Ozpin's eyes drifted shut as the light enveloped him, so when they opened again, they took in a familiar sight: his office in Beacon Academy. The gears visible beneath his floor and through the ceiling continued to steadily turn while a glance to the outside clock window revealed that the dark clouds were starting to move away, revealing the sun's light. All in all, a relaxing sight to the old man.
At least until he remembered how long he had been in Gotham. My adventures with Batman lasted through an entire night, and how knows much more time has evaporated in my return. It's light outside, but that could simply mean an entire day has passed. He quickly walked to behind his desk and activated the computer, trying to keep his anxiety under control. The screen booted up, displaying the time and date.
He read it once, blinked, and removed his glasses to reread it properly. …Ten minutes?! While I was active in Gotham City, only ten minutes have since passed here on Remnant? He chose to reboot the screen and check again, only to receive the same digital image.
This calmed him down slightly, allowing him to lean back in his chair; even with his luck, ten minutes couldn't be enough time for Salem to cook up a fresh catastrophe, could they?
Even so, he felt actually less exhausted than he should. There were certainly the collective experiences still rushing through his mind as he tried to catalogue them, but the physical stress seemed to be missing. Oz rolled the shoulder of his wounded arm experimentally but didn't feel any pain. Curious, he peeled back the bandages to see that the wound was completely gone; even the fabric appeared as though it had never been torn in the first place.
It's not just my body, either, Ozpin realized as a familiar green field rippled along his limbs and torso, my Aura has also been fully restored. And… he looked down at his palm, willing emerald particles to crackle between his fingers before fading again. Yes, even the magic expended during the venture and saving Alfred had been replenished. It didn't mean that his reserves were back to full stock as when he'd been Ozma, but it almost seemed like his… recall had also been one massive reset button. If it weren't for the memories, Oz could've believed that he'd simply imagined everything.
No, I doubt I have the imagination to conjure up such an insane series of events, the professor silently chuckled to himself. Then while one hand drummed its fingers on his cane, the other reached into his pocket and pulled out the batarang he'd been gifted with. Its sleek, sharp edges were irrefutable proof that what Professor Ozpin had experienced was real.
Real… and incredible. He tapped the projectile between his fingers and swiveled to look out at the slowly clearing sky. Shades of gray and black still muddied the view, but the blue grew more visible with each passing second. To think there are other worlds out there. Other humans. Maybe not with Aura or Semblances, thankfully without Grimm. But, Oz couldn't help but sigh, with dangers all their own. I suppose I should be relieved that it isn't just Remnantians that are capable of evil acts.
Ozpin thought of the various mobsters and criminals he had battled that night; of dirty officers like Branden, paying lip service to the law and collecting side profits when they should be protecting others; of the bastards, Penguin and Black Mask, that enlisted them all to carve out a little piece of one city for themselves; of thugs like Electrocutioner and Killer Croc that acted solely for money and personal amusement; of Deathstroke, Deadshot and Copperhead, immensely skilled individuals that squandered their abilities in pursuit of monetary gain; of Anarky, Enigma, Shiva and Bane, who sought even more destructive goals; of the Mad Hatter and Firefly, lunatics that would sunder Gotham in their madness; and of the Joker, a man more depraved, more twisted than any other being the immortal had encountered before.
But conversely, humans are capable of good as well.
Ozpin remembered Petrelli and Mckain, two policemen that weren't perfect, but still proved to have decency; their superior, Captain James Gordon, a man striving to instill the same integrity he possessed in his home's law; Barbara Gordon, who shared her father's conviction with even more passion; Alfred Pennyworth, a resolute aide that provided his employer with more than one would think at first glance…
And Bruce Wayne, the Batman. No Aura or special powers, but a mind, body and spirit honed through years of training, extensive resources, and most importantly, the resolve to use all of these abilities. To have been broken so long, and mold oneself into something as his city's defense against the forces of crime, a symbol of terror for the wicked, and just maybe, of hope for the innocent.
Ozpin's gaze drifted to his office's ceiling, where the clock's gears continued to move along with his thoughts. How individuals had he met that he could safely say matched that young man's conviction? Not many, just enough to count on one hand, perhaps.
But in a way, he's practically the pinnacle of what a normal man can be for a righteous cause. And… he'll only grow stronger. This was but the beginning of what Batman can one day become. One day, he'll likely be even greater than I was in my prime. If he isn't already.
Ozpin's eyes drifted back down to his desk, where the reports from earlier still lay, and sharpened. Right, then. He first began to type up a reply to Soto; the Huntsman had permission to investigate the Grimm activity, but with backup. Qrow ought to be free currently, I'll call him and tell him to join up with his senior. No man, no matter how skilled, is an island.
