tell you're troubled. If it's about your parent's murderer, I can tell you, I have my very best agents looking for the White Fang hideout."
"Thank you, Professor. And I apologise for my earlier... Outburst."
"It's quite alright, Miss Surana. It was warranted after the thousands of years I have lived for."
"If that is all, I think you need to get some rest Nyreen, you are recovering after all." Miss Goodwitch said as she patted my shoulders.
"There is one more thing, if you wish to hear me out?" The Professor asked.
"Of course." I nodded my head.
"Now, this is a power you can chose to receive. I offer you the choice to receive the power that Qrow and his sister has."
The General and Miss Goodwitch immediately started to bicker with each other with the Professor, while I sensed Qrow's footsteps move towards a far chair.
The Professor wants me to have the ability to turn into a bird. So, this is what the General brought up earlier. I'm still not sure if I would have any effect on the power. Both Qrow and his sister, I presume, are human, so the transformation would be seamless for them. How would it affect me though, that is what's worrying me?
"I see you are still wary about it."
"That's one way to put it."
"I can give you time to think carefully about this. This is a life changing opportunity. I don't want you to regret it."
I nodded my head "Then if that is all, you are dismissed Miss Surana." The Professor said as Miss Goodwitch helped me to stand up.
"I'll see you late, kid. Don't get yourself hurt." Qrow said as he patted my shoulder.
"You know, I'm always careful." I said grinning. That got Qrow to laugh.
"Yeah, good one kid. Next time try and win your own battles."
"Hey, what can I say. They took me by surprise." Qrow laughed as I felt a gust of wind.
"I've got to get back, Oz."
"Of course. Keep me updated on the Queen." The Professor said as I sensed Qrow turn into a Crow and fly away.
"I had better get back to Atlas." The General said.
"Yes, your students will need you. The Vital Festival is coming up. You'll need them at their best." The Professor said.
"With your secret weapon here, we're going to need to pull out, all the stops to win." The General mumbled.
"I'm sure Atlas Academy with do extremely well. You're their headmaster, James, they'll do fine." Miss Goodwitch said as we headed to the Professor's Door.
"Thank you, Glynda." The General said as we bid farewell to the Professor.
"Regardless of your choice, Miss Surana; We will accept your decision, and support you, when you need it." The Professor said as I nodded my head.
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As soon as we left the Professor's Office Miss Goodwitch and I had separated from the General and headed towards my dorm room. The decision still weighing heavily on my mind.
So, I have a choice, take the Professor up on his offer and accept his power and live the consequences, but help to stop Salem or don't stop Salem, but I have control of myself.
"You don't have to decide right now, you know." Miss Goodwitch said as she snapped me out of my thoughts.
"I know, it's just that I don't know what to do."
"I wouldn't dally on the decision for long, but I also would give it some thought. As for what you should do, well that is down to you. No matter what you choose to do, the Professor, your friends and I will be there to support you."
She's right, I'm not alone. I have everyone with me on this.
"Thank you, Miss Goodwitch." I said as I wrapped my arms around her, without thinking about what I was doing.
"No problem, Nyreen." Miss Goodwitch said as she chuckled.
Then it dawned on me, for what I was doing. "I-I'm sorry, M-Miss Goodwitch. I didn't know what I was doing" I said embarrassed as I felt my cheeks warm up.
"It's quite alright, Nyreen." Miss Goodwitch, smirked.
Oh, she was enjoying this.
"After hearing what happened to your parents, I wanted to try my best to be there for you if you needed. Soon I developed into a protective parent." Miss Goodwitch said as I giggled a little.
"Thank you. Since I've know you and the Professor, I've always saw you both as my adoptive parents, well next to Kali and Ghira of course. You two have helped me over the tears. You've helped me cope with... what Adam did and accepted me for who I am and what I did in the White Fang. You both didn't turn away from me when you had every reason to. And for that I am eternally thankful." I smiled at her.
"Hey... Ny, is that you?" I heard a familiar voice call out.
"Huh... Ruby?"
"So, here's where you were." Another familiar voice said.
"Oh, you're here too Yang." I said, not bothering to use my semblance.
"We all are." This time I heard Blake say.
"Instead of us going into Vale, the Princess wants us all to study."
