Chapter 11
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY or Halo Reach. All rights go to Rooster Teeth(RWBY) and 343i / Bungie(Halo Reach)
"Begin!"
JNPRR and BRNNZ charged each other, Nolan matching with Ren and Nora, while Brawnz took Pyrrha and Roy danced with Jaune. May ran for the trees with her rifle at the ready. Carmine and Kris charged each other, JNPRR and BRNNZ's heavy hitters cancelling each other out. Kris, however was at a disadvantage, using a hammer compared to Carmine's massive broadsword. Sword met hammer in a thunderous clash as the two pushed against each other.
"Give up, girlie. You don't have a chance in the world." Carmine sneered. Kris grinned and pushed against the massive sword harder, her improved augmentations giving her a slight advantage.
"Don't be so cocky." The Faunus growled back beneath her breath.
Kris delivered a lightning quick kick to Carmine's calf, throwing him off balance. High caliber shots echoed to Kris' left, aimed for Ren. Kris kicked the unbalanced man away, eliciting cheers from Beacon students in the crowd. Kris switched bolting towards Roy, who aimed at Jaune. Kris zig zagged, dodging rounds from the trees. The spartan lept into the air, bringing her hammer down between Jaune and Roy, forcing the Vacuo student back. Sniper rounds flung past the duo. Kris rotated the hammer, deflecting a round into the ground behind her with the hammer's handle without so much as a glance from which the shot came.
"Retreat!" Jaune cried, as JNPRR fell back to the rocks behind them. A final round was flung towards the retreating Beacon students. The shot was high, and Kris lept, using the Gravity hammer's effect to send the round back in the direction of May. It smashed through a tree a few meters away from the sniper as JNPRR took shelter behind the rocks.
"What do we do?" Pyrrha asked. Jaune peaked over the rocks, the four Vacuo students charging towards where JNPRR took cover.
"Let's take 'em." Kris suggested, turning the Gravity hammer into a large Bo Staff to counter Carmine's massive sword.
"Spread out, try to keep moving." Jaune ordered. JNPRR nodded, dispersing to their targets. Jaune threw up his shield, blocking Brawnz diving attack. Pyrrha deflected Roy's saw blades as Ren and Nora, once more, took on Nolan.
"Still don't think I've got a chance?" Kris growled at Carmine as Bo staff and sword locked. The taller man grinned in response forcing Kris off balance with a quick shove. The man threw an uppercut immediately after, catching Kris off guard. May hit the spartan square in the chestplate, separating Kris from her staff, and sending her behind some rocks. On the scoreboard, her Aura dropped from 100 to 35% from the combined attack.
"Tough one." Carmine mentioned to his teammate in the trees, slowly started forward "That normally works for a KO."
Kris groaned quietly from behind the rock, giving her head a shake. Small pebbles sat in her eyes, restricting her vision. Meanwhile, Pyrrha and Jaune switched opponents again, and Ren intercepted Nolan again. Nolan looked behind him and gave a subtle nod and May started firing at Ren. Ren groaned internally, but took the challenge nonetheless. The ninja cartwheeled to the left, and took one of Nolan's electrified batons across the side of his face. Ren recovered, spin kicking towards the Vacuo student who ducked. Nolan slammed a baton to the side of Ren's knee, before jabbing one into the man's gut, Ren falling over, momentarily incapacitated.
"Ren!" Nora cried.
She growled, charging Nolan, taking a swing that the brawler dodged. As Nora came back for another attack, Nolan jabbed a baton into her gut as well. Instead of her falling over as he expected, Nora grinned darkly.
"Oho, it looks like one of my favourite students, Nora Valkyrie is charging up to use her Semblance!" Port expressed over the PA system.
"What…?" Nolan wondered, confused. His baton still kept trying to electrocute Nora, providing the hyperactive member of JNPRR more energy.
"Yes! Miss Valkyrie's semblance lets her produce, as well as channel, electrical energy straight to her muscles. This allows her to jump explosively into the air, wield her mighty hammer. Or, in this case, absorb Nolan attacks and send the young man flying."
