Had to cut out some Yang and Blake here, full version can be found on Ao3 came author names and same title.
Tale of Ozpin
Ozpin was letting his class do some reading, thankfully it was one with Ruby and her friends in it. So he felt he could breathe a little easier. The scratch of pencil on paper was soothing. His arm was in a brace with a half cape covering it and the rest of his left side. A pencil clicked onto a desk and after a moment Oz looked up to find Jaune standing beside his desk. "Yes Jaune?"
"I was wondering if you'd let me practice with my Semblance. I don't need my Aura for the rest of the day and it would save having to make a special trip later. I get if you would rather do it later I just…"
"No you are right, best get it over with. It's already become my least favourite part of any day." Ozpin opened a deep drawer of his desk. "Qrow is making me carry a change of bandages and thermos of water around with me everywhere."
"He's a keeper." Jaune smiled and started to undo the buckles of Oz's new garment.
Ozpin could feel the stares as he set up a workspace for Jaune as best he could with the one arm. He had to trust in Jaune when he carefully held the arm, he couldn't feel the pressure as Jaune set it on the table. He turned his chair so the arm was straight from his side making it easier for the blonde to work with.
Jaune pulled a pair of safety scissors from the bag and very carefully starting at Oz's pectoral cut a clean line down to his hand before pulling it very carefully away. The bandages stuck just a little to the jagged raised skin in places but it was only spotted red. "Is it not weeping anymore?"
"Only really does that when you heal it, then it tapers off till the next time. Me and blood loss are on speaking terms now." Ozpin looked away as Jaune pulled the rest of the bandages off revealing his fingers. Jaune reached up and tapped the top of Oz's shoulder. "Nothing." Middle of his bicep. "Nope." Jaune tapped his elbow. "Nada." Each finger. "Nothing at all."
"Darn, I thought you would have got sparks by now." Jaune raised his hands to hover over Oz's shoulder.
"Only when you are working." Ozpin grit his teeth as Jaune applied his Semblance the two Aura's started working together.
Ruby couldn't sit still as the pain took over Oz's features. He barely looked like he was breathing, she got up and headed over. After a moment's consideration she simply stood by him and pet his hair as he rested his head on her shoulder.
"Sorry, at least the skin isn't flaking yet." Jaune said trying to distract Oz.
"I so didn't need to think about that and what skin? There is none left! Foxtrot unicorn charlie kilo!" Ozpin snapped as blood started to ooze again, he bumped his head hard once against Ruby's chest. "Hello explosive cell death."
Ruby massaged his head more firmly. "Just think, now you don't have to look forward to this for a whole day. And you aren't sleeping through it this time."
"This does make me miss Goldenrod, at least he put me to sleep for the worst of it."
"Sir, if you don't mind. What are you talking about?" Arslan Altan was sitting in the front row of the class with her team, they were so close they could see the blood ooze with his pulse.
Ozpin visiblily stiffened. "I.. don't want to talk about that."
"You might as well though, people are just going to keep asking." Ruby said turning his head so he could listen to her heart beat. "And it will help distract you."
Ozpin sighed very deeply and started off soft, everyone had to be completely still and silent to hear him. "Goldenrod was the doctor who treated me after the Fall of Beacon. I got into a fight with an Atlesian Knight, only problem was that the tower had fallen on top of me before hand and I wasn't doing very well. The Knight exploded in my face. Well back technically, I did try to run after all. I was… very severely burned as well and Goldenrod was not pleased with me when he worked out how much sharple I had in me when I fled Beacon."
There it was, the question that had been burning in everyone's minds since he returned. It certainly wasn't as mysterious or as scandalous as the rumours would have it.
"How long were you with the doctor?" Another first year asked.
"I don't know, as I mentioned I was allowed to sleep through most of the healing processes. I am not what Doctors would call a 'good' patient." Ozpin lifted a hand to bite down on it for a second as pain fired up and down his arm. He had to breath heavily for a few long moments to let it pass before he could speak again. "Once I was healed I made my way to Mistral."
"That's it?" Cardin asked his tone full of disbelief.
"That's it. No partying, no neglecting my duties. When I was healed enough to stand on my own, I started the journey. Vale was overrun with Grimm, with the state I was in after the Knight fighting my way through Grimm to help would have been impossible. So I ran till I found a village and Goldenrod looked after me. Then sent me on my way when I wasn't bleeding everywhere all the time."
"How much of you is burned?" Nadir asked.
"From my head to my ankles, as well as shrapnel scars throughout." Ozpin forced himself to say it, it was like it was happening all over again to have to admit it happened at all. "Now if you would all please work on your assignment. These aren't memories I want to revisit."
The class went deathly silent as most tried to do as they were told. However most of them were distracted by the growing red that was steadily accumulating on the absorbent pad under Oz's arm.
Jaune paused before completely exhausting his Semblance, he grabbed cloth and poured a little water onto it. He tried dabbing the blood away. "You should tell the doctor that its bleeding more. I guess it's good that more blood is getting to more places but it doesn't look any different. Can you feel anything?"
"No."
Ruby helped Jaune holding new absorbent pads on the worst spots while he bandaged up the arm again. Between the two of them they were finished in no time and carefully pulling the compression sleeve of Lydia's design back on. They buckled everything back together and Ruby gave him a kissing on the cheek.
"Thank you both for the help."
After classes Ozpin departed for his office, he took note of the students in their usual clusters. Scrolls in hand with soft spoken words, he sighed deeply. He guessed someone had already posted his little confession to the forums. His weapons felt heavy slung over his hips, the rifle half hidden under the cape. Oz wondered what the point was anymore, if a student hadn't stolen a picture of his arm he'd give up sex.
He pushed the door open and found Peach and Peter having a cup of tea together. The tall man nodded to the pair and headed to his desk and tossed his Scroll down onto it. It lit up in computer form. Ozpin unclipped his weapons individually and set them on the desk. The rifle made a dull thunk sound, it's weight considerable.
Peter looked up as Ozpin sat like he was carrying the world on his shoulders. His eyes were drawn to the new weapon. "That is of Atlas make."
Ozpin paused in pulling up several files to review. Praise be to online submission. "It was a gift." He glanced at it from the corner of his eye, before starting to type in a stilted motion with one hand.