"You and Ruby need my intellect if you even dream of getting past this semester." Weiss stated as I giggled.
"What!? It's not my fault your study sessions are long and boring." Yang complained.
"Yeah!" Ruby agreed.
I then felt something tap my shoulder. "I'll leave you be. I'll see you in class." Miss Goodwitch said as she walked away. I turned back to Weiss, Yang and Ruby still bickering.
"Honestly, they'll be at each other's throats for hours. Do you want to head to the library? I want to get some books." I heard Blake say as I nodded my head.
"Yeah, I'm up for it." I turned back to the three arguing. "Uh, I guess, I'll see you guys later?" I said as they continued to argue. I let out a heavy sigh and walked with Blake to the library.
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As soon as Blake and I got to the library, Blake headed to a section of the library leaving me alone. From the sound of the voices in the library it sounds packed.
I better use my Semblance to stay out of everyone's way.
When I did, I sensed that Yatsuhashi was sitting alone.
"Yatsuhashi? What're you doing here?" I asked.
"Oh, hi Miss Nyreen. Miss Velvet wanted us all to catch up with our studies, so we came here to study, much to the amusement of Miss Coco and Fox."
"So, where are the others?"
"Miss Velvet is off getting books for Miss Coco and Fox to help them study. Oh, here they are now, with what looks like everyone from Team JNPR."
"Ah, Nyreen. It's good to see you again, but what are you doing here? Ya, know considering the blindness." I heard an approaching Coco say.
"I came with Blake, she wanted to check out some new books. I came with her, since that Weiss, Ruby and Yang are busy having one of their spats." I said.
"Yeah, that sound like them." Ren said.
"What were they arguing about?" Pyrrha asked.
"Weiss wanted the two to take studying more seriously, but Ruby and Yang want to relax." I answered.
"Yeah, pretty much sounds like Velvet. She's been strict with us." Fox chuckled.
"Hey, we've got a lot of homework to catch up on." Velvet said.
"For us, it's a struggle to get Nora to listen for more than five minutes when we are studying." Jaune chuckled.
"Hey, if homework was more exciting, say if someone made pancakes, then I might listen more." Nora said.
"If I gave you anymore pancakes, you won't listen to begin with." Ren answered. We all chuckled.
"If I can ask, how do you study, Nyreen? Considering you can't see." Velvet asked.
"No, it's fine. General Ironwood modified my scroll to record audio for my classes. So, when I'm in the middle of it, I can just play the recording to finish of my homework. Then Blake or Weiss writes down what I want in my homework." I answer.
"Why is it only those two. Why not, Ruby or Yang?" Coco asked.
"Weiss scolded Ruby and Yang for their sloppy handwriting. It was that and Weiss had already volunteered to ensure we all are completing our homework to her standard and on time."
"She really cracks the whip when it comes to you four, huh." Fox mumbled.
"Yeah, but it's nice. She wants us to succeed, it's kind of helpful that she pushes us hard to perform our best." I answer.
"Glad that someone see's it my way." I heard a familiar voice say.
"Weiss? When did you get here?"
"We just got here." I heard Ruby say.
"Still no reason to be a bitch about it." Yang nonchalantly said.
"Well, if you two dimwits would learn from Nyreen, and actually take in what I'm teaching, then you both wouldn't been in this mess."
"Now Weiss, remember what I said about taking Ruby's age into consideration for her studying." Blake said as she came back to us.
Weiss sighed. "I try, but it's my upbringing with my Father. He expected the best for everything, I guess I need to... tone down my harshness. Sorry Ruby."
"Ah, you do care." Yang mumbled.
"You are still under my tutelage. Just because Nyreen and Blake told me to stop being too harsh on Ruby, doesn't mean you can slack off." Weiss barked out at Yang.
"Okay, okay. Geez. Sorry, I hit a nerve Princess." Yang apologised.
"Hm. Apology accepted. Now come on, we've got a lot of homework to catch up on. Coming, Nyreen?" Weiss asked.
"I will later, but I'm going to need Blake for something." I said as I heard Blake audible flinch.
"Wh-What do you mean, Nyreen?" Blake asked.
"Wow, I never knew Ny was so courageous in public." Yang teased as I heavily blushed.
