(Thanks for the review Striker2. If you want, we can discuss your point in further detail, if you wish.)
Once more, Ozpin looked out into Vale through the giant window in his office. More and more people flew in from the Kingdoms as the Festival grounds were opened but as an ever-watchful vigil, he knew that it was too soon to celebrate.
Something in him told him that something was coming, whether it was good or bad, he knew that it meant trouble in the near future. Contact with most of his allies in the fringes of Vale's territory had ceased, and he had a very good idea as to why.
His enemies grow bolder, now more than ever and that only meant that they were just about ready to strike. Like a careful game of chess, he and his opponent had been probing at each other, trying to find a weakness. This time, his enemy had managed to gain the upper hand, and now only a few of his most valuable pieces remained.
Ozpin sighed as, once more, he was forced to play the waiting game, and that was what worried him.
Umbra.
That name rang in his mind, as well as the message he imparted to Ozpin once he had declared himself, his enemy.
"'Greater evil?' My dear friend… you were the last person I thought who would delude themselves with this notion of 'greater evil'… Evil is evil. The scope of which does not matter as it is all the same. The definition of which has become muddled and obscure where your sense of right could just as well be evil to someone else..
"I expect nothing else from you, Ozpin, but know this, if you stand in my way... I will kill you."
For someone to fall so far…
Ozpin heard a knock on his door. He expected a visitor and turned to meet them, quietly, the double doors opened and Haiiden stepped inside timidly.
"I hope I am not bothering you, sir," Haiiden said, and Ozpin could tell even from across the room that his eyes felt heavy.
"Not at all, Haiiden," Ozpin replied assuredly as he banished the thoughts from his mind. "And we are not in front of your fellow students, you don't have to call me 'sir'."
"Some of Vaughn's mannerisms have rubbed off on me, I suppose. He was trained to refer to people by their titles and honorifics instead of their names," Haiiden commented. "As his Captain, he even called me 'sir'."
"You know, Glynda might consider that to be a good thing," Ozpin chuckled. "I may be the Headmaster of Beacon-"
Ozpin trailed off as he sat down, and beckoned for Haiiden to approach, then offered him the seat in front of his desk. "But I took you into my home after your mother's passing. Our relationship is a bit different."
"Still, even then it felt strange to refer to you by name. I'll stick with sir, if you don't mind," Haiiden said.
"Not at all, whatever makes you feel comfortable," Ozpin said, and Haiiden bowed his head. "Now. I heard you wanted to talk about something privately. Is everything alright?"
There was silence, and Ozpin could see that Haiiden was troubled and struggled to speak.
"I have been having… dreams, sir," Haiiden finally spoke, and Ozpin raised a curious brow.
"Dreams?" Ozpin asked.
"Yes sir," Haiiden replied. "They aren't nightmares, but I have found myself waking up gasping for air, in a panic and this happens at least a few times a week. I know it sounds dumb, but it's really beginning to worry me."
"I wouldn't think so. There has been some study about dreams but I won't pretend to know anything about them. Instead, I am a bit old fashioned and believe the dreams to be a bit more- conscious," Ozpin said while Haiiden looked at him expectedly. "May I ask what these dreams were about?"
Ozpin saw as Haiiden began to fiddle around with his fingers, once again he went quiet as he looked visibly uncomfortable.
"They were about my mother," Haiiden said.
"Ah," Ozpin said as he lowered his eyes slightly. "I hope they are good ones."
"Initially," Haiiden continued and Ozpin sat silently. "It was the day when she first taught me about my Semblance and the reason why she fought."
"That was the day she died," Ozpin said, as he felt a sinking feeling in his chest.
"Yes," Haiiden confirmed. "They began shortly before I left Beacon to try and make it out on my own, and have only grown more intense. Most of them are really just memories of that day but after speaking with a student from Haven yesterday, I have begun to question some things."
"What would those things be?" Ozpin asked.
"My own motivations, sir. Mostly, I am feeling doubts as to whether or not they are the correct ones," Haiiden said.
"Its best to get to the bottom of this then," Ozpin said with a smile. "First, let's talk about your motivations."
"It's kind of hard to choose," Haiiden said as he corrected his posture in his seat. "My mother was the only person I really knew up until I met you. We lived in seclusion, and while she occasionally had visitors, I rarely was given a chance to speak more than a few words to them. I knew no one else but my mother."
"Well, not just your mother, I am sure," Ozpin clarified.
"Well, no. There was also Ivy, Smudge and Ms. Rose," Haiiden said and Ozpin couldn't help but blink at the mention of the Rose name.
"Ms. Rose and my mother were Huntresses who fought to protect people, and I grew to admire that and aspired to follow in their footsteps. Then, after their deaths, I hated the Grimm for taking my mother away from me," Haiiden said with a low growl.
