Legal Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY, Red vs. Blue, or any of the shows' characters. They are the rightful properties of Rooster Teeth.
Chapter Eight:
At Clover's suggestion, Qrow and the Ace Op went to see the General King in his office to report that Clover was finally recovered efficiently enough from the use of his Inheritor abilities to return to duty. The duo found James Ironwood standing in front of his desk, not looking particularly pleased. The General King's arms were crossed over his chest, a frown coating his face as well as lingering in his blue eyes, "When were you going to tell me?" He stated without preamble as soon as the door to his office closed, eyes narrowing in Qrow's direction as if just seeing the Huntsman was personally offensive.
Both Clover and Qrow froze, red eyes peering over at teal questioningly. Annoyingly enough, the only response Clover had was a slight shrugging of his shoulders. Apparently the brunette didn't have a clue as to what Ironwood was angry about either. To be fair, Ironwood often had the look of someone pissed off, so Qrow could see how that would be a hard expression to decipher.
"You're going to have to be more specific, Jimmy." Qrow finally said at length when no further explanation was forthcoming, ignoring the way that Clover's eyebrows shot up at how informally he'd addressed the leader of Atlas. Really, Clover and Winter should be used to it by now. Qrow wasn't the type to give a shit about stuffy formalities.
Ironwood's right eye twitched slightly, "I'm talking about Hargrove's visit to the Grand Palace not too long ago." He grit out, as if it should have been insanely obvious to the Huntsman.
Oh. Oh, shit. Of course Ironwood would be upset about that breach of conduct, especially since he liked to be well-informed of potential adversaries' movements whenever possible. And make no mistake, while they might tentatively need to work together currently, Ironwood considered Charon a rather adversarial group in a lot of respects.
Qrow sighed and ran a hand through his feathery hair, "Look, James..." he began, trailing off when he realized he didn't actually have much of an excuse.
"It was my fault, sir." Clover quickly spoke up over him, causing the elder to gape the Inheritor's way in staunch disbelief, "I asked Qrow not to say anything, as I didn't think the matter was worth mentioning."
"I can understand your mindset, Clover," Ironwood said as he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose tightly in-between his fingers, "But I need to be kept informed of Charon's movements whenever possible. Especially when they concern my men."
Clover frowned slightly and nodded, "Of course, sir. My apologies." He muttered, looking for all the world like a lost puppy being reprimanded.
Ironwood's sharp eyes turned to Qrow then, "And I thought we had a clear understanding of what needed to be reported to me, Qrow." He said plainly, as if the red-eyed man was an idiot.
Teal eyes fell on him then, and Qrow found he couldn't look in Clover's probing direction right at that moment, "Sorry, Jimmy. It won't happen again." He said, trying to diffuse the tense situation that was permeating the room. Qrow felt like he was lying, because what if Clover asked him to keep another secret? Qrow honestly wasn't sure he'd outright deny doing so for the younger man any more than he already had, especially in matters such as this where the brunette was obviously distraught.
"Very well then," Ironwood said resignedly, sighing once more as he stepped back around to his desk, "You two are dismissed for the time being."
"Sir!" Clover saluted Atlas' leader before turning to leave the office, sparing only a brief glance at Qrow before exiting the room.
"Qrow." The black-haired man paused at the sound of his name being called out, and he turned to see Ironwood staring at him intensely, "I mean it. Keep an eye on him, all right?" The General King asked quietly.
Qrow couldn't help but smirk, "Don't worry, I was planning to. That's what partners are for, aren't they?" He offered before waving sarcastically and turning to walk out the door. He was partially surprised when he exited the office to find Clover still standing in the hallway, a rather pensive-looking expression clouding over his features, "Something the matter, lucky charm?" Qrow asked, though he suspected he already knew what was bothering the Inheritor.
"You're supposed to be keeping tabs on me for James." Clover said suddenly, his hands clenched into fists at his sides, "That's the real reason we're partners, isn't it?"
Qrow blinked at the sudden brunt of anger being thrown his way, though a part of him understood just why the other was upset, "Well, initially. Yeah." He had to shakily admit, because what else could he say? Judging by the hurt expression that flitted over the Ace Ops' teal eyes, that wasn't what he had wanted to hear.
