Soon after the whole situation was settled, albeit with Miss Arc Sustrai and Miss Arc Xiao Long having to stay out a bit more due to what Emerald did to Bumblebee, Ozpin returned to his own, private room within the teacher dorms at Beacon. Contrary to what most people believe, he doesn't live in his office. He walked in, setting his cane aside, then sitting down on his bed, laying down on it and hearing his aging bones pop. This life was getting old, that much he could say. He found it funny.
There were reincarnations in which he didn't reach old age, always dying young, and some who were already old when he found them. But he had this host since they were a teenager, and with them he has done many things. Now they were growing old, weary, and soon the time will come for him to travel to his next host.
No matter how much he likes to think everything is over, the truth is it is not. Although Salem, his greatest worry, is no longer a threat, that doesn't mean his duty is done. Humanity was still far from what it once was, and he knew it. Faunus kind was a clear issue, due to the racism the humankind shows towards them. He eliminated all traces of it, or at least tried, here in Vale. But in the other kingdoms? He was far from done.
"So much work to do, yet so little time…" He muttered as he laid there, then he set his glasses aside. He was starting to think about what the Gods will say when they see how different the world is now - how much it has changed and developed without them to watch over it. Would they be proud? Disgusted? He knows they are going to ask about the Faunus. So much happened, and so much more will happen.
Jaune's sacrifice, being married to eight different women, and having a not-so-good romantic relationship with them is bound to bite him one day, but he is doing well for now. Ozpin knew the moment he married them, he knew who was going to be an issue down the road, but he never saw this difference. Pyrrha and Ruby were already fancying him before the marriage, and this endeavor only helped them be more true with their feelings. Two down. Salem is also acting more...human, lately. He knows she is trying to make amends, but that will take time. But he had no doubt Jaune would be able to charm her in no time.
After all, he reminded Ozma of himself back in the old days; young, vigorous, brave, and a big heart. He wondered at times where that young warrior went and how he was replaced with this ancient old man. Granted, he knows Jaune will not make the same mistake he did. He sighed as he laid in his bed, thinking those things. He might have loved Salem once, and he still does deep down, but he knows he failed her. He failed them all. That love has long since became meaningless to him, but now he can at least be happy knowing she is in good hands.
And Summer is alive as well. Such good news all in so little time. All of his life he struggled, regretted his decisions, and made more mistakes than any other person alive today. But at this moment? He felt at peace for the first time after a very, very long period of struggle. He will call Qrow and Tai tomorrow. Oh, how he wished to see Team STRQ reunited. But, to his chagrin, the R evaded him like the plague. Better three out of four than none at all. "Tomorrow is going to be a good day. I know it." Ozpin said as he allowed sleep to overtake him.
It was the next day, and Ozpin was already in the elevator, making his way to his office. The door of the elevator opened, revealing Summer inside in her classic white cloak. "Good morning, Summer." Ozpin greeted her, making the lady turn around.
"Good morning, Ozpin." She greeted him back. "So, I take it today is the day?"
"Yes. I will give a call to both Qrow and Tai right now. I am sure Tai is going to be at the peak of his joy when he knows that the woman he made Ruby with is alive and well!" Ozpin said as he sat down at the desk, but he caught Summer's nervous laugh. He knew that habit of hers. Whenever someone said something related to a secret of hers, something she is hiding, she would always let out that laugh. Ozpin recalled his words, then he almost dropped his mug. "Summer...Is Tai Xiao Long, your husband, Ruby's biological father?" He asked, watching Summer squirm about.
"It's...complicated." She sighed.
"Oh my Goodness, Summer, you cheated on him?!" Ozpin said.
"No!" Summer snapped, throwing her hands up. "I swear I didn't!"
"Then how is this possible?" Ozpin asked further. "I know you are a good woman, Summer. Cheating on your husband with another man is not your style, nor is something I find you morally capable of. So please, explain to me the situation."
