This chapter was...wonky to write, I will admit. Hopefully, it won't impede the reading experience too much. Nonetheless, hope you enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 50: Honesty
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.(Chapter Start)
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October 11th
Friday
Clear
Azura sat on the edge of the cliff that now held several memories of his own, and several dozen for Summer, watching the still budding dawn of the day break out across the sky as a sense of nervousness gripped him. There were a lot of thoughts running through his head since yesterday, a lot of questions and other thoughts that begged to be said aloud for Summer, even if she already knew them.
Pyra's condition seemed better when he left the dorm just before the crack of dawn, sleeping peacefully and not in any pain as far as he could tell, but the question still remained of what had caused her problem in the first place. He didn't think Mint would have lied, but a migraine seemed a little too convenient of an explanation for it. Pyrrha had said that she didn't say much to her, but had offered the idea of them being there if she wished to get their help, no matter how small or large.
Which just brought him to his other major question, that being Cinder's attitude to his partner. While he knew he didn't know her too well, even he had been slightly disturbed by how she basically treated Pyra like a child who scraped their knee on concrete. He could overlook a lack of concern for someone she didn't know, even if he would never do the same, but the way she seemed to find it amusing just did not rub him the right way. She also didn't seem pleased with Mint, which was also super odd, but maybe he would just have to talk to the silent girl about it.
Or Cinder herself, but he wasn't too sure if he wanted to know why she acted like she did from her own mouth.
"Couldn't we have done this somewhere not cold, and not so early in the morning?"
The words spooked him out of his thoughts, turning his head to look over at a jacketed Yang before replying.
"You have aura to warm yourself, so quit complaining." He jokes momentarily, then grows a bit more serious. "And...I wanted this to be private. Something between the one girl involved and the, as Summer might put it, a boy who was unfortunate enough to be involved with her."
"What's this about, Azura?"
"Sit first." He said, not answering her question. "I want you to be prepared for this."
He blamed Summer for his awkwardly more adult tone and wording, but also not quite sure how else he would put it. He waited for Yang to sit down next to him, her blonde hair ruffling with the wind as her lilac eyes reflected the dawn sun. Once she looks at him with several questions in her eyes, he speaks.
"She visited me two nights ago. The woman who saved us on the train below Mountain Glenn."
"The woman...my, my mother?" The girl beside him asked, shocked.
His throat tightens as guilt from not even telling Yang from the get-go came in. "Yes, your mother, Qrow's sister. Raven."
"And you never thought I should know this? First after the breach, and now, when she was on school grounds?"
Azura looked away with shame. "Well, that wasn't what made me hide the information, but it's still my fault regardless of that. I was thinking about how it'd affect Summer more than you at the time, and I should have considered you in the first place. It was unfair to you."
Yang sighs heavily, sounding frustrated. "You're lucky I like you, Azura, and that I know you were going through something major at that point in time."
He shakes his head. "I'm still sorry. She's someone that you seem to be looking for. And, well, even with the encounters with her and lies I have given you, I can't really help you beyond what she's told me in the latest encounter."
His eyes catch hers, a curiosity on her face and a desire to know hidden in her eyes. He couldn't blame her, either, he would be filled with the same emotions if a lead on some long lost family member came up right before his eyes.
"Don't just look at me, tell me what she said!" Yang blurted out, her impatience spurring him into action.
"She wanted to see if it was true, I think. My situation with Summer." He explained. "Told me that we were stepping into a dangerous game. That goes for Ruby and Weiss and Blake, too, I would think."
"Well, that's about as helpful as expected from a runaway parent."
He falls silent momentarily before nodding, not wanting to place blame or defend anyone. "She also gave me the same warning that every other adult figure has given me, about how Summer is the reason for the majority of my strength."
"Fuck her, then." Yang muttered as her eyes flicker red, taking a moment to breathe out heavily. "Sorry...I just think it's unfair to always tell people like you, who have clearly spent years bettering themselves for this life, that they're not as good as a Huntress with years more experience than us students."
"I do agree. You are more than good enough for someone with the informal training from Luna, with no formal schooling prior to Beacon."
"I know they would both agree, too." Yang then said, as if she had heard Summer's words. "Neither of them would be mean enough to not help you either way, but they help because they want to. Not because you're weak."