Peter watched Ozpin attempt to type for a moment before asking. "Have you seen James then? The rest of us haven't had much of any contact with Atlas."
"Briefly. I met with him in Mantle. I had nothing to add in regards to his choice to close Atlas's borders. Atlas has always been his domain, I do not know the region as well. I believe he will do what he believes is right, without Vale as a centre trading hub for the planet it doesn't really matter what Atlas does. We were their biggest trading partner so while the decline of Dust production is hindering everyone. There have always been alternatives." Ozpin added a few notes to a students essay. Typing with one hand was going to drive him mad at this rate.
"I suppose that is true, I noticed on my walks that the stables outside of the city is are having a hard time keeping up with the demand for horses and bulls. Everything has happened so suddenly that the demand has rapidly changed and the ranches are hard pressed to meet demand. Even more so in the last few days, with so many Huntsmen out in the field people are taking advantage and leaving the city more." Peter sipped his tea.
"That's good, I've been trying to monitor the trade situation but things have been so hectic lately it is hard to keep up." Ozpin flicked the student's essay to the side and pulled up the councils trade figures. He frowned. "Bandits are still hitting anything that comes from Argus aren't they?"
"Mostly the Mabino, the one good thing about Atlas closing down is that there have been fewer shipments to steal. The downside is no one else is getting anything either and the Mabino clearly have deeper pockets then the council. Raw shipments of iron, copper and what little Dust the north has to offer are becoming very hit or miss whether or not they actually arrive." Peter said.
"Hmm." Ozpin scrolled through the import numbers. "The staples look fine, everything is a bit slower coming in then what I would call normal. I take it trains have been reduce in frequency?"
"Yes. It's been a fine line to work out how much the council can cut down on trains without produce becoming spoiled." Peach finally spoke up, it was very strange to be talking with Ozpin about agriculture of all things.
"Horses I take it are in high demand."
"Higher then can be met, it's only been a year any foals aren't full grown yet and ready to work. Furthermore there aren't mares enough to create a surge like we need. I expect we will see a spike in produce being brought in by hand with the Huntsmen out in force." Peach said.
Ozpin passed the page he was reading over to a side part of the display and opened up a map of all roads and train lines through the country. He frowned at it then pulled up another of train times and routes. Thinking like this and looking at this information stirred up old memories, he had been a king after all at least once that he remembered. "Why don't we help them out then?"
"What are you thinking?" Peter had to smile as he played with his mustache. Ozpin had that look on his face when he was about to do something interesting or brilliant.
"We only have students so we are inherently short handed, I don't think it would be wise to pull Huntsmen in from the cleanse for this. However." He pointed at a train time then a route that connected a major road for farmers. "We set one or two teams of students on the days with the most traffic, the two or three after harvest. This will make it easier on the farm hands and reduce worry about Grimm. It will also get more people leaving the city for the extra work, as I take it by now Dust is rough enough that it's not being used in machinery anymore?"
"Correct." Peach said with a nod, wondering how the heck he would know this sort of thing.
"Then the extra hands will also get said produce harvested faster and provide additional work for Mistral's workforce. Peach if you would reach out to the major farmsteads, if we can arrange it with them, we could work it out that a Huntsmen team will escort anyone willing to depart the city to a farmstead. It will be good for moral and commerce." Ozpin flicked his screens back around to imports.
Peach was more than a bit stunned at how quickly Ozpin came up with a solution to a number of problems. She had been working under Leo briefly and he had never spoke up about the state of Mistral like this. Complained sure, but actually put the chips down to do something about it. No. The council didn't have the same control over the Huntsmen forces that Ozpin did so such a plan was outside of their influence. She bowed her head quickly. "I will get right on it Headmaster." She turned on her heel and made a quick exit for once she was actually excited by an assignment.
Once the door closed after her Peter said. "You've gone and made her happy. I don't think I've seen her smile like that since we arrived."
Ozpin shrugged as he read more items. "These numbers are worrying, bringing produce in and getting people out of the city will help. Dust reserves are just about spent, what comes in from Vacuo isn't going to keep this city going forever. Wait…" Oz dismissed the current displays and brought up a few more. "This Kingdom has four Dust mines, why is output so low?"
"You of all people should know Jacques took his people with him, those who were left frankly lack the skill of Atlas personal. So while there is still output it's not as much, not to mention the Mabino have been launching raids the northernmost mine. The Liyr tribe hold the southernmost mine entirely, I swear they are trading with the Mabino for weapons and other arms. While the easternmost mine is under constant pressure from the Penaddun tribe." Peter explained.
"So that leaves us with only one mine run poorly for all of Mistral. I guess we are lucky that the Branwens don't have the numbers to hit a target like it." Ozpin moved to steeple his fingers before aborting the action when he remembered he only had one good hand. "And two with spotty shipments." He sighed and leaned back into his chair as he reached up and rubbed his temples. "Gosh this remind me of the times where I ruled Kingdoms." He jerked up realizing what he had just let slip out.
Peter raised a hand to calm him. "I worked it out long ago, so has Bart. Worry not Ozpin. Glynda always had interesting word choice when she decided just how much experience you have."
Oz smirked with a huff. "I'll have to talk to Glynda about that."
"Well then highness, what do you think we should do about the mines?" Peter asked pulling his mustache again.
"One don't call me that. Two, I am not sure we should do anything just yet. We can make this Kingdom function without extensive use of Dust, reducing the reliance on it would be a better first step. As for when that is done… Hmm Qrow and Ruby both have an outstanding invitation go visit the Mabino's primary fortress. Maybe we could use that, Qrow is well known in the bandit communities he would be the one to attempt any treaties or negotiations with them. Furthermore Qrow had told me that the Mabino control the other tribes.. To a point. If we go straight for the King we might not have to do battle with the pawns." Ozpin flipped back to the map. "The fact is that we don't have manpower to go up against the bandit tribes right now, even if we worked with Mistral military. And something tells me if Harden heard I had a contact with the bandit tribes he'd blow a gasket."
Peter chuckled his belly bouncing. "You are quite right. I am impressed, I got the impression after your return you rather liked to jump into battle. Treating with bandits is not something I would have thought of."
Ozpin pointed at his arm without a word.