"What?!" Nolan questioned again, taken aback. Finally he pulled his baton away, wide eyed. Electricity arced over Nora's fists as she gave Nolan a look that promised pain. She rammed her hammer into the man's crotch, sending him flying back through a rock. Kris groaned from behind her rock, pushing herself to a knee. Her eyes remain closed as used her other senses. Carmine approached her rapidly from…
There!
Kris somersaulted over the strike, kicking the bigger man in the face. Her foot landed on her staff as thunder crackled. She kicked it up to her hands, dodging yet another strike, twisting it back to a hammer. She rammed it into Carmine, sending him back a couple dozen feet.
"Nora! Catch!" Kris called, throwing the hammer like a spear to her teammate, already deciding her next move. Nora grinned, placing her hammer turned grenade launcher on her back. She grabbed her teammates hammer from the air.
"Nora! Get to the mountain!" Jaune cried.
"You got it!"
"Ren, you try and distract the sniper."
"Sure, why not." Came the sarcastic reply, a round flying right past his head.
Kris finally cleared her eyes, waiting for Carmine to make a move towards her. He made a move, however, he headed towards Pyrrha who was currently entangled with Roy. Kris' eyes slowly filled silver as she moved to intercept. In her mind, she wondered if she could stop the tank that was Carmine. The man's Aura was only down to 85%.
"Here goes nothing…" Kris mumbled, as she overtook and turned to face Carmine. The man, shocked, brought his sword down in a sloppy strike, which Kris intercepted with her forearms in an 'x' shape. She dug her heel into the ground, forcing them to a stop less than 10 feet from Pyrrha and Roy. Blocking that strike dropped her aura another 5% to 30.
"Denied, now back off!." Kris growled, giving a kick to the man's stomach. The grip on his sword slacked slightly as the kick sent him skidding back. Behind her, her team fought the rest of BRNNZ to a standstill. Pyrrha took on Brawnz as well as he came to his teammates assistance. She kicked Brawnz away with a drop kick. Ren charged towards May and Nolan, being intercepted by the latter. Ren slid below Pyrrha as she jumped at Roy. The ninja fired at Nolan, entering close quarters with a swing of his blades. He barely deflected a strike, before locking Nolan's baton with his blades. He delivered a kick to the Vacuo student's armpits, spinning him around into a headlock. May hummed, switching her attention to the climbing Nora.
"Nora!" Ren called, worried.
"Pyrrha! Up!" Jaune ordered, holding Brawnz back. He pushed him back as his redhead partner vaulted onto his shield. He sprung up, Pyrrha taking his momentum and creating her own. A shot rang out, as, what sounded like a church bell, followed not a second later. Lightning cackled into Nora's hammer before she released a six grenade salvo. Carmine and Kris paid this no mind as they traded blows. Kris constantly delivered a mediocre punch before being forced to dodge Carmine's sword. Kris aura hadn't budged, while Carmine's dropped to 68%.
"Stay still dammit!" Carmine growled.
"Hmm…. Nah…" Kris denied with a small smile, dodging the strikes sent at her in rapid succession with somersaults. The continued, even as an explosion - more than likely Nora and the gravity hammer, Kris concluded - made it's brief appearance. Kris dodged a horizontal slice, delivering a low, spinning kick to his shins, dropping the bigger brawler to the ground.
Among the noisy crowd, RWBY watched the separate 1v1 duel take place eagerly.
"Kris and that Carmine dude are evenly matched." Weiss pointed out.
"Nah, not even close." Yang disagreed. "Kristia's got more experience in brawling."
"She barely dodging though…" Ruby pointed out, scratching the back of her neck. Yang laughed.
"She isn't going 100% - maybe 95%, maybe."
"It will end quickly either way, either a lucky strike by the Vacuo kid or pure skill from Kris. She doesn't have much aura left. Only 30%. Carmine has 68%." Blake told them.
"Numbers, numbers." Yang dismissed with a wave and a grin, her attention back on the fight.
(Madeon - Finale)
(Whoa)
Brace yourself
Brace yourself
(Whoa)
Kris delivered a kick to Carmine's exposed flank, somersaulting back immediately to make distance. The horn sounded through the stadium before Professor Port reported over the PA.