That done, Oz went over the papers of his students, scanning every detail of each one. Regretfully, his war with Salem needed soldiers, and as much as he hated himself every waking minute, more than a few would perish sooner or later. But the least he could do was train them properly and keep them alive a little longer, if not for his sake, then for theirs and that of their families. He'd be sure to contact the other headmasters for this as well.
Maybe if I told them the full truth this time, I could- Ozpin paused in his work, shame cracking his resolve. If I do that, they'd most likely give up the fight. I wish I knew how to end her… but after all this, I still don't.
But as my students, their lives are my responsibility. As those of Summer and Bruce were. And I'll do everything I possibly can to ensure they can at least have some semblance of a happy life.
Batman, Alfred and Barbara had all shown faith in this old foolish warrior. And he had a responsibility to show them it was not unrewarded.
Eight years ago…
Glynda Goodwitch, fresh assistant headmaster and combat instructor at Beacon, raised an eyebrow of interest at the document she held. "An increase in rescue classes?"
"A fresh idea I would like to add to next semester's curriculum," Ozpin explained. "It's occurred to me that our teaching in recent times has become a bit too combat-oriented. Particularly of the direct variety." He paused for a moment. "You know, perhaps we should also consider courses for stealth and acrobatic maneuvers. Help provide our students with a more well-balanced skillset."
Glynda cleared her throat. "Back to the prior matter, sir?"
"Ah, right. I've been thinking for some time now, and a good Huntsman should not only be able to cut down a pack of Beowolves or stop armed robbers, but also help injured bystanders. Sometimes, the mission may be a search-and-rescue case instead of search-and-destroy, and our graduated students ought to be able to handle such work properly. I plan on pitching it to the Council next week, and seeing as times are still relatively peaceful, I doubt they would disagree with my logic."
"And neither would I, Professor," the blonde woman started with some hesitance, "but… considering what you told me… about her…"
Oz smiled at his newest assistant. "Believe me, I have not forgotten the true threat. But I believe that that we can teach young minds more than simply how to destroy. Look at how well you've cultivated your Semblance, Glynda."
She smiled back at that. "Alright, fair point. But if I may ask, why the sudden interest?"
The professor's mind flashed back to a certain night of adventure, a building on fire, and a terrified little girl. "Just… looking back on a memory." He watched her process this and likely chalk it up to an event in a past life. And if I told her full story fresh after everything I've already revealed, it's half she would believe me, and half her brain would implode from incredulity.
Seven years ago…
"Once again, thank you for your time."
Ozpin smiled back as he shook the dark-skinned hand. "No, thank you, Dr. Polendina, for your demonstration. I'm admittedly no expert in programming, but this advancement in the CCT is truly impressive."
The two were currently chatting inside an Atlesian laboratory, Ozpin having been invited by his good friend, the recently promoted general/headmaster of Atlas Academy, James Ironwood. A decent man, slightly bull-headed, but resolute in his dedication to his kingdom. Oz felt admittedly a bit nostalgic when speaking to him, but that was of little factor into bringing him into the fold. James had of course been surprised upon learning of Salem's existence but rallied remarkably quickly. His rising in the ranks had now led him to start making some changes to Atlas' military.
Ozpin would be lying if he said that the speed and direction caused him some concern, but he had faith in the new headmaster.
And one of the benefits to the changes was that Ironwood was more than happy to introduce him to some of Atlas' finest scientific minds. Some, like a Doctor Watts, grated a bit on the nerves due to their personalities, but he couldn't refute their intelligence. Others, like Doctor Polendina, thankfully held innovation and compassion in equal measure. The latter of which had been showing him an impressive update to the Cross Continental System.
Oz now leaned back in his chair as the doctor continued to explain the technical side, marveling at how the CCT had grown and significantly improved the lives on Remnant. As his eyes drifted to multiple pieces of data popping up on the main screen, an old memory entered his mind. "Dr. Polendina," he began after the good man had finished a portion of exposition, "would it be possible to design a sort of information system for Huntsmen?"
Pietro quirked an eyebrow in intrigue. "Information system?"
"Yes, like wearing a set of goggles or helmet that possesses scanners and digital connection to a database. It would allow for one to scan for Grimm, supply them with data of what type, the number present, supply strategies for successful confrontation…" Oz paused in his description at the gimlet eye Polendina cast his way. "…Something a few of my students were discussing as I passed them in a hallway," he lied smoothly.
The doctor scratched his chin, a certain gleam of interest emanating from him. "Hmm… that does sound like something that could work… Though we would have to compile all the collective data on Grimm as well as battle tactics, and come up with a design that wouldn't impede the Huntsmen or soldiers using it…" he continued to mumble to himself about these, allowing Oz to relax a bit. I suppose I miss Detective Vision a bit…
One year ago…
Headmaster Ozpin leaned back in his chair, index fingers drumming against each other in hidden amusement. "Now, then," he began in a forcedly neutral tone, "would you mind explaining why Professor Goodwitch sent you to my office once again, young lady?"