"Right. I apologize. I do have a concern regarding Qrow, his reputation is already… strained at Haven. Sending him off to speak with the King of bandit tribes, acknowledging that he could get in without getting killed. Well that doesn't paint him in a good light." Peter mused.
"I know, but Qrow is feared across the province. His last visit to the Mabino proved that, so I am wondering if I should let him… off his leash. He won't enjoy it but he will make himself known all over again. He is the best hitter the Red List has, perhaps I should encourage him to, announce to the criminals of Mistral that he is not going to ignore them while he is here." Oz's guts turned with the very thought, but criminals were a cowardly and superstitious bunch. Qrow hadn't taken a bounty from the Red List since the fall of Beacon, maybe it would be good to remind them that he was still a hunter. Remind them of what they feared.
"Renew the fear before using him as your envoy. Could backfire." Peter did not like the idea of setting Qrow loose.
"Sound be fine if he doesn't target any of the Mabino, which would be easy to do." Ozpin got up of chair swiftly it skittered back and hit the wall. He shook his head. "Gods why I am even thinking about this? It rips him apart." Oz yanked a window open and rubbed hand over his face.
"Because we need him. Glynda would have that you keep him leashed but I have followed him near as much as you have. Qrow's skills are second to none, we need him. You need him to be your sword again, that is why you are thinking about it. At the end of the day he will have you and Ruby to come home too. To put him back together again." Peter walked over and put a hand on Oz's shoulder. "Just think on it Ozpin, he might not need to do a thing extra."
"I will talk to him about it, thank you for this conversation Peter. I can see now how Mistral's problems extend far beyond just Grimm." Ozpin leaned against the window frame looking out the horizon.
"I will leave you too it then. Good day my friend."
Ozpin closed his eyes at the sound of the door closing behind Peter. While he didn't know how long he would have his office to himself he would treasure it. The copper eyed man looked back to the files still floating above his Scroll. Everything was just such a mess, he was going to have to speak the council more. He couldn't fix this one his own, Huntsmen Academies were not supposed to be political or military forces. He didn't even what to think about the outrage the suggestion to treat with bandits was going to case.
Tale of Weiss
Weiss was sitting in the team's second room, her desk was under a window and she was looking out at a sparing yard. A breeze drifted through the room ruffling her hair.
"Hey Weiss, you okay? You've been quiet." Ruby walked it and sat on a chair belonging to the desk beside Weiss.
"Oh nothing, just… I don't know. Missing James I guess. I mean being with you, Qrow and Ozpin is all very nice but." She trailed off.
"We're not James, I get it. For all the fun we have, you always have your true partner or partners like I do. True love and all that fun stuff." Ruby said leaning an arm on the desk and petting her big belly with the other.
The flame coloured haired girl watched Ruby for a moment and asked. "Do you like it?"
"What?"
"Being pregnant, you seem so happy all the time." Weiss said a hand drifting to her own flat stomach. "My mom didn't have a good time with my little brother but you are happy so much of the time."
"I love it. I feel good almost all of the time, even my cravings. I am still small enough that it doesn't hurt to move yet. I feel like a glow and the sex… oh the sex is amazing Weiss. Ozpin and Qrow have always been astounding as you well know but add being pregnant on top of that! Ohh it's good!" Ruby then blushed deeply. "Yeah I adore it, when this thing with Cinder and Salem and the Relics is over. I want a big family."
Weiss giggled. "I just got the imagine of you with six kids all around you. Ozpin and Qrow utterly smitten with their babies and you."
"Well we'll see how this one goes." Ruby patted her belly. "If it's not too rough on me, that sounds like a really nice thing."
"Well I hope the birth is good to you." Weiss sighed and looked back out.
"Why don't you write him a letter?"
That got Weiss out of her melancholy. "Would he even get it?"
"Mail still goes between Kingdoms, it would be worth a try." Ruby said.
Weiss grabbed a thick piece of paper and her favourite fountain pen. It hovered over the page. "I have no idea what I can write."
"Well, you could write about Haven. Really the only thing you have to avoid is the magic stuff. I mean there is a chance it will get screened but you have his home address so it will probably avoid any military stuff." Ruby played with a lock of her long hair.
The chime in the window rang softly as Weiss worried her lip. "I think I will just write for a bit, see what ends up on the page."
"Sounds good, I'm craving something chewy so I'm going to go for a walk through the upper market." Ruby got up and stretched.
"Healthy Ruby, remember what Rutile said if you're having a craving. Eat an apple." Weiss said firmly.
"I know I know, I'll be good I promise." Ruby leaned over and kissed Weiss's cheek. "Good luck with your letter."
Weiss returned to looking out the window, the yard was now busy with a small team. They didn't really look like they were sparing, just working off energy. She doubted anyone really wanted to fight yet. She turned her attention back down to the empty page.
Dear James
Seemed like a good at start as any.
Lots has happened since we parted. Some of it good, some of it bad, some I am sure you will skin Ozpin alive when you hear about it. Please don't though he's been through more than enough by now. I am sorry if this ends up rather rambly but with all that's happened and how long it has been I think you'll appreciate the informality.
So where to begin? Well that ship Ozpin was one was very enjoyable, we fought Grimm together. It was fun, I provided support while he proved to be even faster than Ruby. Those first few weeks without you were really horrible. That said you should have warned me that Ozpin is a bit of a Casanova, as I am sure you can imagine we reached a cordial arrangement. At least till we got to Mistral, I left Ozpin, Qrow and Ruby to their own devices. They really seemed to need the alone time together. Hmm, what else. We all settled into a house together for most of our stay in Mistral so far. It was very nice, Ozpin and Ren usually made breakfast. We'd all take turns with the dishes, it was really nice.
Then I guess things went a bit down hill after that. Qrow started looking for the local Huntsmen, only to come up empty handed. Oh my I must talk about Lydia. My dear James I believe I have met Ozpin's mother.
I'll let that sink in for a moment.
She's not technically is mom as I am sure you know, but I think he is the only one who hasn't seen it yet. My understanding is that Oz met her when he was in a very bad place and she welcomed him into her house and family. While I am sure the relationship was initially sexual it seems like they both have moved away from that. It's very clear that she loves him dearly and he her, even if it confuses the ever living heck out of him. I am sure you would find watching him struggle to categorize her in his head very amusing.