"So what you are describing is something like a crusade against the Grimm?" Ozpin asked.
"You could call it that," Haiiden said with a defeated sigh.
"You are fighting an enemy that, ultimately, cannot be defeated," Ozpin replied grimly. "I have been Headmaster long enough to know what happens to those who have tried."
Ozpin saw Haiiden lower his gaze.
"What is your other reason?" Ozpin asked.
"To protect people, of course," Haiiden said as he slowly looked up.
"A noble goal," Ozpin said with a nod. "But are you prepared for the personal sacrifices that come with that?"
"In all honesty, there's not much to sacrifice at this point," Haiiden said with a shrug, to which Ozpin couldn't help but chuckle at. "I am a nobody with nothing to my name, and even then, I don't have that."
"You are fortunate that Glynda did not hear that," Ozpin said but he had to admit, he was taken aback by his response. "She would have given you such a verbal lashing. She might have even pulled out her riding crop and menaced you with it."
Ozpin watched, he noticed as Haiiden smiled momentarily but disappeared in a blink. The sight invoked an image in his mind of when he first took Haiiden in, shortly after his mother passed.
"Is there more?" Ozpin asked, curiously.
"Yeah, and this is where the dreams have been bothering me," Haiiden replied and Ozpin listened intently. "My mother showed me my Semblance and told me about the Fire, said that it was her reason to fight."
"She often spoke of it, yes," Ozpin commented. "The Soul is not something that we choose to believe. It is a tangible thing, it can be observed, tested, and measured. However, it was much more to your mother, and I will admit, I was very skeptical. Honestly, when I first heard it, it almost came across as worship."
"She definitely viewed it as something more than just a soul, I agree," Haiiden replied. "However, I want to honor her reasons, to venerate her motivations."
Ozpin narrowed his eyes as he began to dwell on this.
"I have inherited her Semblance. But," Haiiden said in a hushed voice. "I am afraid of it."
"Because you witnessed your mother die," Ozpin replied.
"It was much more," Haiiden said with a shiver. "I watched her spirit die."
Ozpin couldn't relate to this information. He knew that while Aura, which is a manifestation of the soul, could be measured, to the point where it could even be used to protect the students during their spars, and of course protect Huntsmen and Huntresses in their combat operations against Grimm and groups like the White Fang; he couldn't think of actually seeing a person's soul, however; he believed Haiiden's mother when she said she saw it, and he believed it when Haiiden said he saw it. However, to see it in its purest form and to see it vanish made Ozpin realize the effect that may have had on an impressionable and innocent young man.
"I sometimes use it at night; I see my teammates, but then I am reminded that the same thing could happen to them," Haiiden continued.
"Death is natural," Ozpin replied. "If not because of the Grimm, it will be due to some other reason. Your teammates, fates willing, would eventually succumb to the ravages of old age and death by natural causes, if nothing else."
"Exactly. That is why I am afraid to use it," Haiiden replied. "I feel like I am betraying my mother's memory by rejecting what she gave me. Especially since whenever I see her in my dreams, it looks like she is disappointed with me."
Ozpin continued to watch and noticed that Haiiden had begun to look increasingly more distraught.
"Maybe I knew it all along and I was afraid to admit it, but ever since her death, I've noticed I have no direction in life," Haiiden said with a somber tone. "She taught me everything about my Semblance and now that I have essentially abandoned it, I feel lost; it is as if I am no one any longer."
"Haiiden," Ozpin said, his eyes fixated on the young man, who merely looked back at him. "Mind if I divulge a little secret to you?"
"Secret?" Haiiden asked as he quirked a brow.
"Yes," Ozpin said with a nod. "Your mother fought so that other people would not have to. So, when she had you, she hoped that you would not follow in her footsteps and become a Huntsman."
Haiiden grew wide-eyed for a moment as he dwelt on this for a moment.
"Then why would she help me unlock my Aura and Semblance?" Haiiden asked.
"Perhaps she saw too much of herself and your father in you? Besides you, there was no one else that she loved more than him, and likewise, he loved her," Ozpin said and motioned towards the sword that Haiiden had sheathed to his belt.
"You inherited her Semblance, her desires, all while you took on your father's other traits," Ozpin said with a smile. "Arrogant and impulsive."
Haiiden hung his head while Ozpin chuckled.
"Those are not necessarily bad things. Like your Semblance, they make you who you are. Your mother and father rushed into battle on many occasions without the thought of their own lives when it came to the lives of others. While your mother was calculative in her advance, your father was a force to be reckoned with, but he often went in without thinking," Ozpin said.