On the opposite side of his desk, a blushing Ruby Rose squirmed in her chair. "Well, umm, funny story, professor…" she looked in every direction other than her teacher, "Y-you see, I had just whipped up a super-cool new upgrade for my Crescent Rose and wanted to try it outside-"
"Yes, that part I am aware of," Oz gently interrupted her. "I'm quite certain nearly everyone at Beacon heard the discharge of your beloved weapon. And/or felt the shockwave. If not, then I'm fairly certain the smoldering spot in Beacon's western wall is difficult not to notice."
At this point, the girl had begun to sink within her cloak as if it could turn her invisible. Wrong franchise, Miss Rose, Ozpin thought to himself before wondering what he had just meant. Sometimes the most peculiar ideas went through his head, like that one time he had been half-convinced he was a traumatized sarcastic soldier dressed 24/7 in grey armor and perpetually hounded by cars.
He refocused at the current situation: his student's enthusiasm for weapons reaching a logical conclusion. "We of this faculty's staff take pride in the resilience of our shooting range's walls, I'm rather certain they would've withstood a discharge from your… upgrade."
"I wanted to try it outside…" the young Rose muttered, her face as red as the cowl it was half-hiding in.
"Ah. Field testing, then?" Ozpin offered with a smirk.
"Yeah, that."
"You know, if you find the opportunity, you may wish to ask your father or uncle about a similar 'field-testing' incident they bore witness to, albeit with a different Miss Rose involved." The girl perked up at the implication. "Forever Falls survived that, though was left quite… marked. The student responsible pled a similar case of defense."
Oz shook his head in mirth while ruffling through some papers. "Well, regardless, Miss Rose, I would advise you to show more care with our dear institution even in your enthusiasm."
"I know, sir. It's just that-that weapons are just so awesome! The different varieties, their mechashift possibilities, the way they can Dust!" Ruby was now so engrossed in her gushing she didn't even realize that an outburst at her headmaster may be improper. Or grounds for discipline. Good thing Glynda isn't currently here. "And my beautiful Crescent Rose, my precious baby…" She sighed in the kind of way some would talk about their pets or family members.
Then she seemed to finally realize who she was speaking to. "S-sorry, sir. I just… I got carried away." A pause, then, "Was anyone hurt?"
"Thankfully, no. Your… test was loud but didn't harm a single person." As she sighed in relief, Oz then found what he had been looking for and held it up for her to see. Ruby's eyes suddenly focused at the batarang between his fingers. "This," he allowed her to take it, "was a gift from a remarkable young man I met a long time ago. He regularly used these projectiles for ranged battle, and to fearsome effect at that."
His student was turning it between her fingers, eyeing it from every angle, an expert's gleam emanating from those silver orbs that sent some pain through his heart every time he looked into them. "Perfectly balanced, lightweight alloy yet sturdy enough for throwing, sharp edges to cut or pierce…" she muttered in reverence.
"Yes, and my friend also used them in the pursuit of human criminals." Ruby looked up from the batarang in awe. "In fact, I once saw him throw a single one that knocked down three men in one arc. They all fell to the ground incapacitated. Rather heavily bruised, but nothing that would kill them."
"Really?"
Ozpin nodded in pride before gently retaking the souvenir. "This could very well take someone's life if wielded correctly. But in my friend's hands, it saved more than one." He leaned back in his chair to take a sip of hot chocolate with his free hand (Blast, too much nutmeg, he chided himself. Still haven't found the right balance.), batarang dancing between his fingers. "Forgive me for rambling a little, Miss Rose, the point I hope to make is that even with all the work one puts in designing, crafting, and wielding a weapon, one should never neglect the concept of restraint. Anyone can use a weapon to kill or destroy or cause a fair bit of damage regularly that would tax our school's coffers if not for Professor Goodwitch's impeccable Semblance," Ruby let out a nervous giggle at that, "but a true expert can restrain themselves and their usage of a weapon. Do you understand?"
She pondered it over, then nodded. "Yes, sir. So, about my discipline…"
"You are to write a formal apology for the damage caused and aid Professor Goodwitch in the cleanup in any manner she sees fit. But you may still attend classes regularly and retain your rank as Team RWBY's leader. No less because reorganizing the letters would be taxing." She relaxed at that, then rose from her seat at a wave from Ozpin's hand. "You are dismissed. Please join my colleague as soon as possible."
Ruby Rose swiftly moved across the office towards the elevator, but then she paused and turned back. "Sir…" she asked, "that friend of yours… the bat-thing you showed me looked pretty cool and all, but it doesn't seem like it was meant for taking down Grimm. More like something you'd use against humans. If you don't mind me asking, was he a student?"