"And with that, team BRNNZ is down to one." Port said gleefully. Kris grinned wildly, her eyes becoming solid silver.
"Time to end this. Now." Kris all but growled, throwing the Vacuo student off.
Energy surged in her veins, as if she chugged down a cup of coffee in a few seconds. She bolted towards Carmine, jumping over the man's horizontal slice again, dropping kicking him in the face.
(Ooh)
Your last chance, Last summer
Your last dance, Beat to your own drummer
Go out fighting, Go out young
A flash of lightning, Eclipse the sun
(Brace yourself)
[x2]
Kristia could feel her teammates eyes follow every attack, every movement, and their eagerness of wanting to join in. Kris vaulted backwards, immediately sprinting back towards Carmine the second her feet hit the ground.
Her teammates roamed around the duo in a circle, as the crowd cheered. Kris delivered two, continuous roundhouse kicks, dropping Carmine to 48%. Carmine reeled back, but recovered quickly.
Brace yourself, brace yourself
Brace yourself, brace yourself
(Brace yourself for the grand finale)
He brought his sword down in an overhead slash, blocked by Kris' forearms again, sacrificing another chunk of her aura, now down to 20% - dangerously close to elimination.
Your last chance, Last summer
Your last dance, Beat to your own drummer
"You're. Done!" Carmine growled, attempting a kick. Kris swiftly dodged, kicking Carmine in the gut. His grip slackened as his aura dropped near 40. The spartan yanked the giant sword from her opponent, tossing it behind her.
Go out fighting, Go out young
A flash of lightning, Eclipse the sun
(Eclipse the sun)
"It's over!" Kris growled loudly, delivering several punches to the man's chest.
31% now.
She uppercut him into the air, tracking him from the ground. She jumped up, intercepting Carmine, and delivered a powerful punch to the guy's face. He rocketed into the ground with a loud boom, creating a crater in the chosen terrain. The bell sounded, ending the match.
Brace yourself
Brace yourself
"And with that, the match is over! Team JNPRR wins!" Port announced gleefully. JNPRR gather around their friend as they cheered, exiting the arena.
"See! I told you she had it!" Yang boasted cockily.
"That… that was awesome." Blake agreed.
"That was past awesome!" Ruby exclaimed, giving her sister a high five.
"It was… impressive." Weiss admitted.
"Team NDGO and SSSN are next."
At a bar in Vale, Qrow sat, an empty glass of alcohol in his hand. On the TV screen, a picture of team JNPRR was displayed, headlined by 'Team JNPRR defeats team BRNNZ!'
"Huh." The bartender commented, drying out a glass, "Those kids weren't half bad."
"Meh." Qrow scoffed, taking a drink. The next game played, the bartender again easily impressed by the match.
"Now that was a match!" The man whistled.
"Pssh!" Qrow scoffed, "That was a mess."
"C'mon man? You didn't like them, the vale kids or any of the other rounds before that? What fight are you here for?" The bartender asked. An airship passed by outside the bar.
"That one." Qrow muttered, finishing his drink. "Whoo. Happy Vytal Festival." the huntsman dismissed, leaving lien for his drinks. The bartender set down a glass, reached for Qrow's and knocked the just placed glass on the floor, shattering it.
"Aw. Gee darnit." The man sighed.
Team JNPRR relaxed in their dorm, bar Kris, who was wandering school grounds. They lounged around at random, still exhausted from their match a couple minutes ago.
"That was awesome." Jaune commented, breaking the silence.
"Yes, it was." Ren agreed with a nod.
"That was an awesome beatdown at the end!" Nora exclaimed. The others laughed with nods of agreement.
"Indeed it was. It was over the second he lost his sword. Kris is too talented in hand to hand combat. Not even that Haven student - Mercury - can beat her." Pyrrha pointed out.
Kris, herself was walking through the Beacon court yard leisurely, without a care in the world at that moment. An airship made a landing at Beacon's airship pad. Curious, Kris slowly made her way over. Atlesian Knights accompanied a woman who looked similar to Weiss, but was still several inches shorter than Kris herself. She dressed in all white - much like Ironwood.