"Remind you of anyone?" Ozpin asked jokingly. "Your mission to Mistral, you sustained a minor injury but it was at the defense of a teammate. Again, between your altercation with CRDL when you went to defend a fellow student. Speaking of which, tell me: what do you think of Team CRDL?"
"Ummm," Haiiden mumbled, taken aback by the question. "I believe they have what it takes to be Huntsmen, only if they stopped seeing all this as a competition."
"That does not answer my question," Ozpin said with a hint of admonition. He queried again, implying he expected total candor on Haiiden's part. "How do you feel about them?"
Haiiden took a moment to think.
"I- I can honestly say I care about them. It's difficult, but I can honestly say I hope for the best for them," Haiiden said.
That was all Ozpin wanted to hear.
"And that is why I believe you have the makings of a great Huntsman. But I understand the difficulty in finding your way in life, especially since you won't ever find the recognition from the person you want it from the most," Ozpin said with a sigh.
"Your dream can mean a variety of different things," Ozpin continued while a surprised Haiiden looked at him quietly. "But another possibility is that they are just that: dreams. Something to give no credence, to pay no heed."
"It's hard, sir," Haiiden replied, unsatisfied.
"I know," Ozpin said somberly, his usual mirthful smile gone now. "I can't give you the answers you seek, but all I ask is that you do not dwell too long on this. It will not do you good in the long run, but, if you value what I say, I believe that she would be well proud of you. You take many traits from both your mother and father, and she would have loved to see you continue to develop as you have been."
"Thank you, sir," Haiiden replied with a smile, and Ozpin noticed that his expression appeared to be a bit calmer than before.
"In my time in this school, I have had many students, each with something new to bring to the table, whether be it experience or life stories. Most with unique Semblances, and there were many who initially did not accept their abilities, but they have come to embrace them, because those abilities are a part of them," Ozpin said.
"Do not deny your Semblance," Ozpin continued. "Accept it. Many people believe it to be a tool, but I believe it to be more personal than that. It defines our very being, and even shapes who we will be, yours especially.
"I will try, sir," Haiiden replied.
"That is all I ask," Ozpin said with a sigh but then noticed as Haiiden eyes widened and were then fixated on something behind him.
Ozpin blinked then turned in his chair to look out the window. In the distance, on the outskirts of Vale's borders, was a large group of ships that flew in formation.
His attention was pulled away as he heard a knock on his office door.
"Enter," Ozpin said, to which even Haiiden stood at attention when he saw Professor Goodwitch enter.
"Excuse me, Headmaster, but the Atlesians have finally arrived," Goodwitch remarked, mildly annoyed. "As always, he must make his arrival as grand as possible."
Ozpin looked over to Haiiden who was already looking back at him. They both knew what this meant and who it was that had arrived.
"Thank you, Glynda, I will be down in just a moment," Ozpin said softly but then Haiiden bowed and left without saying another word.
"I will say this is rather bad timing," Ozpin said to Goodwitch.
"How so?" Glynda asked.
"We were just talking about his mother," Ozpin replied and Glynda nodded.
"I will make sure he doesn't do anything stupid," Glynda said with a roll of her eyes as she turned to leave.
0-RWBY-0
"He is here?" Haiiden asked himself, as he hurriedly made his way to the Academy's airship port. He swerved and dodged other students who were likewise in the hallway as they looked out the windows.
"Sir," Vaughn said as he and his sister turned a corner and saw Haiiden. "Do you see this?"
"Of course I do, Vaughn," Haiiden replied, albeit, under his breath, his voice dripping with bitterness..
"Quite a lot of ships," Cecilia commented as she walked beside them. "Goes to show how the military might of Atlas is impressive."
"Oh yeah, very impressive," Haiiden spat.
"Everything alright, sir?" Vaughn asked. Haiiden stopped and took a deep breath.
"Ironwood is here," Haiiden said.
"Really?" The twins replied in unison, Vaughn was a bit perplexed while Cecilia seemed a bit excited.
"Do Headmasters usually come to the Vytal Festival with their students?" Vaughn asked.
"Not really," Haiiden replied as he resumed walking but at a brisker pace.
"I suggest not doing anything that you might regret, sir," Vaughn offered.
"What do you mean?" Cecilia replied instead.
"Just going to demand why he is here and what that is," Haiiden replied, his eyes furrowed in anger.
"I know that you have some animosity towards him, sir," Vaughn said. "But I would advise against any drama."
"Yeah, Ironwood is not only a the Supreme Commander of the Atlesian armed forces, but he is also the Headmaster of Atlas Academy," Cecilia added. "Not to mention he is the head of their ruling council. He may be benevolent, but he's a hair's breadth away from being the Dictator of Atlas."
However, Haiiden just ignored them and continued forward, finally, they reached the large double doors that led outside to the Academy's landing pad. They stepped outside and froze as they saw, in the distance, transports were flying in, but was lead by one in particular, which landed first.