From my very surface understanding Lydia owns a lingerie shop and dance/BDSM club in high town Mistral. Though I think she has power that extends well beyond that. I promise you if you get to have just one conversation with Lydia you will see where Ozpin got any number of habits. It was very amusing when we first go here, she could apparently see Ozpin had been a poor Dom to Qrow and disciplined him by making him wait on tables at her club in nothing but a g-string, heels and a collar. You would love the collar, it's very beautiful. It was here that we all arranged and laid down some ground rules for me to join them.
It's not the same as with you, but being with them has really helped with the loneliness and depression. I know it has helped them as well, Ruby and Ozpin have had a rough time in the last few months and you know Qrow is not the most stable of people. I think I've helped ground all of them. Qrow especially, he seems to have really taken a shine to me. Don't worry though you'll always be my true love… Though if we can have a fivesome someday I think that would be really amazing.
After meeting Lydia things started to go down hill. Ruby and Ren got a job at a bathhouse here after spotting a few of her agents there. Though a series of events Ruby got the information we needed but the how of it really upset Oz. Which in turn triggered a latent case of tuberculosis. Be thankful you weren't here to see that, having Ozpin of all people coughing up blood. Dying do to a disease, well it hit us all really hard. It didn't help that the info that was found forced us to contact the Branwen Tribe. I am sure you can imagine all the ways that went south. Well maybe not all the ways, Ruby's pregnant, Qrow's mom switched her birth control while they were staying with the tribe and Ruby wanted to keep it. So yeah, that's been an journey for everyone so far. Which is to say everyone is really excited and we will be staying in Mistral till the baby is old enough that she can be left at Mistral to stay safe. We do have something very important that I don't think Oz wants for it to stay in Mistral. I suppose it's only a matter of time before we have to move on for everyone's safety. I know Oz wants to see you.
Well I hope that is enough to give you an idea of what has happened around Haven and why we aren't going to you now. Since we got Haven back the teams have moved into the dorms there. Minus Ruby of course, she, Qrow and Ozpin are staying with Lydia. These dorms are much smaller than Beacon's, everyone was hurting when we moved in. Oh! We had a wake for Pyrrha, it was a long time coming and it did reopen old wounds. That said, I think it brought as all together better. I mean that in both ways, I think we are better as a team of six and we actually moved all the beds around, that would fit in one room. We made one room for sleeping in one big warm happy pile of limbs and one for studying. I honestly think it's a much better use of the space.
Hmm what else? I am going to be the Godmother to be baby.
Weiss paused and ink collected on the page in a little blob.
Actually, there has been one other thing not so happy. Ozpin arranged a cleanse of the forest and while the first day went great everything went wrong for the night. Grimm ambushed the camp, Mula were everywhere as well as other Grimm I had never even heard of before. There was even a Revenant. We got, it, but it burned Oz's left arm really bad. Jaune is trying to heal it with his Semblance (we have a medic now) but I don't really think it will ever come back. The students and many others are blaming Qrow for it, he told everyone what his Semblance was. Though Ozpin, well technically Lydia told us that those things we are protecting draw Grimm. Which probably factored in, that aside people are turning on Ozpin. It doesn't seem to matter what he does. I am really very worried about it.
Still that was a couple days ago now, everyone seem to be drifting their own ways. I don't think that's really a bad thing, everyone is coping with the attack their own ways. It seems to be helping, Nora and Lie are spending a lot of time together. Well that's not new but they seem to be settling into their relationship really nicely. I rather envy them. Yang and Blake are dating again, sometimes with Sun and sometimes not. I think they haven't figured out where they stand yet and will invite Sun into be their third when they have figured it out.
Qrow and Ozpin are spending more time apart, strangely enough. Ozpin is hurting because his arm has left him crippled, he's taking it better then when the tuberculous hit. He would say he has become better since then, but he's still hurting. We can all see it, but he hasn't done anything stupid yet so we are leaving him be. Plus there are more eyes on him now to make sure he doesn't push himself. I swear that man needs to learn how to be sick. Still I shall keep on eye on him.
Qrow on the other hand, well he's being odd. He has given up drinking for Ruby's sake but it seems like he almost doesn't know what to do with himself now. He's getting more and more soft spoken in class, I don't really even think he realizes that he is doing it. Sometimes I just want to give him a hug in the middle of class and ask him what is going on in that head of his. Still Ruby doesn't seem worried about him so many he's just changing naturally. I mean most of the stupid he's done in the past has been due to his drinking. I don't know, alike to Ozpin. I will keep an eye on him as well.
As for Ruby, she is thriving in her pregnancy, I had a little chat with her before writing this and she said she'd be happy to have a big family. Maybe even six kids if this first one isn't to hard on her. I couldn't imagine having six kids but Ruby has hips that I just don't. I get the feeling she'll be able to pop out babies much easier then I would ever be able. No before you think it I am not jealous! I'd be happy with one or two, maybe three at a stretch. I'd much rather just be Godmother to her children, all the fun none of the hard work. Or I'd rather have a kitten. Still Ruby's been so happy lately and it's been wonderful to see, I wish you had the chance to get to know her better.
Well I think that brings you up to date, we are going to participate in the Wylde Hunt this year. Either Ozpin or Qrow will be chasing me, though I doubt I'll know which one till I get caught. Still I am looking forward to it, to be free of all responsibilities for a while to get in touch with my more natural self. Gosh if father knew I was going to run like a wild Valite he'd skin me alive. I think it will be good for me though, none of my friends are Atlassian now and it's something they've been enjoying since maturity. I have been trying to get more into festivals of the other Kingdoms. It has been a bit odd to see and start to understand the other deities. We only really pay any attention to Rymrgand in Atlas as he is our patron deity as we live in his realm. Learning about the others through Ozpin, Lie, Lydia and Ruby has been a real eye opener. I think I will be less eager for our own traditions in the future. Or maybe strike more of a balance, I guess I will just have to decide that as I go.
I believe that covers everything, we will probably make our way to Atlas mid summer. Try to stay out of trouble till then, maybe open the the trade routes again? People are hurting out here.