Azura smiles as he watches Luna zip around Yang happily. "It seems like you've made a friend out of Luna with that statement." His smile drops a moment later as he thinks of what Raven had said next. "But, much as I feel the same way as you there, Raven wanted me to tell you that your one save is gone."
"My one save? Seriously, she saves my life once and calls it even?"
"I agree, Yang. It's a little...heavy handed."
Despite his words, Azura wondered if there was more to it. Surely a woman as cold and detached from the idea of family life wouldn't have a child in the first place, so what had changed that if she had Yang? A question that not even Summer had the answer to, he knew.
Her frown deepens as she exhales heavily from her nose. "Is there more that she said?"
Azura feels the weight of the necklace that rested in the pocket of his sweatshirt seem to grow heavier at her question. "Told me that I had one save as well, but only because of Summer. She didn't tell me why, and given that Summer is…"
"Gone."
"Yeah. With that put in mind, I have no clue why she would even give me a save." He shakes his head, taking the necklace out and clutching it in hand. "I can't wear this in good consciousness, and thought that maybe this would fit you more."
He opens his hand, letting the black metal raven feather and white rose symbols on them fall as the chain hangs from his fingers. It glimmered slightly in the morning sunrise as Yang examined them closely. Slowly, much gentler than Yang normally was, she took hold of it as it slid out of his hand and into her own.
"She gave you this?"
"She did. I think it's because of Summer, but she did not tell me much at all. Everything about it seemed like she just wanted to see who this person was to have a ghost from her past in my head."
Yang only hums in response, fixated on the necklace in front of her.
"It's yours, if you want it. Like I said, it felt much more fitting for you to have it, from what I know about you."
She nods slowly then, putting it away after a few more moments. She looked lost in thought to him, like she was trying to make sense of what was being told to her. Azura merely kept silent, waiting for her to say anything at all, if she would.
The girl's lilac colored eyes gazed over at him, matching his own eyes. "Will you let me know if she does talk to you again?"
"Of course, Yang. You and I have been through the ringer once before with Mountain Glenn and the breach itself, what's another thing?" He chuckles, looking towards the dawn sky. "Call it cheesy, but I think the two of us have each other's backs just like your teammates do as well."
His words make her laugh quietly, shifting to sit next to him and watch the sun rise over Vale. "We have each other's back, all four of us and you, the honorary fifth. Don't think you can escape us after everything now, Azura."
The two of them sit there in silence for a minute, quietly taking in the sight as the idea of a situation bigger than them bears down on their shoulders before either of them say anything else.
"Thank you. For everything you're doing now, even if you did hold out at first."
Her laugh is lighter, the words more of a joke at his expense.
"I just think honesty is how I should go about things that are relevant to my friends. I couldn't imagine how you would feel if I said nothing and it came out." He replies, shrugging with an amused smile.
"I'd be really angry, I know that much." Yang says, pausing before speaking again. "Did she…"
Azura glances over, seeing an emotion that did not quite fit with Yang as a person, an emotion akin to nervousness. "Did she even mention you outside of your 'one save'?"
She nods, saying nothing else.
"I tried to get her to maybe do so, but she refused. Didn't want me to even suggest it."
Yang looks down with a quiet sigh, looking defeated. Azura watched her for several seconds before taking any action, simply closing their small distance and putting a hand on her shoulder to gain her attention.
"One day at a time, Yang. We've done it for everything else so far, haven't we?"
The hollow glint in her bright eyes stays where it is, lurking in the depths, but she conjures up a smirk. "You're right." She looks back to the view of Vale backed by the rising sun. "One day at a time."
From Azura's point of view, the sun blazed against her blonde hair in a way that made it shine like gold. With her words in mind, Azura couldn't help but admire the strength held within her, both mentally and physically. The combination of the two made him think of a phoenix. Yang seemed like the girl to rise from the ashes with blazing glory.
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.(Line Break)
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Hours had passed since Azura's conversation with Yang, yet he continued to think about his choices of honesty and dishonesty as he walked into Ozpin's office. Some things were simply better off not being known about was the current policy, something that both he and Summer had agreed upon.
His visit this time was not alone, however, as he scanned the office and found that both Ironwood and Winter were within the room, as well as Glynda. All four of them were seemingly waiting for him to arrive.
"Winter? Ironwood?"
"Azura."
Clearly, she expected him to be here. He couldn't say the same.