"More military?" Kris groaned. "For fucks sake Ironwood…"
Kris blended into the crowd, despite her height. Weiss, Ruby and the new arrival walked past the gathering area. From the corner of her eye, she spotted the man she calls an ally take out two Atlesian Knight 200s. One of the heads flies and lands a few feet behind the new arrival.
"Hey!" Qrow called, holding a defunct robot body, missing its head. "Yea… I'm talking to you, ice queen." He tossed the machinery away casually. The Atlesian Knights started towards Qrow.
"Halt!" The woman ordered. Weiss, used to the nickname from her teammates, stomped towards the veteran huntsman.
"Excuse me, do you have any idea who you're talking to?" Qrow put a hand on her head, holding a finger to his lips.
"Sssshhhh, not you." Qrow drawled, letting his head fall, clearly drunk to some extent. He immediately sobered up however, glaring straight at the older Schnee. He pushed Weiss to the side who let out an indignant 'Hey!' as Qrow stepped forward. The woman in white glared at Qrow, the other four Atlesian Knights taking aim at the huntsman.
"You." Qrow paused, making eye contact across the circle. "Saw the gaudy ship of yours in town." He said, dropping his head as he glared, "Guess you're here too."
"I'm standing right before you." The woman replied tersely. Qrow made a game out of it, leaning forward with squinted eyes.
"So it would seem." Qrow agreed, a sly smile on his face.
"You realize you just destroyed Atlas Military property?" She asked. Kris snickered, smirking as Qrow faked an apology.
"Ohhhh, I'm sorry." His tone dropped off, "See… I mistook this as some… sentient garbage." He finished with a cocky smile. Kris laughed quietly, hiding it as best she could behind her gloved hand.
" I don't have time for your immature games, Qrow." The woman shot back, her tone dropping dangerously low, taking a few steps forward.
"Wait, you two know each other?" Weiss asked.
"Geez." Qrow sighed, "You Atlas specialists think you're so special, don't you?" He scoffed.
"It's in the title." The woman sneered.
"Well… you know what you really are?" Qrow stood straighter, lulling his head slightly to the right, glaring at the White clad woman - Winter - if Kris recalled correctly. "A buncha sellouts. Just like your boss." Qrow grinned slightly.
"Especially if it's true~" Kris sang, loud enough for Qrow to hear. Qrow tossed the spartan a cheeky grin.
"I'm not sure what you think you're implying, but I've heard enough." Winter growled.
"Oh, I heard too." Qrow retorted, his hands up to shoulder height, palms facing Winter. "I heard ol' Ironwood finally turned his back on Ozpin."
"Ozpin?" Weiss wondered. Kris stepped out of the crowd, completing a vague barrier behind Qrow.
"Oh, he did. In a spectacular fashion." Kris growled lightly towards the Specialist.
"Weiss, it's time for you to go. And you -" Winter growled, glaring at Kris "- this doesn't concern you."
"Oh, it concerns her alright." Qrow shot back. "Listen to big sister, Weiss. She'll protect you. Just like Atlas will protect all of us, huh?" Qrow asked the surrounding people, stumbling slightly. Kris nodded sarcastically.
"Definitely…." Kris drawled.
"If you won't hold your tongue, then I will gladly remove it for you!" Winter snarled, pointing her curved sword towards Qrow. The crowd let out a chorus of 'oohs'.
"Alright then," Qrow accepted, pushing his hair from his face. Kris' swords appeared on her back, as she lowered her arm to her side. "Come take it." Qrow announced cockily.
Winter charged, striking to Qrow's right, then left, both of which he dodged. She slashed horizontally, which Qrow ducked, avoiding it easily. He dodged a few more strikes, mock surprise and confusion on his face. Qrow bowed, his right hand flying to his longsword. Winter delivered an overhead strike, clanging against the huntsman's weapon. Qrow activated it's blade, spinning, throwing Winter off, and catching his sword in his left hand. Like a pair of fencers, Qrow tested Winter's guard, before delivering several rapid, powerful strikes in quick succession. Eventually, Winter started to parry Qrow's more aggressive and powerful strikes.