"Only very briefly as one of mine. He'd received extensive training prior to our first meeting, but there were still a few… kinks to work out." Ozpin smiled in reassurance. "But good eye, Miss Rose. Not to worry, though. The only humans my friend fought were criminals, and he held himself to a very strict code of honor."
Ruby seemed to pick up on the many emotions inside her mentor's voice. "He sounds amazing. There any chance I could meet him?"
"Just about all of my students are amazing in one way or another, Miss Rose. Past or present," Ozpin replied, stifling a chuckle at the sudden reddening of her cheeks. "As for meeting my old friend, the… circumstances we came to meet one another were quite extraordinary. I haven't been blessed with a chance to see him for years now."
"Do you… think he's doing okay?"
"I think he'll be carrying a hefty burden, take responsibility for many tragedies beyond his power, but he would continue shouldering it so that others need not suffer for it." Ozpin smiled full of pride at the young girl looking towards him in awe. "Yes, I believe he is doing well. And that if the two of you were to meet, it would be to mutual pleasure."
Ruby Rose stood there, processing all of this information with more energy than some would give her credit. Then she looked up, flashed a bright smile that made Oz wonder for a moment if her cloak was red or white, and said, "Thanks for the talk, professor. And sorry, again, for the damage. I'll go down to Professor Goodwitch right away." And she skipped into the elevator.
Ozpin watched its doors slide shut with a sad smile, then forced himself to turn back to his desk. If you're watching, Summer, I hope you're as proud of your daughters as I am. Especially your youngest. With her around, it's almost like when you were here.
Today…
Beacon Academy continued to remain in ruins even after more than a year after its fall. The Wyvern's mighty petrified form drew other Grimm to its presence like moths to a bonfire, and these creatures of destruction prowled along the ruined parts of the city of Vale. In spite of the valiant efforts of Glynda Goodwitch, the academy's staff and those few brave Huntsmen that aided them, retaking the area was a painstakingly slow effort. The courtyards had been ripped apart by tooth and claw much like Forever Falls, as though the beasts were in search of something. Classrooms where students had once learned to become the next generation of Remnant's guardians were tarnished fractions of their former glory. And the tower itself had taken the full brunt of the damage. Its pieces were only held together by the frozen creature that had sundered it in the first place. The office of Beacon's headmaster, Professor Ozpin, was in an utter shambles, massive gears shattered and strewn across broken glass and marble.
And yet. Amid the broken pieces rested a single green cog of medium size on the ground, slightly cracked, but otherwise unscathed. And in its center, untouched by Grimm as though they somehow dared not enter its vicinity, lay a sharp, unblemished metal bat.
Review Q&A:
*To Jamieoeyes: Happy you've liked it, so have I. I got a couple of pretty nifty ideas for how Ozpin would appear in Joker's warped little amusement park of a mind, so extra kudos to them. I hope the epilogue is equally satisfactory.
*To Monster King: Why, thank you very much.
*To SargentEpsilon: Ha, great rhyme there :-)! And yup, much as he's done good with Gotham and I believe a part of him would be happy to stay, Oz has got other responsibilities back home. At least now, he's picked up a couple of new ideas. Good luck to him.
*To Jarrik32: Nice work catching that, and I also enjoy the growth that Ozpin undertakes while bound to Oscar. Showing that it isn't just the students that develop, but also the Big Good.
*To Hydra1996: Heh, Qrow being there would've been a treat, Harbinger, Misfortune, wisecracks and all. Arkham City with Oz/Os may come. One day.
*To Mastermind4982: …My dear friend, you truly have a gift for words. One of the moments I enjoyed writing most in the penultimate chapter, aside from Oz dealing the final magic knockout hit to Bane, was his rebuttal to Joker's rhetoric. It's honestly part of why I appreciate him so much as a character, namely that for all his flaws, he still strives to do the right thing and retain his morals at the same time. And he's been doing it for countless lives across Remnant's history. Yes, it's very telling that for her power, it's taken Salem this long to get even close to conquering Remnant. All because of one man who won't give up despite the odds. And as I once mentioned in a Q&A back with Asylum, that is a quality Ozpin and Batman share. Collectively, they've found a kindred spirit, a powerful ally, and a good friend in each other tonight.
Welp, as a certain incredible man once said, "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." I'll be moving on to other projects in the immediate future, work on the watch fic and one other crossover I've had in mind, but maybe one day, I'll take a crack at stories with the Bat and the Wizard.
Once again, special thanks to MasterPrince713 for impeccable editing and providing new ideas I had not even considered.
Special thanks to Rooster Teeth and DC Comics for providing excitement and adventure with RWBY and Batman, respectively, into our lives.
And a very special thanks to all who have read, reviewed, favorited, and/or followed this little slice of fanfiction. I hope you've all been as satisfied with this story as I have, and that any future projects, be they a continuation of RWBY/Arkham or some other story, may also catch your eyes. Sincerely, thank you, and stay healthy out there!