Lots of Love
Weiss
Weiss set her pen down satisfied, it gave an overview of everything and if he wrote back there would be lots for him to ask about. She folded the letter and got up with a huge stretch. She donned her shoes and headed out of Haven students dotted the campus but everyone seemed rather laid back. The Wylde Hunt was soon but most of the students now were only been sent out on rotations so it gave everyone more down time. As she headed down the steps towards the Great Elevator she could see banners now few off of many poles or out of windows. Green with the antlers of Cernunn upon them. Streamers of woven ribbon and silk were strung over streets.
Even the elevator itself was decorated now. She looked up at the canopy of vines, the tree that had been placed in the middle. It's massive pot was already gathering flowers to be burned upon the night of the Wylde Hunt. Offerings to Herion, who would give birth to spring. Weiss had to weave her way through the crowds as the elevator was near always full. She found her way to the edge away from the mountain sides and looked out over the city.
Watching it come alive was something she'd never forget. The great horn was being polished upon it's tower above everything else, vines grew up it naturally carefully tended wasn't sure just want the horn was made out of, though she guessed it was Grimm bone. It was plated in gold and carved with further inlays so much it was very hard to tell what the base was. Below it on multiple landings were drums taller then she was, all getting ready to give the city a beat to dance too.
Her stop came and she hopped off into the upper city. Weiss never forgot Qrow's warning about the lower city and in accordance never ventured there. The streets were already starting to get busy with vendors making use of the few extra days of preparations before the equinox hit they already were selling goods that would be made free on the day of the celebration. The Atlassian didn't mind this, it would only really help their businesses and let them turn a little bit of profit so they would be able to afford to put out more treats on the night of.
She came to a post office and bought a letter and stamp, then sent it off. Letting herself hope that just maybe it would get to James. Weiss stepped back out into the busy street and took a deep breath. So many tantalizing scents, cinnamon buns, sticky rice treats, candies apples, sweet buns. Her mouth watered, maybe it would be only to stop for a snack before heading back.
Tale of Ruby
Ruby fluttered through the marketplace, her long emerald green dress flowed around her and the shawl of crimson red kept any edge of chill at bay. It had been a gift from Lydia as had been the gladiator sandals in red and black. There were so many things to eat that Ruby hadn't nail down what she wanted. Everyone had been making her eat very healthy since she was released from hospital so part of her wanted a treat. However the thought made guilt turn in her stomach, she should be eating healthy for her baby's sake as well as her own. So she moved from stall to stall trying to find something that would sate her craving for something chewy and be healthy for her.
So she wandered, pastries, meats, filled buns, nothing that said 'healthy' to her. Ruby wondered if she would be better off going home and making something. Festival food, while it would make her sweet tooth happy only made her stomach turn. With a sad sigh she made for an exit.
"Miss Rose."
Ruby turned and was confronted by who she guessed was a reporter by the floating camera beside her. She wondered how much Dust that cost when just getting a partner could do the same job for much cheaper. The reporter was a woman with black hair and sunglasses, she wore jeans and a t shirt and didn't seem very remarkable in any way. "Yes?"
The reporter smiled. "Could I have an interview? There are just so many questions surrounding Ozpin, Branwen and yourself that so many of our viewers would love an insiders look."
Ruby frowned. "What right is my private life to them? Before you answer the correct response is none. Please leave me alone." She turned away and headed off at a quicker pace. The gall of that woman, sticking her nose in where it wasn't wanted.
The reporter gave chase. "Oh come now Miss Rose, what's the harm? Who is the father of your child for example? We get conflicting reports some saying it's Ozpin, while others say it's Branwen's. When did you get involved with either of them? Vale's reports were useless on that front, I can only guess no one saw anything noteworthy there so it would have had to have been a recent thing for you. Getting involved with two dangerous Huntsmen."
Ruby kept walking, part of her just wanted to use her Semblance and fly away from here but that felt too much like running. She grit her teeth and didn't say anything, assuming that camera was rolling.
"Was your baby deliberate? Or a product of Branwen's Semblance? When are you due? Are you happy with it or did one of the men force you to keep it? Ozpin has always seemed the traditional type."
That's it! Ruby came out into a open walkway and burst into her Semblance flying low over the building tops so she would be harder to track. Not that it mattered, she just went home. The young woman materialized in Lydia's backyard, she rubbed at her eyes tears in the corners. Part of her was angry, the other sad because it wasn't hard to guess at the rumours flying around them. If they had been in Vale it wouldn't be newsworthy, it hadn't been. She spent the Day of the Dead with Ozpin and Qrow, danced with them. They had been together obviously for ages and no one had cared. She went to Lydia's porch and sat on a comfy couch.
Homesickness made her heart ache, Atlas would be worse… then again by the time they went to Atlas they would all be married. So maybe no one would care. Ruby's hands went to her baby bump. "You're so lucky in there, everything is simple and you can't miss what you've never had."
The back door opened and Lydia appeared, steaming mugs in her hands. She sat down beside Ruby and offered one.
"Hot chocolate?" Ruby asked taking it from her, it had whipping cream and flakes of chocolate on it.
"Mostly dark chocolate with a milk base. You don't have to worry about it having too much sugar in it. I also made nut bars, glued together with honey that should get your chewy craving fixed without making you feel guilty." Lydia reached out and rubbed up and down Ruby's back. "It will be alright Ruby."
Ruby sniffed and had a slip of her drink, Lydia always seemed to know how to make something healthy for that still tasted good. "Already read my head?"
"Well you were craving something chewy before you left. As for the reporters it was only a matter of time before one caught up to you but you handled it well. It will get better Ruby, it won't surprise me if Ozpin starts letting out more details of what happened to him at Beacon soon. I know he's already told the council, when it's not a mystery anymore people will get bored. If Ozpin is good at anything it's being boring and I know he's trying to find more teachers for Haven, so his and Qrow's work load will go down. I know he has already been speaking with a few of the Huntsmen the festival pulled in to see if they would be able to take teaching positions. Qrow doesn't want to teach and will take the first chance to let someone else take the job."
"I really hope he finds some more teachers, they've been so busy lately. Even when they come home they have two classes to grade for." Ruby sniffed. "I just really miss Vale, I really hope that things quiet down soon."