"I see." Clover looked down at the ground, the upset still clear as day on his features, "So it isn't so much a partnership as it is babysitting for you, huh?"
"Cloves..." Qrow began, taking a few steps towards the other man.
To his surprise and regret, Clover actually took a step back away from him before turning to face the other end of the corridor, his face once again a mask of cold Atlas indifference, "I'm going to check in on Oscar, see if he's interested in training some." He muttered over his shoulder, not bothering to look back at the older Huntsman before curtly walking off.
Qrow stood there in the hallway outside of Ironwood's office, a sinking feeling working its way into his gut as he tried to figure out just what he could do. Damn it. He really fucking hated Atlas.
The temple was quiet save for the harried breathing of Oscar Pine as he shakily stood, rubbing sweat from his eyes. The green markings on his face slowly faded from view once more, his eyes already having returned to their natural hazel color. Clover lowered his own hand, his facial features already having returned to their usual state well before, "You get used to it eventually." He assured the younger man, "It just takes a fair bit of practice."
Oscar nodded his head wearily, reaching down and gripping his knees tightly to help further steady himself, "What's next?" He asked, although his countenance spoke clearly of exhaustion.
Given that the poor boy was nearly dead on his feet already, Clover wasn't sure he wanted to push things any further, "Why don't we take a break?" He suggested, already heading towards the small brown bag he had let slip to the floor before their training session had begun.
Oscar pouted at the notion, "But—!" He started, before stopping as he watched the older man's movements with curiosity.
Clover smiled, picking up the bag and taking out a gray stone inside, gesturing towards a faraway crack in the floor of the temple. He imagined that they'd have to repair that crack soon before he threw the stone over to it haphazardly, watching as it bounced on the ground before hitting the very spot he'd targeted.
"I think you amplified my magic quite a bit already." He told Oscar plainly, his eyes alight with mirth.
"No way." The fourteen-year-old breathed out as he stared at the spot, "How do you know it wasn't just your Semblance acting on its own?"
Clover rubbed the back of his head, feeling unsure if whether or not he should admit what he was about to but knowing Oscar of all people had the right to know, "Because my Semblance usually gets out of tune the second I activate my Inheritor magic." He informed him quietly, "Your being here and using your own power overrode that."
Oscar still looked slightly doubtful, but ultimately he took the older man's word for it and gratefully plopped down right where he was standing on the floor. His gaze glanced up and over at the enormous floating crystal behind them, pulsating with a purple-black light, "So this is Salem's Temple, huh?" He asked, the fear apparent in his question.
"Yeah," Clover sat down beside him on the ground, frowning, "Not a lot of people visit the Destroyer's Temple, so I figured it would be a good spot to practice in."
"I can see why." He shuddered slightly, "It just feels intimidating."
"It's certainly daunting, that's for sure." The brown-haired soldier agreed, watching the crystal warily.
Oscar regarded Clover with a contemplative look on his face, noticing that the older man was still frowning and glancing about almost nervously, "This is where it happened, wasn't it?" He asked tentatively, "Where you were chosen?"
Clover's mouth pressed into a thin line, "This is where Hargrove conducted his experiment, yes." He finally admitted. Being back here was not the most pleasant experience, but he knew that they needed privacy for their training sessions in order to keep Oscar's role as an Inheritor secret.
"And are you sure you're okay with...?" Oscar began tentatively before trailing off, obviously unsure of how to finish his question.
The boy's concern was touching, but Clover waved it off, "It was a long time ago. I'm fine now." He said, and he almost convinced himself what he answered was true. Because he was fine. Mostly. Just as long as they didn't ascend the stairs or...
"I don't really remember how it happened." Oscar murmured quietly, his freckled features frowning in thought as his words helped break the Ace Op out of his spiraling thoughts.
"You mean how you were chosen?" Clover asked, already knowing that was what the boy was referring to.
Oscar nodded his dark head of hair, bringing his knees to his chest, "One second my aunt was saying there was a Grimm attack, and then I felt pain and darkness and nothing before a big light and I almost heard a guy talking to me, telling me I had to wake up. And then I did. I just woke up," he shuddered, "And my aunt was gone."