The doors behind them opened again as Ozpin and Professor Goodwitch stepped out and stood beside the team.
"Haiiden."
Haiiden turned to face Ozpin, who was looking down at him now and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I ask that you behave yourself, please," Ozpin said over the din of the shuttle's engines, to which Haiiden took a deep breath and turned to the transport once more. A ramp began to lower and first, a pair of Knights descended then followed by actual Atlesian Soldiers and finally, General Ironwood appeared.
"I can't make any promises, sir, I'm sorry," Haiiden responded with a sigh, to which Ozpin nodded.
"I know how you feel, but you will gain nothing by being confrontational," Ozpin added and they both turned to see that Ironwood and his entourage were already making their way towards them.
"Wait inside," Glynda commanded, Haiiden reluctantly turned and entered through the double doors once more.
Ironwood stopped a few paces from the bottom of the stairs, and stood as he and Ozpin exchanged glances.
"That will be all, thank you. Dismissed," Ironwood said to his subordinates, who quietly turned to leave. Once they were out of earshot, Ironwood usual cold expression softened.
"Hey Oz," Ironwood greeted with a smile.
"Hello James," Ozpin replied as Ironwood continued to descend the ramp. "I will say its quite the surprise to see you and what seems to be half of the Atlesian fleet here."
"Just a precaution, Oz," Ironwood replied.
"Precaution to what purpose?" Ozpin asked, incredulously, to which Ironwood paused for a moment.
"Do you have somewhere more private where we can speak?" Ironwood asked.
Ozpin nodded then stepped aside to allow Ironwood to get by and they both walked up the path and entered the doors to the school.
0-RWBY-0
"Those are a lot of ships," Haiiden mumbled to himself while he and the twins squeezed together to look out a nearby window. "Like an invasion. Is Atlas planning to invade Vale?"
"Maybe they are here to help with security?" Cecilia offered.
"A bit overkill, to be honest," Vaughn replied, to which everyone nodded their agreement.
"But you gotta admit, their tech is great," Cecilia said in admiration. "See the cannons on that ship?"
Haiiden kept silent, which Cecilia noticed and pushed away from the window.
"You said you don't like Ironwood because he 'abandoned your mother'. What did you mean by that?" Cecilia asked and Vaughn likewise pushed away from the window and turned towards his Captain, curious as to the answer. Then the double doors opened once more and it was Ironwood, followed by Ozpin and Glynda who emerged.
"I'll tell you another time," Haiiden replied as he glared at Ironwood, who was inspecting the interior of the school. He showed genuine interest, but his gaze then fell upon Haiiden, at which point his face betrayed no emotion as they stared at one another. It seemed like minutes to Haiiden but the staring contest was interrupted by Glynda.
"The students will be arriving soon. I have also received word that the last of the students from Mistral will be arriving. I had already contacted some of the other faculty, as well as CFVY," Glynda said softly and turned to look at Ironwood before she turned back to Haiiden. "And behave yourself."
Once HAVC had left from her view, Glynda turned to join up with Ozpin and Ironwood, who were making their way to the Headmaster's office.
"If you would, Oz, I would also like Ossea present while we talk," Ironwood said.
"He has given everything that he can as to Umbra's plans," Ozpin said. "He is also busy with a class."
"Then pull him from his class momentarily," Ironwood snapped as he turned to Ozpin. "You have that power, don't you?"
"We are not your toy soldiers, James," Glynda rebutted. "You are a guest at Beacon, and you will not be barking orders at anyone here, especially the Headmaster."
"I just have questions for the defector," James defended. "The situation is such that his knowledge must be re-evaluated."
Glynda and Ozpin exchanged a glance, to which Ozpin nodded and Glynda turned and made her way down the hall. Even with her back to him, Ironwood could tell she was frustrated by the way she stalked down the hall while shaking her head.
Ozpin continued down the hallway, followed closely by Ironwood and before long, they entered the elevator that would bring them up to the Headmaster's office.
The doors shut and with no one to see them, they both settled down.
"It's been a while, Oz," Ironwood said with a smile.
"It has," Ozpin replied. "I am sorry I don't call to chat."
"We are both busy," Ironwood said with a huff. "Running a school and raising the next generation of Huntsmen. Fighting for our very survival. Not to mention the fact that I have an army to command and a Kingdom to run."
For a moment, the air in the elevator went silent except for the near-silent thrum of the motor that carried it relentlessly to the top of the clock tower, where the Headmaster's office was..
"The last time we saw each other was when Summer and Snyegh died, right?" Ironwood asked, squinting hard as he tried to recall that day.
"I believe so, yes," Ozpin replied.