"They will Ruby, come on let's get you that snack and a video game. You shouldn't be stressing out right now." Lydia helped Ruby up and they went inside to play some Monster Hunter together.
Tale of Qrow
Qrow was eating at the cafeteria for an after school snack. Ozpin and Ruby had left the grounds, but he wasn't up to going with either. Today had been bad, Ozpin had shown his arm to a whole class of students and it hit the CCT in no time at all. So all through his classes he could hear the whispering. Questions about Oz, questions about him. By now everyone who hadn't known about the Branwen Tribe did now and had connected the dots. It almost made Qrow wish he had picked a last name at random.
"He's a bandit too, how did he ever get a job at Signal or here?"
"I bet he's murdered tons of Huntsmen."
"I think Ruby's a Silver Eyed Warrior, why would she be with such murders? No better then Grimm if you ask me."
Qrow fiddled with his red and green ring, he desperately wanted a drink. The only thing stopping him was the thought of Ruby, not to mention the self loathing that came from knowing he'd never met a bottle he didn't like. He was done with that, he really was. He wanted to be. Still the temptation was getting worse with every day he spent teaching. He really did hope Ozpin found a replace for him. The red eyed man had been the one to bring it up to Oz. He had hated the look that Oz has given him by accident. The mix of surprise and disappointment, but he said he'd look into it. Qrow had faith that Ozpin knew this teaching thing wouldn't last forever, that he couldn't stay in an environment like this.
He opened his Scroll, Qrow knew he really shouldn't be looking at the school forums. If for no other reason then it was bad for his mental health. Sure enough one quick look made his stomach turn. Why wasn't Oz doing something about this? A press conference would be a great start. So why didn't he hold one? Maybe he should ask, or maybe Ozpin was just waiting for everything to blow over. He hadn't given any statements, not even an apology for wrecking up that district that had gotten between him and Tyrian. Sure he was leaking things to classes but Qrow couldn't tell if that was the start of damage control or not.
Qrow snapped his Scroll shut and got up, carrying his food tray back to the station to be cleaned. He wasn't hungry anymore.
"Why is he even here? There must be other Huntsmen that could do his job."
"Maybe it's cause he's the Headmaster fuck buddy."
"I wonder who doms there."
"Maybe it's because he wants to play at being a Huntsmen, there are tons of time gaps in his resume that we can only wonder what he was going in those. Maybe working for his Tribe."
Qrow wanted to vomit at the mere suggestion. He turned on his heel and stormed out of the cafe, he wanted a drink and his mind was already turning to the bars. The raven haired man came to an abrupt stop at the doors, no he couldn't go to a bar. They had been avoiding drinking around Ruby, until she gave birth they were trying to keep stress to a minimum so that meant none of the stress that would come with trying to really heal her PTSD were liquor was concerned.
Qrow took a deep breath and looked to the sky. What else could he do? His mind turned back to those comments about his Tribe, Raven was still leader. She was still using the connections she had forced his family to help make. A smirk grew on his lips, well then. He knew where those camps were and the deal was with Hawk and Falcon. The smile grew scaring a few students around him. He could ruin Raven's day, that always made him happy.
He took off at a run and leapt clear off the side of the mountain causing a few surprised screams before turning into his crow form and flying down into the city. Ozpin had shared the memories of taking the places for the Branwen tribe a couple weeks ago. It had been something along the lines of Qrow having the right to know. The first one he found was the camp that was in a crack in one of the mountains. It's walls were lined with shops and balconies, but Qrow knew just who controlled the area now. He transformed landing silently on a sturdy outcropping.
Qrow laid down so he would be hard to spot and closed his eyes. His Semblance was all too eager to be set loose. Iroh's words echoed in his head but Qrow wanted his Semblance to cause havoc. So he amped his Aura into it.
It didn't make long for the shouts to start, the smoke curling out from a doorway. Qrow smirked, it was fun letting the tension out. More smoke curled up into the air and he felt an explosion rock the cliff face. He was used to the smell of burning Dust. People started to pour out of the mountain. He peered over his ledge, it was easy to spot Branwen people, they all wore the same sash. With his Semblance still amped to max he stood and drew Harbinger, he clicked it out to it's scythe form, the sound was comforting. "Time to kill some monsters."
The slaughter was total, the reaper that mothers within tribes warned their children about walked calmly through the bodies. Red dripped from his scythe and down his fingers, it stained his clothes and clung to his shoes. He hadn't fired a shot, there was something more visceral about killing by hand. He could see the whites of their eyes as they fell.
There was one one left and he crawled away through the bodies of his comrades. "Please Qrow no! We grew up together! Oh gods, we were your family, your tribe."
Qrow didn't speak he only raised the huge blade up and brought it down. The body split apart in separate directions. Pale red eyes looked over the destruction he had wrought. Raven would know this had been him, she always knew when his Semblance had acted out.
He really should call it in, let Mistral police take over before any squatters caught wind of it. It had already gotten out that this territory had been held by the Branwens. So it would be an easy thing for the police to come now and reclaim it for the common people. Qrow heard the clack of combat boots on stone as he turned.
General Haden Bloars was the first through the doorway pistol in hand, he stopped stunned at the blood painted walls. His gaze fell on Qrow last, those red eyes blinked slowly at him as if he didn't even see the carnage around him. It wasn't hard to guess that Qrow had cleared all the bandits out himself, his clothes were in a terrible state.
Drip, Drip, Drip.
The sound of blood hitting stone as it fell from Harbingers blade was the loudest sound in the room. Other police officers had started to pick their way into the room, even if a few had to stop and find places to vomit first. Qrow slowly moved like it took him a moment to remember how. Haden only got out his way when Qrow passed him.
The sounds grew louder as he neared the exits, stepping over body parts along the way. An ambulance was present along with a fire fighting hovercraft. Military and police, people crawled like maggots on the freshly made corpse. Even reporters had rushed to the scene and upon seeing him they rushed for him.
Qrow spun Harbinger once, making them jump away as blood splattered the ground. He scabbard Harbinger and jumped up into the air transforming to fly off. His mind felt empty as he flew, he felt detached from the world. His wings took him to that same outcropping behind the temple where he had first met Iroh.