"Ok...It all started a bit after we graduated from Beacon…"
Jaune was currently in his room, cleaning Crocea Mors a bit. He had a few bandages on his face, but he was healing nicely. Yang really roughed him up good and he never wished to repeat that experience. Pyrrha was in the shower when he woke up and he gave her the privacy she deserved. He might be their husband, and thus he should be ok seeing his wives naked, but he didn't want to risk it.
Especially considering who said wives were.
Classes were finished since they entered the inter-semestrial break, but Teams RWBY and JNPR decided to stay behind. For a multitude of reasons as well; Jaune didn't have anywhere else to go, since his family would never agree to the whole Beacon and marriage thing, Ren and Nora were both orphanaded, so no family to return to for them as well, sadly. Pyrrha wanted to stay and spend more time with him, trying to break down the proverbial ice some more. Speaking about ice, Weiss said that the only thing she would be doing is call her sister, Winter, later to have a talk with her. Jaune could already feel the Schnee blizzard incoming. Yang and Ruby decided to stay on campus for his sake since their father would likely destroy him once he found out about the entire ordeal. Summer was nice and understood his situation, but Tai was the father...Everyone knows how fathers are with their daughters. As for Blake? She said she preferred staying on campus to read in the library without being disturbed.
However, on another side note, Ruby did invite him to hang out through Beacon a bit to talk some things out. She said she was going to wait for him near the fountain, so after he finished cleaning Crocea Mors he went out.
Ozpin was currently supporting his head with his hands, trying to take in everything that Summer had told him. As it turns out, Tai really isn't Ruby's father. He never was. But Summer didn't outright cheat on him, she was pregnant when they married already. The father is the only other male Summer could have had any contact or relationship with.
"So, let me get this straight...Ruby is Qrow's daughter?" Ozpin asked, to which Summer nodded. "You hid this, you and Qrow both know about Ruby, and you hid this from Tai so he wouldn't get even more messed up? Summer, as much as I praise your sacrifice, that was utterly stupid of you!"
"I know…" She sighed. "That is why I want to make amends for it!"
"How? By telling the truth? Tai won't take this well, we both know that." Ozpin said.
"I know!" Summer said. "Look, it is complicated alright? After Raven left I knew Tai needed someone, but I was already pregnant with Ruby at the time. However, the pregnancy was still in the early stages, so it didn't show. It worked quite well, wouldn't you agree?"
"If by well you mean tricking your ex-teammate in thinking he had another daughter? Then yes, Summer, you did a wonderful job" Sarcasm was never Ozpin's strong suit, which everyone knew, but right now it was fitting. "Summer, you do realize this makes things even more complicated? I already expected Tai to go on a rampage, but Qrow might just shoot the poor boy as well when he finds out! Not to mention what Hell Tai is going to be facing when he finds out!"
"Then what do you propose I do?!" Summer asked, already seeming panicked. "Tai and Qrow have never been the best friends, and I know it only got worse when Raven walked out on us, so if Tai finds out then there is no chance Team STRQ can even come together again!"
Ozpin sighed, gripping the bridge of his nose in frustration. This feels both infuriating and mildly nostalgic at the same time as he recalled the old times when Summer and her team were still students. He knew what had to be done and that was getting the bigger evil out of the way first. "Summer, when I call Tai and Qrow and you all talk, you will tell him about Ruby. No questions, no negotiations, no beating around the bush. You have to come clean, Summer and maybe even beg for his forgiveness."
"I guess...I just hope Tai won't spiral out of control"
"To be honest, I think the best approach is to tell them about Ruby's heritage first, then, and only after Tai had time to sort himself, we will tell them that BOTH of their daughters graduated from girls to women"
"I guess...By the way, does Beacon have cameras?"
"Why?"
"I overheard Ruby talking about going out with Jaune around campus today for a stroll. Do not ask how I did it, just know I did it, and I want to spy on them!" She said, to which Ozpin raised an eyebrow.
"Summer, you don't really expect me to-"
"I will buy you that Anima coffee I know you like but that Glynda doesn't allow you since you go overboard with it at times!" She quickly said.