"What's going on?!" Ruby asked, moving to the front of the crowd.
"Some crazy guy just started attacking my sister!" Weiss told her partner, gesturing to the fighting hunters.
"Oh no. Who would so such a th-aaaaaat's my uncle!" Ruby called happily.
"What?!" Weiss asked, confused.
"Kick her butt uncle Qrow!" Ruby cheered.
"Uhh… teach him respect, Winter." Weiss countered hesitantly as the two combatants moved about quickly. Kris caught sight of Mercury, and silently requested a conversation later. Mercury noticed the gesture and nodded, before running off. The fight moved closer to the courtyard, and Kris advanced, making sure the students stayed behind her. Qrow slammed into the ground, creating a large crater.
"Glynda won't be happy…" Kris groaned quietly.
The two continued into the courtyard, chopping down a lamp post. The two ended up on the massive arches. Qrow followed along, opposite the Atlas specialist, firing his weapon along the way. He stopped as Winter created a cloud of smoke. She charged out of it, and the force of the collision destroyed the arch upon which Qrow stood. The fight wound its way back, Qrow skidding to Kris' side with his sword in the ground. The huntsman pressed the lever again, and his weapon separated, forming the scythe's blade. Kris and Qrow shared a look, seeing Ironwood approach from behind Winter. Qrow sheathed his weapon, egging Winter on. She obliged, charging towards Qrow. Before she got within five feet, she was intercepted by Kris, who deadlocked her with her right gauntlet.
"Temper, temper." Kris scolded with a smile, as if she was talking to a child. Winter growled with narrowed eyes in response.
"Schnee!" Ironwood demanded. Winter glanced behind her, only to see Ironwood standing there, arms behind his back, clearly unimpressed. Kris smirked as Winter removed her weapon from the spartan's gauntlet, a fresh scratch etched in the fine metal.
"What in the world... do you think you're doing?" The general demanded.
"He started the altercation sir."
"False. She-" Kris motioned to Winter "-made the first attack."
"Is that right?" Ironwood asked, his voice terse. Winter hesitated, before dropping her head. Ironwood glanced around, his eyes surfing the Atlesian Knights that lie in pieces.
"And you." Ironwood directed to Qrow. Qrow raised an eyebrow and pointed to himself.
"What are you doing here?" Ironwood asked Qrow quietly.
"I could be asking you the same thing." Qrow retorted lightly.
"I-" Ironwood started, but Ozpin cut him off. "Now now, everyone. There is a sanctioned fight happening right around the corner at the Colosseum, that I can assure you has better seats. And popcorn." Ozpin swished the contents of his cup around.
"Break it up, everyone! We will take care of this mess." Glynda ordered. Ozpin turned around, his destination being his office. Kris followed after, vaguely aware of Ironwood ordering Winter to follow.
"Qrow!" Ozpin called. "A word, please."
The elevator to Ozpin's office opened, allowing Glynda, Kris, Qrow and Ozpin into the open space.
"What were you thinking?!" Winter demanded.
"He needs to explain to you?" Kris retorted with a glare. Winter growled.
"If you were one of my men, I would have you shot!" Ironwood snapped in.
"If I were one of your men, I'd shoot myself." Qrow retorted, pulling his flask out.
"While I wouldn't condone his behavior, retaliating like you did, certainly didn't help the situation." Glynda told the specialist.
"He was drunk!" She fired back.
"He's always drunk." Glynda retorted. Qrow took a swig from his flask as everyone stared. He paused, before giving a shrug, putting his flask away. Ozpin released a heavy sigh.
"Qrow, why are you here?" Ozpin demanded evenly, sitting down.
"You've been out of contact for weeks! You can't just go dark like that in the field!" Ironwood snarked.
"He's not one of your 'Spec Ops', James." Kris shot back.
"General." Winter corrected tersely. Kris flipped her off, placing her hands on her hips. Qrow gave Kris a pat on the shoulder and an approving smile, the only other person who understood the full meaning of the gesture.
"You sent me to get intel on our enemy, and I'm telling you our enemy is here."
Ironwood moved, leaning against the desk. "We know."