He transformed before the little obelisk and crumpled, he reached out drawing two fingers over it. Red lines disrupted the calming image and Qrow let the first tears start to fall. He bowed his head and cried, he had known those faces but they were bandits. Murders and thieves and he was one of them. He had tried to be different, promised himself that no matter what anyone said he'd never be one of them again. True to his Semblance it started to rain, the dark clouds above spitting drops down on him.
The storm grew and Qrow became cold and numb to the world even as the blood was washed off of his face and hands. He just murdered in cold blood people who were a part of his tribe, he's knew them yes but should he have killed them? They were nothing to him, pebbles too small compared to the boulder his sister was. Eventually they would have been killed, if not by Mistrals authority then by one of the other tribes. It was only a matter of time.
So why did he feel like a monster?
Because you knew they didn't stand a chance against you and you took those lives without remorse. Now you feel guilt? You should just drown in the sea of blood of those you've killed.
"No, they're murders, thieves and wrong."
And now you're one of them again.
Lightning struck the area Qrow knelt in, the static of it burned into the ground. He didn't want to be this way, why did every decision he made feel like the wrong one? The flash of their faces were burned into his memory, their fear and desperation. He didn't want to live a half life anymore, deep enough in the shadows that blood dripped from his fingertips but light enough to see the good and want to bathe in it, to protect and love.
"You are just one big mess aren't you."
Qrow spun staggering to his feet in the soaking rain and glared at Iroh. "What do you want?"
"You did the right thing you know." The old man said throwing a rolled up newspaper onto the ground. It slid towards Qrow's feet and unraveled. Qrow picked it up, holding his body over it so as to slow down getting it wet. An article about a series of attacks on young women and several looted shops. Too close to where those bandits he had just killed for it to have been anyone else. There were even pictures and descriptions of the men he murdered as suspects and to not approach. "One of those young girls died this morning. I normally don't condone acts of violence but this was a justice they deserved."
Qrow shook his head even as he clenched the paper to his chest. "It still didn't give me the right to do what I did. This wasn't justice, I didn't know about those girls. Everyone still thinks I am a member of the tribe a Branwen. I'm not stupid, I know this was petty. Murdering because I hate that I get lumped in with them. I could have hit any tribe but I chose the one of my birth."
"You are a Huntsmen Qrow Branwen. A Huntsmen protects the people of Remnant. Yes the way you went about it might have been incorrect but you need to remember the world is not black and white. Its every shade of grey too." Iroh huffed and sat down in front of the younger man. "Why are you still letting your upbringing affect your future?"
Qrow glared up at the rain then down at the pot bellied man. "I'm not! I was just angry, it was a stupid thing to do. Worse I got caught at the scene, it will only make more trouble. It was stupid and petty, I am stupid and petty for letting stupid kids get under my skin!"
Iroh sighed at the defeated form in front of him and stood. "Come. You are in need of a hot bath and fresh clothes. Then perhaps we should talk some more."
Qrow glanced back over but didn't follow. He deserved to remain in the cold rain and would have stayed there for hours if the old man hadn't spouted off again. "If you insist on staying out here I will too, then we will both have colds and be miserable." He let out a loud huff and fell into step behind Iroh.
The inside of the temple was much warmer, too warm after spending so long outside but it only served to remind Qrow how cold he actually had been and he started to shiver. Iroh pushed him towards the baths which was essentially a large stone tub with water fed through the mountain's spring. Qrow stripped off his clothes and sunk into the large bath. The water was piping hot and already he could feel his skin turn pink from the heat, yet it felt nice and the silence was soothing to his frantic mind. His eyes went immediately to his hand where the rings decorating his fingers sat and sighed. What would Oz and Ruby say when they hear what he did? Oz would understand if be a bit angry with him. Ruby … well that was another story.
He fiddled with the red and green ring they had made for him, the design was deceptively simple yet it still held a glimmer of their Aura, making it sparkle. Iroh came in and lit two incense sticks with a little rub of his fingers. The scent of lavender made Qrow drowsy and the bath did not help keep him awake. He closed his eyes and let himself sink further into the bath.
Iroh stepped in and smiled when he saw that Qrow was drifting off. He felt sorry for the man, he reminded him of his own nephew. So conflicted and always struggling to understand himself. Iroh himself had a knack for astral projection which was how he had learned what Qrow had done in the first place. A mass slaughter like that created ripples. He had been surprised to find Qrow at the centre, he felt that Ozpin would have tempered his lover. It seemed though Oz was fighting his own battles. Iroh patted his big belly out of habit, something would have to be done about Qrow. He had already taken one very dangerous step in trading one addiction for another.
Tale of Jaune
Jaune found himself walking back to the shared dorm later than usual. Ever since they had returned to classes- ebit stricter ones to catch up, he found himself leaving school grounds later then the others. Jaune felt as though the rest of their group had grown so much in the last year while his scores remained the same as before. He could have gone to Oz or Qrow or hell anyone and got some advice but seemed to be falling back into his habit of keeping things close to the chest. Just like he had at Beacon.
The sun had fallen behind the mountains by the time he set out and the winter chill was still in the air. The lights of a few shops still open reminded him that he had probably missed dinner. His stomach protested his initial decision to return right away and instead Jaune headed for one of the stores. Paying for some meat buns with the Lein they had been given after the raid the blonde leader stepped back out into the cool night a bun hanging half out of his mouth when a flash almost caused him to drop it.
"What the-" He caught the bun and turned to the source of the flash. A man holding onto a camera grinned at him. His teeth were stained yellow and he smelt like smoke. With baggy blue trackies and an even bigger worn jumper mostly hidden by the ugly green coat the older man snapped another picture.
"Hey Jaune Arc isn't it?" He said in a nasally voice.
"Not your business." Jaune replied and tried to side step around the bigger man only for another body to block his way, this time a woman in slightly better clothes but also holding a camera to her chest.
"Can you tell us more about your Semblance and how it was used to heal Professor Ozpin earlier today?" Camera at the ready the woman jumped forward, that's when he realised it was recording.
Annoyed the lad turned away and grit his teeth. "Why can't you people go away!"
The first man pulled out his Scroll, presumably to record what was being said. "Can you give us any details on the Headmasters condition?"