"I see that you're rather confused as to why so many of us are here right now." Ironwood asked. "It'll make sense in a few moments."
Winter nodded towards him. "I trust you are well?"
"Ah, yes. Enjoying the festivities, I suppose."
"If you two want a moment to greet each other, we can give it to you." Ozpin said. "I understand that you two started off well.
Azura meets Winter's eyes for a single moment before flicking back to Ozpin awkwardly. "Maybe after."
"I'm sure Azura wishes to know why myself and General Ironwood are here anyway." Winter said, steering the conversation back on topic.
Azura looked between the three of them as he stepped towards the center of the room. "An explanation would definitely help. I'll admit, I assumed that it would be about something else when...I was called here."
It felt weird to say it when Winter was here, even though she was in on this whole 'secret group' business as well, likely because he knew her less than someone like Ozpin at this moment.
"Well, let's get on with it in that case." The Beacon Headmaster said, fingers intertwined as he watched the boy from over his glasses. "I assume you remember the story that I told you about?"
"The story of the seasons? How the Maidens that exist now have the powers those girls got in the story?"
"The one and only."
"Then yes, I remember. Why?"
"You've put a lot of trust into me, into all of us, really. And with who you have in your head...I do appreciate that you've been willing to put that trust in me." Ozpin explained. "We think it's time for your trust to be rewarded with some honesty."
"And yours as well, Winter." Ironwood said to Winter.
Her back straightened more than Azura thought was possible, a glint of pride crossing her face.
Ozpin stands from his chair with a look at Glynda, who was simply watching them in silence. The woman had been particularly quiet, catching Luna's interest as she lazily floated around the deputy headmistress. She moved from her position in the shadows and into the afternoon sun once Ozpin made way to move past all of them, cane tapping against the ground rhythmically with his footsteps.
He hits the button for the elevator, keeping his back turned to them all. Glynda's green eyes flicked to Azura momentarily, as if thinking of something about him. For his part, he wasn't all too sure why she was looking at him. Was there something he might have done or might have to do?
"You've been silent about your activities with the Inner Circle. Minus some admittance to Pyrrha when she was pushing the topic, that is." Summer murmured, voicing herself. "Ironwood and Ozpin also gave you a similar look a minute ago...wonder what this is about."
"There is something the two of you need to see. Something that is very secret and must remain that way, no matter what is asked of it." He turns as the elevator doors open. "Do you both understand that?"
Ironwood had also stepped forward from his position, now watching them from the middle of the distance between the two younger members and Ozpin and Glynda.
Azura looks at Winter momentarily before turning back to Ozpin, acutely aware of how serious the headmaster looked in comparison to every other time he's spoken to the man. "I do."
"Yes, I understand." Winter said after him, her tone eerily similar to Weiss when she was serious.
"I hope you do." He says, entering the elevator with Glynda to his side. "Come in when you are ready."
Winter walked forward slowly once Ironwood nodded to her, but Azura felt some hesitance holding him back. Some from Summer, some from himself. If there was a point of crossing a line from being a normal student with extensions to being involved in something that took Summer away from life, this would be it.
He could feel Luna's tail brushing against his leg as her cold hand landed on his shoulder, giving him a boost of confidence. Summer's presence was much warmer than Luna's, serving as a reminder of their willingness to stick with each other and all that they have done together and for one another.
Azura looked at Ironwood for only a moment, but he caught what seemed like a smile on the stoic man's face when he finally stepped forward and passed him into the elevator. Once they were all in, Ozpin pushed past Ironwood to take a badge out of his pocket and slide it into a small slot against the wall that he hadn't even noticed before. A small panel next to the normal elevator buttons appeared, where he then pressed a few buttons and pressed a red button.
The elevator dinged as if it had made it to their destination, then the small panel closed and they began to move down once the elevator doors closed. The silence was broken only by the sounds of the metal box holding them all going down. Just when they reached where the doors would have normally opened up, however, they kept moving without coming to a single stop.
Azura eyed all of them, finding that Winter was the only one who shared a single moment of wondering what was going on. Luna was patiently waiting, her own eyes simply flicking between everyone with a cautiousness. She was nervous, catching his eye and shifting to look a bit more defensive. They could do nothing but wait for the ride to end.
"Even I do not know what's going on. I'm...not too sure what to make of what could be at the bottom of this. We're clearly underground now, but what could be at the bottom?"