"Is the boy still angry?" Ironwood asked.
"I doubt angry is the correct term at this point," Ozpin replied. "That stage has come and gone, I believe he is just- I guess bitter is as good a word as any."
"I stand by what I did," Ironwood said. "It was her choice to stand by Lucien, so she must bear the responsibility."
"And do you still agree with the Council's decision?" Ozpin asked. "Do you think it was just to punish either of them for simply doing what they thought was right?"
Ironwood was silent.
"It was not my position to judge whether it was just. The divide amongst the Huntsmen was due to Lucien, and we are still trying to rebuild the people's trust in the Huntsmen," Ironwood finally answered, and once again the elevator went silent, but it gnawed at Ironwood and he turned to face Ozpin.
"And what about you? Do you condemn me for what I did?" Ironwood asked.
"I don't," Ozpin said as he likewise turned to face his life-long friend. "I know who you are, James. You follow the law like any good citizen and public servant should."
The elevator began to slow before they came to a complete stop and Ozpin stepped aside to let Ironwood through first.
"I try my best to tell him that, but he loved his mother dearly," Ozpin continued as he watched Ironwood leave the elevator. "No child ever wants to bury their own mother."
"In a world as cruel as this, I am sure there are many children who already have," Ironwood said with a sigh and approached the tinted windows that overlooked Vale.
"And it would be their curse to bear, just as it is his. He does not even know who his own father is aside from stories his mother told and yet he bears his father's sins," Ozpin commented as he stepped to the side of his office. A small alcove was built in where he would brew his coffee and he prepared some for himself, as well as Ironwood.
"However, as a result, it will make him stronger," Ozpin said with a sigh before placing two mugs onto a tray and lifted it as he made his way to Ironwood.
"He will take that experience to make sure that no one else will have to bury their loved ones," Ironwood finished, but turned to see Ozpin making his way to him, without his cane; he immediately rushed to him, taking the tray from Ozpin and reaching out to assist him.
Ozpin waved him off and he slowly made his way back to his alcove and he retrieved his cane. He made his way back to Ironwood and together, they stood, looking out into Vale.
"You are fortunate to have such a good view. I wish I had something like this," Ironwood commented.
"I am sure Atlas has its own charm," Ozpin said with a smirk.
"Yes, but the constant snow and darkness makes it dreary," Ironwood rebutted. "But it does remind me what it is I fight for: friends, family and the people of a proud nation and the vibrant culture that goes with it."
They both took a sip from their mugs, and Ozpin could feel something ominous through the silence.
"Umbra has gone mad, Oz," Ironwood said suddenly.
"Madness would imply that he has lost all sense," Ozpin rebutted. "He knows exactly what he wants and how to achieve it."
"That's why I'm here," Ironwood exclaimed and turned to Ozpin. "All of my informants have either gone missing or are KIA. Whatever it is Umbra is planning, we will be seeing it soon."
Ozpin stood silent.
"He has eyes everywhere," Ironwood said in a low voice. "But we need to show that we are the ones with the most firepower."
"And if they have someone in your command structure that can use that firepower against us?" Ozpin asked.
"We will find them," Ironwood said with assurance.
"I assume you have someone you can trust?" Ozpin asked.
"Of course. You," Ironwood said, jokingly.
"I am glad I have earned your trust," Ozpin quipped in return.
"I have yet to see a reason why I shouldn't," Ironwood mentioned, this time, back in his stoic voice. "However, in all seriousness, I have my own enforcer who is working on rooting out any spies. It seems like nowadays, it's harder to find people you can trust."
"Especially when you suspect everyone to be an enemy," Ozpin said.
"You don't?" Ironwood asked. "Everyone and anyone can indeed be your enemy."
"That is not healthy thinking," Ozpin said.
"It's caution," Ironwood rebuffed.
"It will also worry your own men, they will not trust each other if their commander does not trust them," Ozpin said.
"Then how do you suggest we go about this?" Ironwood asked, earnestly but Ozpin shook his head.
"Unfortunately, the only thing we can do, we wait," Ozpin said with a sigh.
"And while we wait, our enemy is infiltrating our ranks and killing our people," Ironwood said. "Any news on Qrow and Amber?"
"They have both missed their scheduled check-ins," Ozpin replied. "I do not worry so much about Qrow but Amber-"
"I still think you revealed the truth to her a bit prematurely," Ironwood exclaimed.
"She had a choice, and she chose to fight," Ozpin said. "However, I will admit, I wish she had chosen no."
The doors to his office opened, both Ironwood and Ozpin turned to see Glynda enter, followed by Ossea.
"Good to see you again, General," Ossea replied, in his usual mono-tone voice.