"When, where, and how long until coffee time?"
One thing is for certain, Ozpin loves his coffee.
Jaune walked out of the dorm and headed for the fountain, looking around for Ruby. True enough, there she was, wearing her usual outfit. "Hey there, Ruby" Jaune greeted with a smile, making Ruby turn around to face, although she did show a mild blush.
"Oh, h-hi Jaune" She was a bit nervous since last night, but it was to be expected. She did shout out loud that she loved him. Jaune, for his part, was masking it as much as her. What would you expect out of those two? They are awkward. "So, I guess you c-came here for our little s-strolll through Beacon?"
"Yeah…" Jaune said. "Where shall we go?" He asked.
"I thought you had an idea" She said, allowing for an awkward silence to settle between them. "Umm. How about we head back to the dorms and get our weapons, then we head to the forge?"
"I was actually thinking about going to the library if that works" Jaune proposed, mainly because the forge didn't sound like a good idea right now. He was wearing a hoodie, after all. "I want to check what books they might have"
"Ok." Ruby replied, then she went to walk next to Jaune. The boy was trying to keep his gaze up, trying not to be too awkward around her and failing...badly. At least Ruby was not doing much better of a job, blushing all the way and stuttering in her words. However, Jaune felt something grab his hand which prompted him to look down, seeing Ruby's hand holding his. "I...I heard this is something couples do and...Well, we are more than a simple couple, but I thought we could-"
"It's ok!" Jaune cut her off before she turned into a storm of stutters. "I actually, umm, enjoy holding hands with you?" At this they both blushed, averting their eyes from each other but keeping their hands locked.
Eventually, after a silent and awkward walk, they both reached the library where, to their surprise, they saw no trace of Blake anywhere. This was a relief as having someone see the scene could make them both die of embarrassment. Quietly, the two of them walked through the library, parting hands.
Ruby felt somewhat sad, however, and she missed his touch. His hands were so much bigger than hers and she felt somewhat safer when he was holding her hand. She blushed then dashed away with her semblance into the library, leaving Jaune to find a book for himself. Only that he didn't get the chance as Ruby returned with one.
"Shall we read this one?" She asked, holding up a book titled 'The Battle of Kings, the Right of the Strong'.
"S-sure." Jaune agreed, thinking it was a fantasy-based book. If anything, he knew he and Ruby both enjoyed those so they sat down to read. The book was quite nice, no lie there, with good amounts of action and adventure and well-written characters in them. The two got completely absorbed into the book that they didn't even see the clock until it chimed. "Oh, we better get back to our dorms, Libraries closing."
"Y-yeah." Ruby said, but then the two looked down between themselves. They didn't realize this, but they held hands again. "Jaune-"
"I know...This is awkward." He said, but he failed to notice Ruby's blush. He only saw it when the girl leaned to him and quickly placed a kiss on his cheek before squealing and running off with her semblance. "Yeah…" He put his hand on the cheek she kissed. "Awkward...But nice"
Ozpin had to honestly cover his ears as Summer squealed next to him as they were watching the camera. Never in his life had he heard Summer react so much to something. "My Ruby kissed Jaune! She kissed him! And she was sober!" She shouted.
"Summer, it was just a peck on the cheek, nothing more." Ozpin replied, then he put the tablet down. "Regardless, I guess it is time for our own meeting." He said, smiling slyly. Summer was confused until she heard the sound of a bird knocking on glass. Ozpin got up from the desk as Summer froze, allowing for the said bird, which was a crow, to fly into the room and turn into a man who reeked of alcohol.
"What is the emergency, Ozpin?" Qrow asked, his eyes wondering slightly around the room until they landed on the whit cloak which was facing away from him. His eyes narrowed at the familiarity of it. "Oz, is this a joke? Who is this-" His words died in his mouth as Summer turned around, and for the first time in forever, Qrow felt sober. "S-Summer?"
"H-Hi, Qrowi" Summer said, greeting him. In the next moment, Qrow ran up to Summer, embracing her tightly. "Gah! Qrow! You stink!"