If he had an answer to that, he would have given it already. Ozpin had specifically mentioned the story of the seasons again, bringing him to the only conclusion that it had to be about that. The elevator finally coming to a stop jolted him from his thoughts, the elevator doors opening slowly to reveal what seemed to be a massive room.
Azura walked out as everyone else did, looking around in awe of the size and look of the location. The entire room was almost straight out of a storybook, with large green pillars and flooring and walls, seemingly made out of a reflective material, and goldish frames wrapping along the pillars and webbed through the floor. Like a throne room, it extended far out on each side and in front of them, the length of it easily seen as Luna flew out and ahead without coming close to the end.
The sound of their feet echoed with each step, a noticeable chill in the air as the awe wore off and questions and a desire to know more began to set in. Blazing lanterns of fire dust hung from each pillar, lighting from the elevator to the end of the entire room, where a large barricade-like door kept a silent guard.
"It's like a vault." Azura whispered, unable to look away.
Winter spoke next, echoing his sentiment. "To think a place like this existed right below our feet. Right below thousands of students, unknown to all of them."
"This location was built below Beacon academy with the utmost secrecy and need for protection in mind." Ozpin says, the three older people walking ahead of Winter and Azura. "It was made with a single purpose in mind…"
The two younger members of the Inner Circle looked at each other for a moment before Winter's composure returned and she began to stride forward, Azura quick to match the speed of the Schnee.
"Keep the Maiden safe in case of a severe emergency."
The words were heavy, likely the most serious words that Ozpin had ever stated to him. The cold weight of the room felt much more intense as he came to think of what a severe emergency could look like. Was this one of the things that Raven spoke of? Of him being in over his head, involved in things that he was better off not being involved in?
He could only imagine what the woman's response would have been. He was also entirely unsure if he would want the answer.
"People in the world would not so easily accept the idea of the Maidens, and I do not blame them for being unable to." He continued, cane tapping rhythmically as they moved. "Four young women with magic coursing through their bodies? Anyone would be insane to believe such a thing."
"But they are very special and important to making the world a better place." Ironwood stated, his deeper voice rippling through the room like some form of echolocation. "This location acts as a preservation of such a thing."
"All four of the academies have one somewhere, much like a castle's dungeon, all in preparation for such an event." Goodwitch says, turning her head to look at them as she walks. "But, of the four, this is the only one being used."
"The only one being…"
"It is exactly like you think, Azura." Ozpin says. "There is a Maiden here in this room."
His words sent a chill down his spine as they stopped before the barricaded door. It was ominously large and demanded respect, beginning to crack open once Glynda inputted a code on a holographic display. The sounds of locks opening in a series of clicks could be heard as the bars on the door began to slide back with a metallic groan. The process felt longer than it could possibly be, silence descending upon the room with a shivering halt before the doors parted way and slid back to reveal what was inside.
There was a grey and white machine within, wiring and pipes going every which way possible except for directly in front. It was a simple looking thing, besides the large panel in between two tubes, which held several buttons and levers on them. As they slowly stepped into the room, it was harder and harder to not notice the fact that one of the tubes were frosted over, as if keeping something or someone in a stasis-like state.
"The Maiden…" He whispered, starting to realize what Ozpin meant by a Maiden being in the room.
"She's dying." Winter stated, her words simple and her tone hinting at some disturbed feeling.
"Not entirely, no." Ironwood said. "This machine is something Atlas has dedicated years to, in case of a fallout with a Maiden. Without it, we wouldn't have this delicate situation...we wouldn't even know who the Autumn Maiden is."
"The power of the four Maidens is, under perfect conditions, one that transfers from the previous user to the next young woman to inherit them. To this day, we don't know how young you have to be or how old is too old, but we do know that whoever the Maiden thinks of last tends to be who receives the power unless they are not compatible." Ozpin continued, pausing for a moment. "Amber was attacked about two months ago by two women and a man, but we do not know their identities. Qrow stopped them before it was too late, but he was unable to see who they were beyond their disguises...and before half of the power was stolen."
"Stolen?" Azura asked. "Like...they did something to straight up absorb the power of a Maiden?"
He didn't know much about this entire Maidenhood thing, but something about the idea of someone just stealing the power felt wrong. Not inheriting the power of something so powerful and magical through the proper means was like a violation.