"Ossea," Ironwood said as he walked around Ozpin's desk, all while Ozpin sat down behind it. "I have requested to talk to you to further examine your knowledge about our enemy."
"I have given you everything I have," Ossea responded.
"Remember, Ossea, you were once with our enemies. We could have imprisoned you, but instead we offered you and your student protection, and allowed her to attend Signal Academy, in exchange for information," Ironwood stated.
"Precisely," Ossea said. "I have given you everything me and Celise had under that arrangement."
"I find that hard to believe," Ironwood said in a low voice.
"James," Ozpin interjected.
"Hold on, Oz," Ironwood replied, this time a bit more calmly. "We have begun to lose a lot of our eyes and ears all over the Kingdoms. Based on these patterns, what could they be planning next?"
Ossea stood silent for a moment.
"It has been two years since I was last associated with Umbra," Ossea replied. "I wouldn't know how their plans have evolved since then. However, from a logical standpoint, they may be planning something… tremendous."
"We suspected as much, Ossea," Ironwood continued. "But what are they planning?"
"I can only give clues based on previous communications and how they have operated in the past," Ossea said. "Umbra has a severe disdain for humanity and Faunus alike, precisely because he knows what people are like. He will use the most toxic aspects of human and Faunus nature and play at their greed and propensity for atrocities."
"What do you mean?" Glynda chimed in.
"In the past, he would see two groups who were on the verge of conflict. First, it was two villages who would squabble and relied on the Kingdoms to make a resolution. When they didn't get it, he would send someone to divide the two groups further. Murders, thefts, until it blew over," Ossea replied. "He would most likely try to pit friend against friend and play on current events to his advantage."
"But the Kingdoms are at peace," Ironwood said.
"All it takes is one madman to start a war, General," Ossea replied.
"And I believe that Umbra would be one to try to start that war," Ozpin said grimly. "And with that much conflict and chaos, the Grimm are sure to follow."
"My advice is to observe each event carefully," Ossea said. "For all we know, it could be orchestrated by Umbra. Thefts, murders and even the White Fang itself."
"And we have seen the stirrings of this particular Taijitu uncoiling already in the dust thefts throughout Vale," Glynda remarked.
"That does not bode well," Ozpin said.
"You know Umbra well, Headmaster," Ossea commented. "I am sure he has planned everything out in advance."
"He was one for strategy," Ozpin said with a slight chuckle. "Never was able to beat him at chess."
"Never mind that, Oz," Ironwood said, as he shrugged off the comment. "We must strike now!"
"We don't know enough about his operations," Glynda rebutted.
"Exactly," Ozpin added. "Who or where do we strike? James, we must wait until Umbra or his people show their hand."
"We have lost many- too much- due to waiting!" Ironwood exclaimed, then turned to Ossea. "You used to work with Ash, what did he tell you?"
"Ash may have lost his mind, but he is still smart, General," Ossea replied. "He never told me of his plans, only the operations in which I played a role."
"Thank you, Ossea, that will be all," Ozpin said and the professor bowed slightly before he turned to leave.
"I still don't trust him," Ironwood spat.
"I do," Ozpin said. "He has truly seen what it was that Umbra wants and he does not want to see his goals come to fruition. Do you trust me, James?"
"I do," Ironwood sighed.
"All we can do is wait and see what happens, but we shall take his advice to heart, no matter how small, we must investigate any lead," Ozpin said.
"There is a lot that goes on, Oz," Ironwood said. "We don't have the resources to investigate every slight within the Kingdoms."
"True, but it is all we have until we get an update from Qrow," Ozpin said, and at that moment, the Scroll in his drawer began to ring. He pulled it out and saw that it was the Council. He pressed a button on his table, which further darkened the already tinted windows.
One by one, a screen flashed as the individual members of the Council appeared on the window screen; their faces obscured in darkness to protect their identities, leaving only silhouettes..
"I see Atlas has finally arrived," one of the members said, as Ironwood stepped up in front of them.
"Headmaster Ozpin, how are the security arrangements for the Vytal Festival?" asked another member, this time it was a woman.
"Smoothly, so far nothing too out-of-the-ordinary, aside from the usual drunken spats and brawls," Ozpin replied.
"And what about the White Fang?" another member asked, this one male.
"We are working with the police to determine any threats or possible attacks by the White Fang, but so far, they are certain that the White Fang is not something to worry about," Ozpin replied. "They would not attack during an event that is meant to celebrate peace between peoples."
"I find that hard to believe," said another member. "Ozpin, I believe it was time we were honest. While you are still head of security, we have asked for Atlesian help in securing and preserving the peace for the Festival."
It wasn't common, but for a moment, Ozpin was stunned; he turned his glance towards Ironwood, who exchanged a glance for a moment before turning away.
"And this was something that you thought best not to mention to me first?" Ozpin asked.