"Oh! Oh, you know! Well thank goodness I'm out there risking my life to keep you all informed!" Qrow growled back in irritation, taking an exaggerated step back. Ironwood sighed, "Qrow!"
"Communication's a two way street pal! You see this-" Qrow yanked out his scroll, "That's the 'SEND' button!"
"They had reason to assume you'd been compromised." Winter interjected.
"And you're here because?" Kris asked as Qrow replied. "And I have reason to assume you don't need to be here! Seriously, who invited her?" Qrow pointed at Winter.
"Schnee, we'll discuss this incident back on my ship." Ironwood dismissed.
"But sir-" Ironwood interrupted his subordinate.
"Winter! Leave." He ordered again.
"Yes sir." Winter saluted. Qrow gave her a wink as she passed. The elevator doors closed before the mood in the office turned deadly serious.
"Go on."
"Your little infiltrator isn't just another pawn. They're the ones responsible for Autumn's condition." Qrow gave up, pulling his flask back out.
"I've befriended one of them. His reasons for what I am and what I did are similar to mine, I believe." Kris interjected.
"And those reasons would be?" Ozpin asked the spartan.
"Revenge, purpose. Hopefully I can convince him to switch sides." Kris rolled her head, cracking her neck, before inspecting the new scrape on her armor. Qrow took a drink, before turning back around.
"Despite what the world may think, we're not just warriors, or teachers or Generals or headmasters. The people in this room, the leaders of the other two academies," Qrow's voice elevated slightly, "We're the ones keeping the world safe from an evil no one even knows about." Qrow approached Ironwood, getting into his face. Kris placed her Recon helmet on the floor, already suspecting a virus in the system.
"It's why we meet behind closed doors, why we work in the shadows. So you tell me, James. When you brought your army to Vale, did you think you were being discreet, or did you just not give a damn?!" Qrow nearly yelled. Ironwood sighed.
"Discreet wasn't working." Ironwood placed his scroll on the desk. A holo image of Vale, Beacon, Amity Colosseum and Ironwood's fleet appeared.
"I'm here, because this-" He gestured to the image, "-is what was necessary."
"You're here because Ozpin wanted you here!" Qrow snarled back, his attention on James while pointed at the seated Ozpin.
"He made you apart of this inner circle -" Qrow started.
"He opened your eyes to the real fight that's in front of us all!" Kris finished hotly.
"And for that, I am grateful." Ironwood told him.
"Oh, well. You've got a real funny way of showing it." Qrow snarled.
"The people of Vale need someone who could protect them. Someone who would act. When they look to the sky and see my fleet, they feel safe, and our enemies will feel our strength." Ironwood retorted.
"Safe? Safe?!" Kris growled, stepping forward. "This isn't Atlas. Vale has no constant militaristic presence! When you do this -"She gestured to the image, "They don't feel safe. At All!" Kris all but yelled. Qrow started laughing.
"She's right you know. You-you think they're scared of you're little ships?" Qrow asked, his voice a deep growl. "I've been out there, and seen the things she's made, and let me tell you… they ARE fear!"
"And fear will bring the Grimm." Ozpin finally interjected into the madness. Everyone turned to him. "A guardian is a symbol of comfort. But an army is a symbol of conflict."
"There's an energy in the air now," the headmaster continued, " A question in the back of everyone's minds: If this is the size of our defenses… what is it we're expecting to fight?" Ozpin questioned, calm as ever. Attention switched back to Ironwood, who sighed.
"So then, what do suggest we do?" Ironwood asked, a flash of a chess piece on his scroll as he placed it away. Kris narrowed her eyes in suspicion.
"I suggest we find our guardian." Ozpin answered. Qrow, Glynda and Ironwood nodded, before leaving the office. Kris remained behind.
"Kris, a word, please." Ozpin asked. Kris nodded.
The elevator to Ozpin's office opened, allowing Qrow in. Ozpin's mug sat on his desk, untouched, filled with coffee as the headmaster stared out the window, into the sunrise.
"You know, he's making you look like a fool." Qrow commented.
"His heart is in the right place." Ozpin countered. "He's just… misguided."