"We believe it was a Grimm parasite, a type of Grimm we've never seen." The man explained, sighing. "Amber was already dying by the time she was put into stasis, but she's stabilized enough to be put into a coma."
"She's within it, just take a look." Glynda said, her tone no longer calm and sounding more saddened. "She's been here for weeks, living on life support."
Azura stepped forward slowly, stopping as the woman within came into sight just beyond the frosted glass. She had brown hair that pushed just past her shoulders and light brown skin, with a beauty mark just below the left eye. All she wore was a white tube top and skirt, exposing a good portion of her body. Some small, easy to miss, scars lined her arms and stomach, showing signs that this wasn't the first time Amber has been in a fight, while there was a large scar across her face. It stretched from the bottom of her left eye down to her jawline, and then across from her left ear to her nose.
It still looked raw and young, a reminder that would mark her forever if being only half of a Maiden wouldn't do that already.
He put his hand against the glass gently, feeling the cold glass under his warm palm. He felt bad for the girl, stuck with a life that she likely didn't have a choice in. He had a feeling that living as a Maiden was not exactly a good life.
"Now she's strapped in a machine, comatose." Summer muttered.
Winter came up beside him, calmly watching Amber within her life support chamber. She seemed less perturbed, though Azura did not think it was out of a lack of concern or compassion. As he studied her face, his hand falling from the glass, he couldn't help but wonder what her thoughts on the matter were, looking away once she caught his gaze.
"If you didn't think this situation was serious, then I hope this gives you a look into it." Ironwood said, the first of them to speak. "My precautions are somewhat more warranted with this on the line."
An army that currently patrolled the city of Vale. Azura couldn't help but wonder just how protected the people felt without this knowledge. A sacrifice one has to decide to make or not, he thought.
"Regardless of opinions on James' use of an army, he's right." Glynda said, crossing her arms. "Which is part of why we wanted to show you two what lies beneath Beacon."
"It's a show of trust and also to give an idea of what our situation is." Ozpin stated, approaching the two of them. "The hack on the CCT, the breach, and this on top of it all...we're all preparing for something major. It would be unfair to not inform you of the stakes you fight for."
The sound of a digital sounding voice could be heard from Ironwood, everyone turning to him as he looked at his scroll. A frown took to his face, obviously disliking whatever he had just heard, and he looked up to see everyone watching him.
"I need to leave, something came up that requires my immediate attention. I'll be sure to inform you once I know what it is." He says, nodding his head to Winter. "Winter, you're with me for this." He eyes Ozpin. "If we're done in here?"
"We are. You two are free to leave."
The two Atlesians nod their heads again, quickly turning and walking off towards the other side of the large bunker-like room with long strides. Azura could only hope that whatever required Ironwood's attention so immediately wasn't too serious.
Not a single word was said until Ironwood and Winter entered the elevator and the doors closed, leaving entirely. When they did, though, Ozpin turned to Azura with a very serious look in his eyes. If Azura didn't know better, he would have thought that the man was preparing to deliver the most heartbreaking news in his life.
"She's dying, isn't she?" He asked, though he most likely knew the answer to that. "Your semblance can tell."
Azura looks down at Amber's resting body, sliding his hand back onto the life support pod. "It doesn't tell me when people are dying or going to...but, I can tell when someone is going to. I've seen plenty of ghosts over the years, even if I never interacted with them." He pauses, inspecting the Autumn Maiden once more. "You know her condition isn't reversible, whatever happened to make her lose half her power."
Silence follows his words, which spoke volumes of what Ozpin and Glynda thought of the words he gave. It dawns on Azura then, at that moment, what exactly was going on. This Maiden, dying in the slowest manner possible, half of her power gone and likely in bad hands, and the process of exchanging the powers from one young girl to another.
"You want me to find someone to fill in her shoes?" He asks, several conflicting emotions passing by. "But, surely that should be left in the capable hands of adults who comprehend this situation much better than me."
"Azura." Ozpin began slowly, softly. "It's not about finding someone...we know who we would want to do this. But,"
"You want me to get to know this person and convince them? Why would a random student be better at convincing than…" His voice trailed off, another realization coming to him. "Unless I know them already."
Summer grew restless as his realization became her own, and even Luna was seeming more nervous and agitated as her tail and ears flicked to and fro. His mind raced with possibilities for who they'd want him to convince to not just go along with an insane story, but to take the other half of this 'Maidenhood'. This wasn't just a decision to be taken lightly.