"We are the Council, Ozpin, we appointed you as head of security and we can easily take that privilege away." The female Council member said. "We don't need to consult with you about any of the decisions we make."
Ozpin couldn't help but furrow his brow in frustration.
"General Ironwood also has our express permission to advertise new advancements in automated defenses in Vale; straight from the manufacturing lines of Atlas."
"Thank you for this opportunity," Ironwood said as he turned towards the screen. "While I know that Ozpin has done great work in preparing for the Vytal Festival, Atlas likewise needs to show that it will also play a hand in ensuring that the people are safe."
"And they will be," a Councilor said. "Thank you, General but if you will, we would like to speak to the Headmaster alone."
Ironwood nodded and turned, but briefly saw a harsh glance that Glynda threw his way. Once they were alone, Ozpin referred to the Council.
"What was it that you wanted to speak with me about?" Ozpin asked.
"How soon are your training missions starting for your students?" A Council member asked.
"The more asenior students start first in a couple days. Then the first years will go once they return," Ozpin answered.
"We have a request, if you will." The same member asked. "An outlying village has been under siege by Grimm and we would like the inhabitants to be escorted to Vale. The Huntsmen there have reported a strange spike in Grimm in the area and have proven to be unable to handle the situation."
"And will Atlas be helping with that?" Ozpin said with a raised brow.
"Atlas is here to help with Festival security, not to help with Vale's other matters. We are telling you to deal with it," another Councilor spoke, his voiced raised. "How you deal with it, is up to you."
"Understood," Ozpin replied, and without a word, each screen turned off.
"Funny," Glynda said. "James comes here, pretending to be a friend and talking about trust and yet he comes here without telling us that the Council consults him behind your back."
"Once again, I am sure he means well," Ozpin said with a sigh. "But it will take more than machines to save us. We will need a bit more than that."
"So, what will you do about their mission?" Glynda asked.
"Find some available Huntsmen in the meantime," Ozpin answered. "If that does not work, ashamedly to say, I may have to ask one of the senior students to undertake this mission."
"If seasoned Huntsman can't handle it, how will they?" Glynda asked.
"They have much more to them than seasoned Huntsmen, I am sure," Ozpin replied with a cocksure smile, to which Glynda paused for a moment before she bowed and left the office.
0-RWBY-0
"Seems there are clear advantages to attending Atlas Academy," Vaughn mentioned, as he walked down the halls alongside his sister with FNKY, a team from Atlas.
"Yeah, never heard of a weaponized instrument," Cecilia commented.
"You'll see a lot more of mine during the tournament," Finn replied.
"I am sure we will," Vaughn said.
"Can it be used to actually play music?" Cecilia asked.
"Heck yeah," Finn replied. "Music is my life and calms the soul and we need that, especially over at Atlas."
"What's wrong with Atlas?" Cecilia asked.
"Nothing really, perse," Finn said. "But obviously, when its headed by the General of the Atlesian military, it tends to get quite strict. Which means less fun and time for yourself."
"Well we were raised at St. Alban's," Cecilia said as she motioned to Vaughn. "We were trained to be strict. Have you heard anything about that foster home lately?"
"Not much, aside from officials being moved in and out of it," Finn replied.
"Quick question," Neon asked. "Once we get to our rooms, are we allowed to, I don't know… decorate it?"
"Oh, please no, Neon," Finn whispered in exasperation.
"From what I have been told, yes," Vaughn replied. "You are our guests and we would like you to make yourselves comfortable. As long as you don't demolish anything, of course."
"Noted," Neon said as she beamed and skated down the hallway.
"Now the room is going to be filled with nothing but bright colors, disco balls, glitter," Finn mumbled.
"Anything to make it more alive," Neon replied. "No offense, but Beacon seems a bit dull; not that Atlas was any better to look at…"
"It's homey, let's just say that," Finn replied.
"It is our home, so please be respectful," Vaughn said as he and Cecilia stopped in front of their dorm room. "Here we are."
"Thanks," Finn replied as he opened the door for his team, the first to enter was Neon who winked and skated on inside. The last to enter was Finn but was met with the twins saluting them good-bye, to which Vaughn noticed him raise a brow, and he also offered his own salute, albeit, a lazy one.
"That's… an interesting bunch," Cecilia commented.
"How so?" Vaughn asked.
"I thought the students from Atlas would be more… orderly," Cecilia said, disappointed.
"Maybe in front of Ironwood," Vaughn remarked. "Remember, it was the same back with dad. With guests, we were his perfect soldiers. Alone, we were his kids."
"Still, with General Ironwood I thought it would be different," Cecilia replied.
"What is the saying? 'The more you grasp at sand, the more it slips through your fingers'?" Vaughn said.