"Sometimes I'm not sure he even has a heart." Qrow took a sip of his own alcohol-tainted coffee.
"So… have you chosen your guardian yet?" The huntsman asked.
"Maiden's choose themselves," Ozpin spun around in his chair. "I simply believe I've chosen the right candidate. Since the day I met her, I had a feeling she would be the one. She's strong, intelligent, caring, but most importantly, she's ready."
"Ready enough for this?" Qrow asked, leaning against a pillar.
"No, I have another in mind. This one will be her guardian, charged with keeping her safe. They do so already." Ozpin answered. They waited, as the four remaining occupants made their way to the office.
"Well… it comes as now surprise they've chosen you to move on to the final round of the tournament. Your performance has been exemplary." Ozpin commented.
"Thank you, professor Ozpin," The redhead replied." But I never would have made it this far if not for my teammates."
"Personally - bar one - it's the other way around." Qrow commented offhandedly.
"I'm sorry, but I don't believe we've been introduced." Pyrrha stood, facing Qrow.
"Name's Qrow."
"Qrow is a… trusted colleague of mine." Ozpin supplied.
"Professor, if you don't mind me asking, why did you call me here?"
"Please, take a seat." Ozpin sat up, "What is your favorite fairy tale?"
"I'm sorry?" Pyrrha asked, clearly confused.
"Fairy tales. Stories from your childhood. Surely you remember some of them."
"Well… there's the tale of the two brothers; The shallow sea; The girl in the tower." Pyrrha listed.
"What about the story of the seasons?" Ozpin interrupted.
"Oh, of course!" Pyrrha remembered. "A callous old man who refuses to leave his home, is visited by four travelling sisters. The first understands his reclusive nature and urges him to use his time in solitude to reflect and meditate. The second brings him fruits and flowers, tending to his crops and revitalizing his garden. The third warms the man's heart, convincing him to step outside and embrace the world around him."
"And the fourth and final sister begs him to look at all that he has and be thankful. In return for their kindness, the man grants the maidens incredible powers, so that they may continue helping others all over the world. The four graciously accept, and promise to share their gifts with the people of Remnant until the end of days." Pyrrha concluded.
"Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall," the redhead listed. "The four maidens. My mother loves that story."
"Would you believe me if I told you that story has been around since I was a boy?" Ozpin asked with a smile. Pyrrha chuckled.
"You're not that old, Professor."
"Well…" Ozpin's expression dropped its happy facade, "Would you believe me if I told you it was true?" He countered.
"I beg your pardon?" Pyrrha asked hesitantly.
"What if I were to tell you that there were four maidens existing in this world, that could wield such tremendous power. Without dust." Ozpin revealed.
"You mean… like a semblance?" She asked again.
"Like magic." The headmaster smiled.
"Yea… first time hearing it's pretty crazy." Qrow interjected.
"You're serious?" Ozpin's face was as flat as stone as he replied.
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
"No." Pyrrha relented.
"Why-why are you telling me this? Why not… Kris?" Pyrrha asked. Qrow gave Ozpin a subtle nod.
"We're telling you, Pyrrha Nikos, because we believe you are to be the next guardian." Ozpin said.
"Guardian of who?" Pyrrha questioned, lost. "The next Fall Maiden." Ozpin gestured to the elevator.
"Wait, 'we'?" The elevator doors opened, revealing Glynda, Ironwood and Kris, clad in her black and red spartan armor, helmet tucked beneath her arm.
"Sorry we're late." Ironwood apologized, fixing his tie. "Made them hunt for me. I was training, sorry Professor." Kris apologized.
"Wait, what is this? Who are you?" Pyrrha questioned.
"You know who we are," Glynda spoke up, "We're still the same teachers and headmasters you met when you arrived at Beacon."
" 'Cept we've got a little part time job." Qrow put in.
"We're the protectors of this world." Ironwood commented.
"And we need your help." Ozpin countered in agreement. Kris stepped forward, placing her helmet on the ground, squatting in front of her partner.
"Because if everyone knew about this…it would be chaos. Chaos beyond what we could realistically control." the spartan explained.
"Our candidate for the next Fall maiden… is right here."