Hey guys, hope you have been enjoying the read so far.
But anyway, here is the next chapter of this fic.
Enjoy the read.
Chapter Twenty-Six
The sight of the Gate left him breathless.
Even when he was far away, he saw how much it rose from the ground and into air, between the two mountains of the Chains of Remnant. Oscar had never been to Remnant before and considering the countless stories his sister would tell him about the land that stood on the East of Vacuo. The young man was pulling the horse behind him as he approached closer toward the direction of the Gate. From the town he was in a few days ago, Crest Village if he remembered the name correctly, they told him to follow the Schnee Road which lead him straight toward the Gate.
Oscar thought back to the reason why he was here in the first place. The young man had returned to Vacuo as he had done and ever since he had seen those ships aiming for Patch, he had a bad feeling in the back of his mind feeling worry for Winter within him and when the words of the attack started to spread throughout the city and his worry for his friend started to rise even more.
It made Oscar wonder if he made the right choice by coming back to his home and leaving Winter alone? What if something had happened to her when he could have done something to prevent it? What if because he had left that Winter didn't survive…
He had shaken those thoughts from his head. Oscar knew that they wouldn't help him focus on hearing the news of what had happened. The next few days passed slowly like that, as he was in his small home in the forest surrounding the town, he never realized just how lonely it was ever since his grandmother passed away. His sister visited occasionally but they were times that she takes even longer to do so. Winter had been a breath of fresh air within his home, a companion he didn't even know he needed and now that she was gone, he found himself missing her deeply.
The words of the attack against Patch had lit something inside him, and Oscar couldn't find it within himself to stay here without doing anything at all. So, he had done what he can to gather information around the city from the fishermen that traded with Patch and slowly but surely over the few days, the story came out. The fleet with black sails he had seen had attacked the island but they were ultimately defeated and there were rumors of Dragons being involved within the attack as well. The young man didn't know how much he would believe it however; everyone had said the same thing so it can't be that everyone has to be wrong about it.
However, hearing about the fleet's defeat brought some hope to his heart that Winter was unharmed and safe with the Priestess and learning what she needed. He hoped to see her again but, Oscar had another goal in mind.
It had been a while since his sister had come to visit. Just one day when he was working on gathering woods, that his mind returned to her. His sister had been discovered to have an ancient power within her, and from how she explained it to him the last time they saw each other, it was a power that was always around Remnant and a power that was given to mankind by the Old Gods. His sister spent many of her days praying when she was in her room, the room he had allowed Winter to sleep in when she was staying with him.
He didn't know why he started thinking about her but Oscar decided he was going to visit her. Maybe if he talked with her, he would be able to calm his restless mind. Packing what he has along with his arrows and horse, he left his home behind, having a strange feeling in the back of his mind that it would be a while before he sees it again.
Oscar turned his gaze back at the home for a few moments before turning away and leaving the silent home behind for good. Getting passage heading toward Amastrial was easier than he expected, and after a few days at sea the ancient continent of Remnant appeared within the horizon. The country that Winter came from.
The many rumors of Remnant were that there was a civil war happening somewhere but from what he had seen when he was in Amastrial, other than the cold was that it was peaceful at best. They were many Faunus on the streets and around him as well similar to how it was and considering Managerie standing at the bay of the city, it was no wonder since Amastrial had formed an alliance with the Faunus there.
But that wasn't the reason he had come here. Oscar left the city behind and since he didn't have a horse, he had walked straight toward the direction of the place where his sister had told him that she was staying in. However, he didn't find what he was looking for at all for the small building that his sister had described was completely destroyed.
The remains of a building stood, blackened from a fire that had since long gone out. The roof was caved in and the area around it was completely destroyed. They were some bodies littering the ground around it, most of the stink already diminished almost as if the people were burned alive from where they were. Oscar can only watch in horror at what he was seeing.
"Oscar?"
The voice who talked drew his gaze finding a man walking toward him. Well, more like a Faunus man who had two horns growing form his forehead. He was staring at him like he was shocked to see him. The man was dressed in ragged clothing.
"Who are you?" Oscar asked, "How do you know my name?"
The Faunus walked toward him and it was then Oscar noticed that he was missing a leg. He was holding a staff to help him walk forward. The man approached until he reached him.
"Your sister spoke about you enough for me to recognize you," the Faunus said, "My name is Bran."
Oscar approached the Faunus.
"What happened here?" he asked.
Bran looked around himself.
"Come with me boy," he said, "It's better to have this conversation elsewhere. Ears everywhere."
Oscar was confused but he followed after the man down the dirt road that was in front of them leaving the ruins of the old Fort behind. The two made their way back toward the city but using the backroads to move around until they reached a small building. It was a tavern, Oscar noticed as he could hear the laughter of the customers from the front of the room as well as the smell of alcohol. Bran led him straight through an hallway until they reached a wooden door.
"In here," he said.
It was a simple room with a bed at the corner with many books and there was even a sword hanging on the side in a belt. A small candle was lit by the Faunus as he moved around the room taking a seat down upon the bed.
"I never thought I'd see you here in Amastrial," Bran said.