"Are you saying he is too hard?" Cecilia asked, curiously. "He leads the greatest fighting forces in the four Kingdoms."
"I am saying it may be one of the reasons," Vaughn replied. "But there is no doubt that he is definitely worthy of respect."
They continued down the hall and reached the landing area once more. Most of the students have already been shown to their dorms but there was still some left over.
"Can it be? Cecil?"
The twins heard, and Cecilia's eyes narrowed angrily at the name as she turned around. In Atlas's uniform, were Stephan and Topher; children who used to live at St. Alban's with her and Vaughn.
"Ha! It is Cecil," Topher said with a smile.
"You're with Atlas?" Cecilia asked, incredulously.
"I know, right?" Stephan replied. "The training over at Albans paid off."
"Congratulations," Vaughn said simply.
"Vaughn?" Topher asked as he narrowed his eyes at him. "Damn, you changed. No longer a wimp…"
"What did you expect?" Stephan asked. "He was trained by Sceryei."
"Oh yeah," Topher said, his smile vanished. "Sorry about what happened to him."
"Like you would care," Cecilia spat.
"I really don't," Topher replied with a grin. "Serves him right for what happened to Rickard."
"I killed Rickard," Cecilia replied.
"I heard," Topher said as he stared daggers at her. "He was a good friend."
"He was a killer who murdered unarmed prisoners," Vaughn said simply. "'Good' would not be the word I would use to describe him. He got what was coming to him."
"It was war," Stephan interjected.
"Even in war, you treat your enemies with dignity. There are rules in war," Cecilia said.
"You think those animals deserve 'dignity'?" Topher said with a chuckle alongside Stephan.
"Enough." Another voice chimed in and it only made Cecilia angrier as she and Vaughn turned to see the Major that resided over St. Alban's, Davros.
"Don't waste your time with disgraced soldiers," Davros said while the Stephan and Topher stood at attention.
"And what are you?" Cecilia asked. "Last I checked, the brass did not agree with how you ran St. Alban's."
"They simply thought it best to move me where my skills would be most useful," Davros replied, stoically, as he turned his nose up at Cecilia.
"Making kids fight?" Vaughn asked.
"I heard you were taken in by Sceryei," Davros said as he betrayed some emotion as he furrowed his brows angrily. "I thought maybe he would have taught you some manners when speaking to a superior officer."
"But they are not part of Atlas or its Military anymore."
Davros closed his eyes tightly and sighed.
"And it is a shame, General," Davros said as he stood at attention as General Ironwood approached, even the twins clicked their heels and saluted, but Ironwood simply waved them off.
"Indeed," Ironwood said as he stood between the two groups. "I read about their mission and their skills, they would have made great additions to Atlas Academy."
Davros pursed his lips as he stared at the twins.
"Unless you meant something else," Ironwood said.
"Just that they should at least repay what Atlas had given them," Davros said. "Without St. Alban's, they would have died in the streets."
"I believe they have paid off that debt," Ironwood interjected. "You are dismissed, Major."
Davros and the two other students reluctantly saluted before they turned to march away.
"What is he doing here?" Vaughn asked, while Cecilia hung her head.
"As former director of St. Alban's, he was still useful in some capacity, despite his unorthodox training practices," Ironwood said, but then understood what Vaughn meant by the question.
"I feel I should apologize," Ironwood said. "I did not have the foresight to see what it would be like for the two of you and I feel responsible for putting you through that hell."
"While I hate to admit it sir, it served us well in the long run," Vaughn replied. "We are going to be Huntsmen."
"Perhaps," Ironwood replied and noticed Cecilia's silence. "Will you be alright?"
"Yes sir," Cecilia said as she raised her head slightly, peering at Ironwood through the hair that just hung over her eyes.
"He is here to be a handler for a few of the teams," Ironwood replied. "They receive the training Huntsmen get but they are not part of the Academy, instead, they are part of the military."
"I see," Vaughn said and for a moment, Ironwood was silent as he thought.
"I heard about what happened last year," Ironwood said finally. "Students like you should not be held back due to the poor decisions of an irresponsible leader."
"He has promised to rectify his mistakes, sir," Vaughn replied.
"I am sure he has," Ironwood said under his breath. "I just want you to know that the option to transfer to Atlas is always there, in case things don't always work out."
"We will keep that in mind, sir," Vaughn said as he reached to put a hand on his sister's shoulder.
Ironwood bowed his head and turned to leave.
0-RWBY-0
It was getting late by the time Haiiden was able to finally situate the remaining visiting students into their new homes.
"Excuse me?" He heard and turned to see a green-haired girl and grey-haired boy following behind a darker haired woman.
"We're here from Haven Academy," the dark-haired woman said with a grin.