"It's got nothing to do with that?"
"Are you sure? I can see it now. A young Faunus wants become closer to their older childhood friend, perhaps she wants to become closer?" Yang teased more as I felt my face grew hotter.
Suddenly, I heard a heavy slap penetrate the quiet library. "Ow! You need to learn your strength, Ice Queen. That really hurt!" Yang cried out.
"It kind of serves you right, though." Jaune said as I heard Pyrrha chucked lightly.
"That'll teach you, coming Ruby? " I heard Weiss say as I heard Yang wince. "We've got some studying to do."
"Umm, yes Weiss. Come on Yang, let's go." Ruby murmured as I sensed the three walk away.
Blake then let out a sigh of relief. "Honestly, Yang can be a bit too much at times."
I along with everyone else chuckled. "Can I ask you something, Nyreen?" I heard Pyrrha asked.
I nodded my head. "Of course. What do you need?"
"Well since, you're fully recovered I wanted to ask if you wanted to spar with me. It'll be during one of Professor Goodwitch's sparing classes." Pyrrha answered. "Since I saw you take on the Nevermore and the King Taijitu. I wanted to see if you could keep up with me."
"You want to take me on?" I asked.
Professor Ozpin told me that she's an exceptional fighter, one not to take lightly.
"Of course, a fighter like you should pose at least a challenge." She said.
"Then I consider it an honour. If giving the chance, I'll take you on." I said as I held out my hand.
I felt Pyrrha shake my hand. "Finally, a worthy opponent to our Pyrrha. I can't wait, seeing you two go at it will attract a crowd."
"That'll be something to see. After seeing
"I'm sure, it'll get Ruby and Yang excited when they find out." Blake said as she patted my shoulder. "Should we go, you wanted to talk to me."
"Oh yeah, sorry Blake. I'll see you all later okay."
"See you later, Nyreen. I heard Velvet say.
"See you." Coco said as we walked away from the library and into the dorms.
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Once Blake had dropped off her books in her dorm room, Blake followed me to my room. As Blake handed me a blood pack from the fridge in my room, she sat down on my bed as I consumed it.
"What was it that you wanted to talk about?" Blake asked.
"I know this is going to be hard, but remember when I went on my mission with Coco and the others, well the mission when I got hurt?" I began, but soon continued without letting Blake jump in. "Well it was to Menagerie. We dropped off supplies to the Faunus sanctuary, but then we met your Mom and Dad." I sensed Blake physically shake.
"W-What did you do?" She asked.
"We just talked about some things. Talked about how I was doing after my parents were murdered by Adam and how I was doing attending Beacon Academy." I explained to her. "Then we talked about you and how you were doing."
Blake stiffened. "W-what did they say."
"They want to know if you are okay. They said they lost contact with you since my parents and I left the White Fang. They're getting worried about you."
"I-I-I can't..." Blake stuttered. "I can't face them, not after what I did. They'll be ashamed of me." Blake mumbled as I heard her sob.
"Hey, they won't think that. You know they won't, they love you too much. They just want to know you're fine. They miss you." I explained as I comforted a crying Blake. "If you want you don't have to see them, sending them a letter will do, if it's something, I'm sure that'll be fine."
"B-But what if they abandon me, just like I did them." Blake cried out.
"They won't I promise." I comforted as I rubbed her back.
It took Blake a while to respond, but soon nodded her head. "Okay... Okay." I felt Blake raise her head. "Thank you, Nyreen. I don't deserve a friend like you."
"Blake, please. I'm the one who doesn't deserve a friend like you. After all you did for me in the White Fang. You were my friend when no one else was, because of what I am. I would do anything to make up for your kindness." I answered to her as I stood up from my bed.
Blake stood up and wrapped her arms around me. "Thank you, Nyreen. I-I'll get on that letter then." Blake said as she pulled away from me.
"Okay, Blake. Let me know if you need anything. I'll be happy to help." I said as I patted Blake's shoulder.
"Of course, Nyreen." Blake said as I heard her leave my room.
I'm glad I can help Blake, get back together with her parents. I don't want another family destroyed by us being involved in the White Fang. I hope Mom and Dad are proud of me. I just hope I get the chance to face Adam. I'll make him pay for what he did to my parents.