"Summer…" He muttered, his eyes swelling up with tears as he held her tightly. "I...I swear, if I am passed out in a bar again and I am dreaming then I do not want to wake up!" He muttered, making Ozpin chuckle.
"I am pleased to tell you this is no dream, Qrow." Ozpin said, making Qrow let go of Summer, but still holding her shoulders and looking at her. This was Summer Rose, the leader of Team STRQ. The only one who saw past his ugly semblance and that has been kind to him.
"Qrow…" Summer said, putting her hand on his cheek. He grabbed it, holding it close. He was afraid now that he was seeing her again, and soon that fear struck him and he took a few steps back. "Qrow, you do not need to be afraid." She said again, walking to him and grabbing his hands. "See? Nothing happened? Your semblance cannot hurt me"
"But...You vanished for fifteen years...Where have you been?"
"I think it is best we sit down and talk this one, Qrow. Summer also told me about...your daughter." Ozpin said, and so the adults sat down to talk. Qrow and Summer were both pretty tense during the talk, and Qrow was more than shocked to hear about Salem changing sides. Although Ozpin said the reason for it is something for another time, he did promise a few things.
The war was over, he will tell Qrow everything soon, and that he will no longer waste time on his war. Ozpin will start to focus more on the Kingdoms and help them develop towards his greater goal; the return of the Gods. Qrow allowed a small smile to appear on his face hearing everything. This meant Ozpin was finally going to tackle the White Fang, the racism, everything. Qrow knew that if someone out there could help bring forth a cataclysmic change, it was him.
"However, first we need to inform Tai about Ruby's heritage." Ozpin said, which set both Summer and Qrow into a small alarm.
"We can't!" Qrow shouted. "He is messed still as it is!"
"And leaving you in this state is a good idea? Tell me, how could you sleep at night knowing the woman you loved was with your friend because of pity?" Ozpin said.
"That is a low blown, Oz!" Qrow shouted at him, but then he sat down. "I usually got so drunk I passed out."
"Exactly!" Ozpin replied. "Qrow, Summer, I know you do not want Tai to suffer, but this is not the way! He needs to face it!" He said again, watching the two of them look down at the floor. Ozpin sighed, hating himself to some degree. "You two are too selfless for your good, you know that? Even now, when everything is heading towards peace, you cannot find it in yourselves to tel Tai all of this. Good thing I saw this coming."
"Wait, what-"
"Yeah...He did" Summer and Qrow both turned around, seeing Tai there with a tear running down his cheek and a scroll in hand. Ozpin then brought out another one from under his desk, seeing that it was opened and Tai's number was on it. "I heard...everything." He said.
"When did you do that, Ozpin?" Summer asked.
"While we were spying on Ruby" He answered, avoiding to use the usual 'Miss Arc Rose' in order to not spoil the surprise. "I knew you and Qrow would be unable to come through with a confession, so I forced it. Sorry"
"Damn it, Oz! Tai, listen, we can explain-"
"There is explaining to do, Qrow!" Tai shouted, slight anger sipping from his voice. "All of this time, for years, you have been lying to me! You too, Summer! And for what? Because of pity? Because I was too fragile to handle the truth?"
"Tai, please, it's not like that! We-"
"Shut up!" Tai shouted, shaking the room. "Just...shut up. I do not deserve anymore pity. If anything...Qrow?"
"Yeah?"
"I am sorry"
"Sorry for what?"
"For everything" Tai said, walking to him. For years he had held a grudge against Qrow because of his sister, because of what she did to him and Yang. But now? Qrow put himself through misery for him. He'd have to be blind not to see it, and that is something he refused to be. "You too, Summer. I am sorry for having you both do this...I am just pathetic, aren't I?"
"Tai, that is not true!" Summer said, walking to him. "You are not pathetic! You raised Yang and Ruby as your own, you were a great father for them! You are a great fighter as well, not to mention a good friend!"