Clover placed a consoling hand on the freckled teen's shoulder, "And that's when you found your way to Mantle and Robyn arranged for you to stay with Qrow?" He asked, trying to put together how Oscar had ended up being essentially adopted by the red-eyed Huntsman.
Oscar nodded again, hastily rubbing tears from his eyes. The boy had been through so much. Clover had to admit, he was impressed with how well he was handling everything, all things considered. Meanwhile, here he was at thirty-three years old and still acting like a little kid. No wonder Qrow seemed to still view him as such. The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth.
There was a squawking noise from behind the two, and Clover turned his head to see a familiar red-eyed crow sitting on the edge of the stairwell banister. He could have sworn it was the same animal he often saw when he was visiting Charon to help activate and amplify their magic tech, though it baffled him as to why it was hanging around so much given the weather here in Solitas. Birds in general really weren't common sights here.
Oscar looked over at the creature and frowned, "Are you and Qrow having a fight?" He asked Clover suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere.
The older man blinked at the astute change in topic, his face heating up at the realization that maybe he wasn't nearly as subtle as he'd hoped he was when it came to the topic of the older Huntsman, "More like a disagreement." He finally admitted, tilting his head curiously, "What made you ask?"
Oscar stared at the crow for a few seconds more, the bird staring back at him almost pleadingly. He finally frowned and shook his head, suddenly finding one of his pants' legs very interesting, "No reason." He answered, even though it was obviously a lie that Clover wasn't buying, not really, and he was just about to try prying further when the doors to the temple suddenly opened.
"Captain Ebi!" Pyrrha Nikos exclaimed, standing in the entrance and looking just as surprised to see Oscar and Clover as they were to see her, "And Oscar, was it?" She asked, all polite manners and friendly greeting.
"Pyrrha," Clover replied, standing up while offering a friendly hand to help the still exhausted fourteen-year-old get to his feet too while he noted the crow taking the opportunity to fly through the massive open temple doorway, "What brings you here?"
"I often come here to think." Pyrrha informed him, her green eyes clearly upset at having not found the place empty.
"Oh," Clover said, "We can leave you to it then." Judging by the pale light filtering in from behind her they'd been in the temple quite a while already.
The tall redhead shook her head, "No need this time." She assured them, "The walk here itself was actually very helpful!"
Clover and Oscar both looked at one another, "You sure?" Clover asked, raising a brown eyebrow, "We were just about to head back anyways."
"Then I will join you." Pyrrha said happily, gesturing towards the door behind her and, just like that, the three were on their way out of Salem's Temple and back towards Atlas proper.
Qrow waited until he was back behind the outer wall of Atlas before changing into his human form, noticing with some mild amusement that he'd transformed in what appeared to be the very same alleyway where Clover had confronted him about Oscar being Ozpin's Inheritor. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, wondering exactly what he should do now. This whole situation was turning into quite the pain in the ass.
He knew Clover was still upset with him for what had happened in the Grand Palace, and he wasn't sure how to necessarily get past that if Clover continued stubbornly avoiding him like he was doing. In hindsight, he probably should have been upfront with the younger man about just why Ironwood had assigned them to be partners in the first place. It certainly would have made things a lot easier in the long run.
He walked out of the snow-covered alleyway as he continued mulling his options over. The truth was, regardless of why he'd originally agreed to work with Clover, he genuinely enjoyed being his partner now. He enjoyed it to the point where the thought of that stopping filled his being with something akin to dread. As his mind wandered, he didn't even notice the gathering of a particular group of three young Huntsmen and one Huntress nearby until he was almost upon them. Some spy he turned out to be.
"Hey, Qrow!" Nora Valkyrie's voice called out over to the black-haired man as she cupped her hands around her mouth, "Out on a patrol?" She asked, standing in a circle with Ren, Jaune, and Simmons as she quickly and enthusiastically waved him over while approached his nieces' friends.
"Something like that." Qrow admitted, raising an eyebrow slightly in Simmons' direction in particular, "I'm surprised Grif isn't hanging around with you."
