A/N: Written for monochrome week day 4: parallels; to me, this was the hardest prompt even though Blake and Weiss have numerous parallels between them. This is most likely not what you expect.
Ozpin shifted uncomfortably before taking his seat at the table. When he had accepted the offer to be brought back and stop his former lover from terrorizing the people of Remnant, a game of chess was the last thing he expected. Salem glanced at him with disinterested eyes, but he could see the tension spread throughout her body.
The wizard was silently grateful for the rules set prior to starting the match, which disqualified anyone who used physical violence in any way. What he wasn't grateful for was how the fate of the world seemed to be dependent on the outcome of this game. Perhaps he should've asked more questions before taking the deal, but there was nothing he could do about it now.
Squaring his shoulders, he glanced at the board. Fortunately, there wasn't a limit on how long the trial had to last. Time seemed to pass differently outside of the realm between worlds anyway. They were told that the world would keep going on as they played, but that only made Ozpin worry.
While he wanted to be finished with the bout as soon as possible, he also didn't want to rush through it. From his understanding, any pieces gained and lost throughout the game would have an effect on Remnant and its denizens. He knew that sacrifices had to be made, but he hoped that he would be forgiven or at least understood if the world's occupants knew the details of what was truly at stake.
A while later, they were given a break. Ozpin took the chance to take a look at the state of the world and was surprised that Faunus suddenly existed. Before he could appreciate this new development, he noticed that they seemed to be warring with the humans around them. Taking a closer look, he could see that the White Fang and the SDC were quite influential in influencing society in positive and negative ways.
He frowned and pondered how best to intervene or at least offer advice to the fighting factions before he realized that the break was over. If he couldn't do anything now, he would try his best to play better.
When it came time for the second break, Ozpin frowned slightly at the smaller amount of pieces he had remaining in the game. Salem had indeed proved to be a formidable adversary, oftentimes utilizing tactics he hadn't even considered and even using his own strategies against him.
Worrying about how Remnant was faring, he chanced a glance and sucked in a harsh breath. The world was more violent than ever, and it didn't seem to be getting better. His hope deflated slightly, and he was about to turn away when he noticed a particular team that wasn't there previously. He zeroed in on two certain members and couldn't believe his eyes.
Last time he looked at Remnant, the White Fang and SDC seemed to be at odds, but here were two people associated with both groups who were able to put aside their differences and work together. Ozpin glanced back at the board and was filled with a renewed sense of hope. If two seemingly opposing people could find common ground and collaborate, then he certainly could win this match.
After what felt like an eternity, Ozpin settled back in his seat, basking in his victory. It was a close call, but he was satisfied that the people of Remnant were safe now and that he could finally rest. Before he could close his eyes, he was surprised to find a parting gift: two queens.
He smiled. Remnant would be in good hands after all.