Oscar looked at him.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"I was part of the Order," he said, "The people that worked with your sister. To teach her to control the power that had awoken within her. Guarding the Maidens from those who wishes to use their power for nefarious things."
"Where is my sister?" Oscar asked, "What happened to the Keep?"
Bran looked at him, his face grave.
"An attack by the Snakes of the Black Keep," he said, "they attacked us without warning one day and before any of us could put up a defense, we were overwhelmed by their soldiers. It's how I lost my leg, I fought to defend the Maiden and I lost my leg. They must have thought me dead…I thought I was going to die as well but I woke up in this room being cared for by your sister."
Oscar looked at him.
"She healed you?"
The man touched his knees.
"Healing magic is quite powerful," he said, "Just one touch, and all the pain was gone. It can't regrow my leg but it kept me alive. She was angry at what happened to us, and despite warning her not to do anything, she wouldn't listen and ended getting herself captured because of it and her power stolen."
"She still live?" she asked.
Bran shook his head.
"She was hanged four days ago at the town square for treason against the Crown and the Lords of Amastrial," he said.
Oscar feel his breath left his lung at that. The young man could only feel shock at what he was told.
"Impossible…," he said, "She wouldn't…"
"I'm sorry boy," he said, "But that's the truth…I think it was for the best you didn't see her then. She was nothing but the shell of a person wearing her face. You however, need to leave Amastrial. If anyone realize who you are, you're going to be in danger. The Queen's spies are everywhere now that she won the Throne of Jewels. Given what she done to the Schnee, she doesn't like leaving loose ends."
At the name Schnee, Oscar looked up at the man. Winter had told him something similar when she lived with him. That her family was betrayed by someone called Morgana Fall. She must be the one that killed his sister.
"You said she stole her power…," he said slowly drawing the man's attention, "How do you know?"
"The battle that took place in Atlas," the Faunus said, "Words spread fast of that victory. They said that flames engulfed thousands of men at the Gate of White Castle. To use Aura in such a manner would kill anyone but only those with the power of a Maiden could have unleashed something like this. She won her war because of a stolen power…and I fear what horror she is going to unleash with such power under her control."
Oscar was lost.
He had hoped his sister would be here to give him some advice on what to do with himself. He wanted to have some idea of what he needed to do. Winter Schnee had made her decision and he had made his. Maybe had made a wrong decision and needed to be part of something bigger than himself to feel like he need to work.
"Boy," Bran said drawing his gaze, "You need to leave Amastrial."
"But where would I go?" he asked him.
"Anywhere but here," Bran told him, "Go back to Vacuo or even head toward Haven…even at the Gate will be safer for you than out here."
Oscar blinked.
The Gate?
How could he have forgotten. His father is serving there. The last time he had seen the man he had been nothing but a boy but he still remembers his name despite not remembering him much. Oscar nodded to himself before standing up.
"Alright, I'll leave," he said, "I have an idea on where to go."
"Good," Bran said, staying silent for a few moments before standing up and making his way toward the sword belt that was hanging on the side.
"You good with a sword boy?" he asked.
"No," Oscar answered, "I mostly use a bow."
Bran looked at him for a long moment then. There was a weariness to the Faunus, as if a great weight had settled upon his shoulders. The man shook his head lightly.
"Then fare you well Oscar," he said, "and may the Old Gods bless you."
He had left then. With a horse given to him by Bran, Oscar rode out of Amastrial and into the Cold Haven that was the North of Remnant. He had gotten some help from the locals who told him of where to go in Crest Village and having barely stayed there a day, Oscar had headed straight up toward the Gate…
Which had led him to this moment right now, staring at the massive structure that was towering in front of him. An army of tents and banner danced around as he rode his horse straight toward the entrance to Beacon. The Gates were open but there were two guards standing there in front of him. One of them had light blue hair falling upon his face and he looked sour as if the light snow that was falling was starting to make him cold and Oscar was glad, he managed to get some warmer clothe from Bran before he left Amastrial.
"Who are you?" the young man with blue hair asked him, "What is your purpose here?"
"I'm here to meet my father," Oscar answered looking at the two men, "His name is Ozpin."
The two Huntsmen stared at him, shock visible within their eyes.
"You're the Lord Commander's son?"
"Impossible," the other said, "He doesn't have a son."
The blue haired boy glanced at the other, "And you know that how exactly?"
"He is been serving for more than twenty years," the first person said, "There is no way he would have had a son then."
"I was merely a child when he left to join the Hunt," Oscar said, "So I don't remember him well, but I do remember his name well enough. I need to speak with him, it's important."
"The Lord Commander is busy as it is," the man said, "If you want to join the Hunt then join if not…fuck off."
"I need to speak to him," Oscar argued, "There is something happening that he needs to be aware of…Please I just need a moment."
"Look boy, I already said enough," the man said.
"What's the commotion here?"
The two Huntsmen turned toward another man who was approaching toward them. He was dressed similarly to them but the man had a frown upon his feature as he approached toward them. He had a sword at his waist and his fur coat danced at the steps he made.
"Huntsman Raze," the Huntsman and the gate.