"You know she would be the best fit, Azura." Ozpin said in a voice that made Azura feel infinitely younger than he was. "Prodigy, best fighter among all of the students across the three years, and excels in almost everything she does at Beacon. Take that and make her one of the most caring and compassionate young girls I have had the honor of having as a student at Beacon, and there would be no other option."
He wanted Pyrrha. No matter who he had asked for, that feeling of being sick to his stomach would still be present, just like it was now. It felt wrong, knowing that they were going to ask him to convince her to do as he saw fit. She would become a vessel for the Maiden.
"No, no no no." He refused, shaking his head rapidly. "I can't do that to her. I won't."
"You don't have to do it now, you don't even have to do it at all." Ozpin said, trying to placate him. "But you know that we need someone to take on the rest of the Autumn Maiden powers, because we don't know what will happen when…" He sighs, a sadness that reminded Azura of a parent shrouding him. "Once Amber does die."
"There has to be another person...anyone!"
He didn't want to throw out names, but his words carried the sentiment all the same. There were women, maybe of age and maybe not, in their own group. Why not have one of them carry the burden? It made him feel horrible, knowing his selfish request.
Ozpin went to speak, but was stopped by Glynda as she put a hand on his shoulder. The woman looked over at Azura, her eyes full of wise kindness.
"Take a moment to breathe, Azura. You can leave now, take time to think things over." She takes a few steps towards him, pushing past Ozpin. "You've seen and taken in a lot for one day."
Azura nodded slowly, looking between the two of them for a moment before eyeing Luna. "That'd be...nice, thank you." He looks towards the elevator then. "I'll...leave, then."
He walked off, his thoughts heavy and his walking unfocused and without paying much attention.
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.(Line Break)
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A pensive silence lingers in the room, Ozpin at his desk and Glynda at his side. The man was thinking, she could tell. The ticking of the clock beneath their feet filled in for noise, eventually pushing the woman to speak.
"You were too fast with him." She started. "Even with Summer, he's new to all of this. And it makes sense for him to want to keep his friends out of this if he can."
Ozpin breathed out slowly. "I know, but we are running out of time with Amber. She has two months, at most."
"Time enough to explain things to him. He doesn't know what we know about Salem because of Summer, so why not ease him into that with her?" She suggested, confident that it could work.
"So long as Summer reacts like she does, we can't do that."
"Well, whatever you're doing with him seems to be working." She pointed out against his defeated words. "I think Summer is just defensive of him, so putting trust in him and aiding them is helpful."
The man remains silent once she finishes speaking, and she understands why. Much like James, Ozpin was a man with the world on his shoulders. But that was why she was here, wasn't it? To be a reminder of the smaller things.
She placed a hand on the man weighed down by the responsibility on him. "I think it's smart to make him try to bring Pyrrha in slowly, but you have to remember that he's also just a kid. And this isn't a war meant to be fought by kids in the first place."
"I sometimes forget about how young he is, I will admit. With Summer's voice there, her presence..." He says, pulling a rare smile from her. "Do you think he's right? About him and Summer?"
"That there isn't some form of a...merge happening?" She asks him, watching him nod. "It's too early to say. I will admit, both him and Ruby share traits with the woman. They aren't the only ones like that, either."
"Hmm." Ozpin hummed, closing his eyes as he sat in front of his desk with a slump. "I just see a lot of Summer in him, and I wonder how much of that is even him now."
"I believe that he's still very much who he was before Summer. A teenager in over his head."
"I won't push it on him for now, then, but time is running out for Amber. He knows that, and he knows who we want for the next Autumn Maiden. If he does not want to act soon, we must act as we would have without him." He says, looking over at her. "And Ruby and her team?"
"Shaping up rather nicely." She answered. "Their exploits prove how willing they are to fight for their cause, but I expect the tournament to take their attention for however long it goes on for."
"Good, good. They deserve to be young and without worry."
She wished the same could have been done for Azura. She wished that they had done more to mitigate his involvement. Her eyes linger on Ozpin, who looks at her in return over his glasses.
All she saw was her reflection.
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.(Chapter End)
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Yeah, like I said, it's a bit wonky with the pacing. I've tried to fix it as much as I could, but it seemed like it just won't quite fit perfectly. But, well, that's just how it goes sometimes.
Have a good day/evening!