"Summer is right, Tai" Qrow said, walking to him. "Heck, I doubt you would've treated Ruby differently if you found out sooner. Even now, when you know she is, in fact, your niece, do you still love her?"
"I...I do. She is my precious little rose, after all" He replied.
"Then you are all right in my books. Come here!" Qrow said as he grabbed Tai and began to ruffle his hair. "Lion of Beacon my ass! You are more like a soft kitten!"
"Gah! Qrow! My hair!"
Summer giggled seeing the two mess around, then they turned to Ozpin who cleared his throat. "Nice to see you all get along. However, I should tell you why Salem is good now...And why Yang and Ruby had a name change."
"Name change?" Tai and Qrow echoed at once, eyeing him. Summer gave a nervous smile to the side as well.
"Well, you see, there was this party and…"
Jaune was in his dorm room now, doing some homework. Then, suddenly, he felt a great chill running down his spine, unlike anything he experienced before. Something was telling him a storm was coming and that he needed to run, far away before it caught up to him. But he didn't understand what it was. In the distance, however, he could swear he heard explosions and shouting. They were too distant to make out, but he think he heard someone shout 'Rose deflowering bastard'
Ruby then came into his room, looking somewhat panicked. "Oh hey, Ruby-"
"Jaune, you need to run! Mom sent me a message! Dad knows about us!" Ruby said quickly, then Jaune paled. He quickly began to run around the room, then the sounds of footsteps in the hallway were heard. With no other choice, he went inside the closet.
"WHERE IS HE?!" Qrow shouted, breaking down the door with his foot. "Where is that blonde fuck?! I swear, it is always the blondes!"
"Where is that rose defiling bastard?! Tai shouted, then he noticed Ruby. "Ruby! Quick! Where is yours and Yang's new husband?!"
"I-I don't know!" She lied shouting, but the two of them didn't buy it. They began roaming around the room, then Summer showed up.
"Boys, you are overreacting! Also, why are you not worried about Yang?" She asked.
"Frankly, at least she has someone who can handle her now," Qrow said, lifting up one of the beds. "He is not under the beds, Tai!"
"Nor is he hiding in the bathroom!" Tai replied, walking out of the bathroom. Good thing Team JNPR was not there, except for the leader who was hiding in the closet, terrified. The two guys turned their attention to said closet, to which Ruby began to shake. Summer only had one way to make sure this doesn't end up in bloodshed.
"Ruby! Tai is not your biological father! Qrow is!" Summer shouted, making the two stop and look back at Ruby who had a confused expression. The two didn't argue with the truth, which led to Ruby's face changing to one of shock.
"WHAT?!" She shouted, then she went to them using her semblance, placing herself in front of the closet. "Uncle Qrow, is that true?!" She asked, to which Qrow tensed up. "And dad, is that true as well?! If so, then Qrow is now Dad and you are now Uncle Tai?! Me and Yang are cousins and not sisters?! Oh no, this is going to make things awkward!"
"Hold on, pipsqueak, let us explain!" Qrow said, but he was interrupted by Ruby again.
"Why didn't you tell me until now? Didn''t you want me as your daughter?" She asked.
"What?! Of course I did!" Qrow shouted. "It's just that my semblance brings bad luck! I didn't want to hurt you!"
"And you, Uncle Tai?" Ruby asked again, and somehow, being called uncle hurt Tai a bit.
"I only just found out!"
"AND YOU ARE JUST NOW TELLING ME?!" Ruby shouted again. "Oh my, I have to tell Yang!"
"No! Don't!" All three adults shouted, but Ruby darted off too quickly.
"Quickly! We must defuse the bomb!" Tai shouted as they ran out, leaving only Summer behind who walked to the closet.
"This will keep them busy for a while, but I recommend hiding in Salem's room until they calm down enough to be more...reasonable"
"Noted!" Jaune then got out of the closet and went to Salem, but he did hear a loud shout from Team RWBY's room.
"ME AND RUBY ARE COUSINS?!" Yeah, things are going to get interesting.