The man called Raze turned his gaze toward Oscar. There was a heaviness behind the man's gaze that caused Oscar to straighten up. Raze frowned lightly at him.
"Who are you boy?" he asked.
"My name is Oscar," he said, "I'm Ozpin's son."
The man blinked.
"The Lord Commander?" he repeated.
"I need to talk to him," Oscar continued, "I only need a conversation with him."
The man Raze observed him for a few moments before turning his gaze toward the Huntsman.
"Send word to Ozpin," he said.
"But Raze…?"
"Do it," Raze said curtly.
The Huntsman swallowed the words he was about to say before nodding and walking off. Raze then turned his gaze toward the blue haired boy.
"Neptune tell Coco and Scarlet to take your places," he said, "I'm sure the horses could a grooming."
The blue haired boy, Neptune nodded.
"Of course, sir," he said before walking off.
Oscar was surprised that he was believed.
"You believe me?"
Raze glanced at him.
"I have worked with Ozpin for ten years," he said, "You share many of the same features with him. I am inclined to believe that you are his son…thought, I never realized he had children before he joined…but I guess everyone had roots from somewhere in the world."
Oscar nodded glancing at the numerous soldiers that he could see around them. There was something happening at the Gate there was no denying it. The young man walked with Raze as they crossed the courtyard, thought his attention was still drawn toward the massive Gate that towered above him. It almost seems like the Gate stretched all the way to the heavens given how small it made him feel.
"I never imagined such things could be built," he said staring at it.
"So do many says," Raze answered, his tone almost wistful, "So your name is Oscar?"
"Aye," he said, "Oscar Pine."
"Same as the Lord Commander," he said, "I guess you really are his son."
"Oscar."
The two turned at the voice and the Lord Commander was walking straight toward them. Oscar feel a sudden surge going through him as he stared at his father. He may not have a lot of memory of the man but the few he remembered seems to jump out at him, the silver hair and the green eyes, Ozpin looked at him with shock in his eyes as he approached. Seeing his father again, Oscar realized that the two shared many similarities in their face however, the expression the man was wearing reminded him of his sister.
"It's really you," Ozpin whispered looking at him.
"It's been some years father," Oscar said calmly.
"It has, hasn't it?" Ozpin said, "Come, let us go to my solar, then we'll speak. Raze, you can return to your duties."
The man giving him a nod left them and Ozpin led the young man into the building and after walking through some hallways, they were in a small office with a burning fire at the hearth. It was much warmer here and Oscar couldn't help the relief that escape his lips from being out of the cold. His father noticed, giving him a light grin.
"Not used to this cold, are you?"
"It doesn't get this cold in Vacuo," Oscar told him.
The man laughed.
"Aye it doesn't," he said, "I barely remember those nights now…"
He seems to be lost in thought for a moment, however, he snapped back in attention quickly enough. The gaze was searching and curious but there was worry with them as well.
"You shouldn't have come here Oscar," he said, "The Gate is not safe for you right now."
"Autumn is dead," he said.
Ozpin stilled. He noticed the ashen look appearing upon his father's feature as he looked at him. There was disbelief at the news, pain within his gaze as he stared at her.
"H…How?"
"Hanged from what I heard," Oscar said, "She was killed days before I reached Amastrial. One of the Order, Bran told me the news. It seems that the Monastery was attacked by the knights of Amastrial."
Ozpin ran a hand through his hair as he took a seat down upon the chair.
"And her power was stolen by Morgana Fall," Oscar continued, "Bran explained to me what happened when Morgana killed the Schnee and destroyed Mistral in a Field of Fire. You and I both know that only a Maiden can have a power like that."
Ozpin was silent for a moment.
"Even so, I can't do this at the moment," he said, "We've already had our own problem here at the Gate and soon enough a war will be fought here. I can't have you here in Beacon when that happens."
"And where am I going to go?" Oscar asked, "There is no one else out there? Gran was the last family who died, and Autumn is also dead. I want to stay here Father."
"And I don't want to send my son into a battlefield," Ozpin argued back.
"Then I'll join the Hunt," Oscar argue, "You can't reject me if I join the Hunt."
Ozpin feel silent, staring at him.
"You don't know what you'll be sacrificing saying that," he said softly.
"Please father," he said, "My sister died and I wasn't able to do anything to help her. At least, let me stay here and maybe I'll be of some help to you."
Ozpin stood up from his seat making his way toward the window looking out toward it. The man stayed silent for a long moment as well before he started to speak.
"You still good with a bow?" he asked.
"Never stop practicing," Oscar answered.
"Good," he said before turning toward him, "If you want to join the Hunt still, I won't stop you. Know that if you join, you will be bound by vows that not even I can break as your father. There is a war coming son, a war against the creature of Grimm and I thought that was the worst thing that could happen but if Morgana Fall has managed find a way to steal the power of the Maidens for herself…"
The Lord Commander shook his head lightly.
"Then I fear a much darker future laid in front of us."
Oscar has reappeared in the fic and now is at the Gate...
Hope you have enjoyed the read.
Jacques0 out.
R&R