The opening of the elevator doors snapped him out of his reverie and he was presented by a large, clock-like office with the far walls being almost entirely composed of glass. Sitting behind a desk in front of the face of the clocktower was Ozpin drinking coffee. "I take it I'm not here for a social call." Raven said as he stepped into the office.

"Straight to the point then." Ozpin observed as he took another sip of his coffee. He regarded Raven with a criticality that made the young huntsman feel like prey, a feeling that he didn't appreciate having again. "Do you know why we haven't had a free agent at this school for so long?"

"Effectiveness." Raven stated plainly.

Ozpin expected his answer. "Exactly, a group can do what an individual cannot, but the opposite is also true, hence why you and Qrow operate as such." he gestured to one of the chairs in front of his desk and Raven sat down. "We have reason to believe that her agents are working with Roman Torchwick."

Raven leaned forward seriously. "Have you heard anything from Qrow?" he asked. The aging huntsman was sent out by Ozpin to find out more about their mysterious foes but he hadn't been in contact for a month.

"Unfortunately not," Ozpin said solemnly, "but we can't afford to wait much longer." Raven looked to him expectantly, waiting to be told to take down Torchwick, but the headmaster had other plans. "For now we need to discuss candidates for the new Fall Maiden."

"You're thinking of asking Pyrrha, aren't you?"

Ozpin was surprised at the bluntness of the question but he only showed it for a moment. "I take it we are of a similar mind then?"

"No."

"Oh?"

"If you ask her I have no doubt that she would accept it, her sense of duty would demand it, but she already feels alone in the world because of her abilities, what do you think she might do if she feels even more alone?" Raven explained calmly. In truth he couldn't think of a better candidate but his humanity wouldn't let him let her suffer.

"Then who would you have claim the mantle?"

Raven looked down at his hands to try and think of anyone else, but came up with nothing. "...Just because she's the best option doesn't make her a great one." he said at last. He looked up and saw that Ozpin was looking at him sympathetically, and at that moment he knew that the headmaster had been thinking the same thing.

"Sometimes we just have to play the hand we're dealt." he said wistfully. He stared absently for a moment but then said, "If we're lucky our friends in Atlas will find a way to save her before we have to make the choice." Raven subconsciously clenched his fists at the mention of his homeland, "Until then, keep your eyes open."

"Is that all?" he asked as he unclenched his fists.

"Yes." Raven got up and made his way back to the elevator. "I appreciate that you stand up for your fellow students, Raven." Ozpin called out as the student got into the elevator. He shook his head reminiscently as the doors closed and he was again left alone atop the tower. "I just hope it turns out better this time."