"That's what I told him!" Nora said with a face-splitting grin, eagerly grabbing onto the redhead's shoulders in a friendly manner.
Simmons' freckled face turned bright red as he tried sniffing dismissively, "It's...it's not like we're joined at the hip or something!" He sputtered out, clearly embarrassed by the sudden attention.
Ren tilted his head to the side thoughtfully, "You are often together though." He supplied helpfully, as if Simmons was unaware and needed to be informed of who he was spending his time with.
"Yeah, just like me and Ren!" Nora declared, turning her attention to glomping the dark-haired boy in question next, causing Ren to blush slightly at their sudden proximity.
"Does everybody think that?" Simmons asked, sounding slightly bewildered at the notion.
Jaune smiled and patted his shoulder, "It's good to have friends though." He told him reassuringly.
"Y-yeah, I guess so." Simmons seemed to relax slightly, though he still seemed oddly self-conscious.
Qrow raised an eyebrow at the odd reaction, though he figured the young man had gone through enough teasing at the moment and promptly changed the subject, "What are all of you doing way out here?" He asked, his responsible adult role suddenly flaring to life.
Nora grinned again and waggled her finger in the air, "It's a secret!" She declared, and suddenly Qrow felt very unsure of this gathering.
"It really isn't." Jaune stated, "Nora, you've got to stop saying stuff like that."
The redhead pouted, "Aw, you're no fun!" She said gleefully, eyes filled with unabashed joy.
"We were just discussing someone we all happen to know." Ren further explained to Qrow, deciding somebody needed to fill him in.
The expressions on the others' faces clouded over, and Qrow couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slightly in alarm, "You aren't having an issue with someone, are you?" He asked, about to become overprotective uncle to a bunch of kids he wasn't even related to.
"No, no!" Nora exclaimed, quickly waving her hands out in front of her, "It's nothing like that!" She assured him.
"They happen to be friends with my sister." Simmons said, looking at the ground sheepishly as he added, "Well, half-sister really."
"Oh, really now?" Qrow asked Simmons, suddenly curious despite himself at how it really could be a surprisingly small world at times, "Is she here in Atlas too?"
The stricken faces of the group of youngsters had the dark-haired man immediately knowing he'd asked the wrong question. Jaune looked to the ground, clenching his fists at his sides, "Actually, we don't know where she is right now." He shakily admitted.
"She disappeared from Vale a while ago." Nora's normally cheerful energy was nowhere to be found in her reply, her eyes staring at the ground sadly.
"And no one in Argus has heard from her either." Simmons noted sadly, trying to sound brave but failing miserably at it if the wobbly tone in his voice was any indication.
Qrow frowned at this new information, unsure of what to say or do in light of it. He couldn't exactly comfort the kids without knowing more information himself, as it wasn't like the missing girl would suddenly be walking down the street...
"Pyrrha?!"
Qrow blinked at Jaune's sudden exclamation, the blond-haired boy looking as though he'd seen a ghost. The others were in various degrees of shock as well.
...Standing just a few feet away from them, as they'd been caught in a conversation amongst themselves and hadn't noticed the new group's presence until just then, were a surprised-looking Clover and Oscar, as well as a red-haired young woman who was also gaping at Jaune's group in shock, "Jaune? Nora, Ren? Richard?" She asked, taking a step back as if she was planning on bolting.
Before she could run off, Jaune raced forward at a surprisingly shocking speed and pulled her into a hug—the other three kids with Qrow quickly following, "You're here!" The blonde exclaimed as she stood still shell-shocked amidst their enveloping arms, "You're really here!"
The girl Qrow could only assume was named Pyrrha blinked for a moment, and it looked as if there were unshed tears in her green eyes before she returned the embrace. Clover and Qrow both glanced at one another then, both men imagining that there was about to be some serious explaining going on very soon. Qrow found himself once again shocked by how small the world really was sometimes.
Author's Notes: I've been wanting to write the Pyrrha reveal for a while now, so it was great to finally get it penned! :D Expect more reactions and reveals about what was going on there in the next chapter. Thank you for reading! :)