"There's been video evidence that his arm is hardly more than a shriveled black limb. Even doctors have said it can't be healed. So why does it appear that you are using your Semblance to help along?"
Jaune was stunned how the vultures came out of the woodwork, in less the a few minutes there were at least five reporters. He could barely see over the tops of their heads but a small crowd of people had stopped to watch the display. Not for the first time he wished he had a Semblance that would help get him out of this mess. Ruby had her rose burst and Qrow could turn into a literal bird and fly away. Maybe if he gave them some information they would back off so he could get out. "My Semblance allows me to amplify someone else's Aura or Semblance which is why I was using it on the Headmaster, to help his Aura heal faster."
"Does that mean he is expected to make a full recovery?"
"How bad is the scarring?"
"Will Professor Ozpin be making any statements regarding the incident that happened during the raid!"
Jaune felt a bit dizzy from the multiple mics and Scrolls being thrust into his face and tried answering. "I don't know, nothing is set in stone. I won't tell you about scarring and I am not commenting on the raid! Now could you all back off?"
Unfortunately his pleas and answers only riled the growing crowd even more. "How is the healing going?"
"Does Qrow Branwen have anything to do with what happened during the raid?"
"What was the silver light!?"
"Mister Arc can we get a quote!"
Voices swirled around him and Jaune felt the crushing need to run away but was stuck in the center and the group. Just as he was debating barging through the crowd a familiar and angry voice broke through his panic.
"ALRIGHT! BREAK IT UP BEFORE I START BREAKING SOME LEGS!"
Jaune nearly cried in happiness at the sight of Nora stood in front of him, her pink hammer extended out with an evil grin on her face. Ren stood next to him, offering his leader a pat on the shoulder. "You okay?"
"Yeah." Jaune looked back at the group of reporters noting how all of them slowly and fearfully back away from the ginger haired girl and her oversized hammer. He chuckled at the sight as they fled and approached his teammate, throwing his arms around her. "Thanks Nora, you guys saved me."
"Well of course." Nora rolled her eyes but hugged him back. "Nobody messes with our friends … and family."
The words soothed him more then he wanted to admit and he nodded releasing Nora. "Shall we head home?"
"Lets!" Nora skipped, snaking her arms around Jaune and Ren and tugging them along.
No one bothered the trio as they made their way back to the dorms and the only thing said during the trip back came from Nora as she sniffed their leader. "You have meat buns! I hope you bought enough for the rest of us and when I say that I mean ME!"
Jaune chuckled. "Of course Nora."
The Tale of Yang and Blake
Two hands entwined together strolled down the streets of Mistral at dusk. Yang had insisted on taking Blake out for the night and her Faunus friend pointed out the play being performed at the amphitheater. Both girls knew the story of Herion and Cernunn but it was an opportunity to get out and just be for a few hours so they were looking forward to it.
Yang kept sneaking a glance at her friend. Things were different now, it still hurt that Blake had chosen to leave her-leave them without a word or a letter. She tried not to let it bother her but she noticed how Blake seemed to be overly cautious about her arm. She saw the stolen glances she made at the metal of her right arm and wanted to sigh. Even after their fun at the Crimson the other night Yang felt a difference between the two of them.
The stone walls of the amphitheater came into view and the blonde haired woman stretched her lips into a grin, tugging on Blake's hand to urge her forward. "Come on!"
They ran down the street leading into the large amphitheater, torches in large round basins sat around the stage in low stands. Already there was a cue of people waiting to get inside so the girls sidestepped into one of the tents made up for snacks. The smell of freshly made popcorn and toffee apples simmered around the room. Yang licked her lips as she dragged Blake into the short line, right behind a familiar looking person with green hair.
"Professor Oobleck?"
Bart spun to face the voice behind him and eyes widened behind his glasses when he saw Blake and Yang. "Well hello Miss Xaio-Long, Miss Belladonna. What brings you to the Amphitheater?"
Blake dropped her hand away from Yang's, the faint rosiness to her cheeks a product of remembering the last time the three were near each other. "We've come to see the play tonight, Herion and Cernunn."
"Ah yes of course! The story of how Herion the Goddess of life was wooed and coupled with Cernunn, the King of Beasts. It's a most fascinating tale." The teacher in him said even as the man inside took an appreciative look at both women, then he shook himself. What had occurred during their night at the Crimson was a once off experience. He had to remember that he was their teacher and just because Ozpin had taken the route of having relations with his students didn't mean it was okay for him to act as such.
Yang and Blake noticed the slight chillness of their green haired professor and shared a look. They had enjoyed the shared night together and Yang asked. "Would you like to come and sit with us Sir?"
Bart swallowed thickly, if Yang was anything like her father he had a feeling this could go any number of directions. However he could think of no good reason to refuse them. "I would like that very much."
The trio made their way up the east steps towards a more secluded area. Finding a good spot they went to sit but just as Oobleck feared the two girls shifted around so instead of sitting together they sat on either side of him. The be-speckled teacher only sighed and sat back, hoping once the play started he would be able to shut out the two beauties sat next to him.
Soon enough the torches behind them were extinguished leaving only a circle of light around the stage and a littering of light by stairs. The sudden dimness also shadowed his companions image and he breathed a little easier as the opening of the play begun.
Yang, Blake and Bart all watched as the actress playing the Goddess of life flew down to the ground, her pure white gown pooling over the earth as she knelt. Singing followed, a soothing lullaby mixed with flutes. By the time Cernunn entered the picture Yang had given up watching the play and was instead glancing over at her Faunus friend and teacher. There was a deep blush on Blake's face as she watched Cernunn seduce the Goddess and the blonde bombshell suddenly had the perfect idea.
Slowly so as to not alarm the man sat between them Yang purred in the back of her throat, the sound just low enough for Blake to hear and tilt her head in her direction. Yang wiggled her eyebrows looking from Blake to Oobleck and received a nod in response.
()
Bart rested his head on her shoulder to catch his breath. "So where do you think we're up to in the play."
"No clue." Yang chuckled looking down to the stage.
Blake said. "Well I don't know about you but I'm suddenly more interested in other things right now."
"Can we come back to your place Professor Oobleck." Yang grinned back at him, ordering her inner muscles to tighten around him.
"Absolfuckinglutly!"