Note:

There may be trolls in reviews, see my profile for more details. Profile hack appears to be over for now.

Bigger Note:

My mother, who has had cancer twice and two heart operations, had to be rushed into hospital yesterday by me after collapsing at home while I was visiting. I spent most of yesterday in the hospital with her and will be completing the bare minimum of work before I leave to spend more time with her today. As a result, this chapter is all that will be released for this story this week. It's pre-written content, and rough at best.

I'm releasing it as a vehicle for this message, since the site here doesn't like if you just release AN's as chapters, and if I don't, a lot of people will wonder what is going on and flood me with PM's asking me if I'm okay, which I'm sure you can all understand is the last thing I need right now. Easier to just do this and let everyone be in the know.

If she is well and released, work will resume as normal. If not, I shall let people know on a different story and, if things are bad enough, I might take some time off to spend with her before the end. I am hopeful it will be well, as she is at heart attack risk but has not "had" one. Then again, with her terrible medical history and numerous problems, I have to be prepared for the worst.

As a result, this chapter is understandably rushed and short. It's not me writing now, as – no offence – but I can't bring myself to write right now (other than this message, obviously). This is just a scene I jotted down, and it's still in rough format, lacking the care I normally put into it.

Anyway, that's the message.

Sorry for the delay, thank you to those who wish my mother well.

Beta: College Fool

Cover Art: Kegi Springfield

Chapter 91

He was a man who had made few mistakes.

Such a man might be considered a hero, or at least one who should be proud of his life. Ozpin was not. How can the man who makes so few mistakes, live with the few he had? By nature of his life, each of those far outweighed the mistakes any normal person could make. His mistakes were not of a high quantity, rather their quality – their weight – at times proved too much to bear.

Raven was one of those mistakes, though hardly his greatest.

"I'll do this for you, Ozpin, but then we're done. Understand?"

"It pleases me no more than you to be present here. I have no desire to interact with you further."

"Watch it," she snapped. "I'm the only one capable of opening the vault for you."

In this lifetime, at least. Ozpin had a fine control over Oscar's body, but doubted he could best a maiden-empowered Raven. She'd obviously taken the time to gain a fine control over the power she'd stolen.

It might be different if he and Oscar worked together, but the boy refused to co-operate. It was something Ozpin had never experienced before. His soul was supposed to pass onto likeminded individuals, which meant that most – by nature – agreed with or were willing to work towards the same goals as he.

"Maybe I'm just likeminded to who you used to be," Oscar whispered. "Who you once were, but no longer are."

Ozpin ignored him.

Nothing had changed.

"You know, I'm not as cut off from current affairs as being in a tribe would suggest," Raven said. "I've seen the news. What's happening in Atlas and with the Grimmlands."

Ozpin raised an eyebrow. "Your point?"

"Just that I'm pleased Yang and Qrow finally realised just how much they could trust you and jumped ship. I'd warned Qrow enough times."

The words hurt more than Ozpin cared to admit. He refused to show such. "They hardly left me for your advice, Raven. Neither cares for you in the slightest, nor trusts your word to be worth more than the mud beneath their feet. And that is due to your actions, not mine. You might blame me for much but you cannot place the fault for that on my shoulders."

Raven's lips pulled back. "I know." She schooled her expression and looked away. "I know that. It doesn't change anything. They don't need to believe me for me to be happy, or for me to be proud of them."

"Your regard matters just as little to them."

"I know that, too."

Raven looked away and Ozpin breathed a sigh of relief. No matter how he might try, the loss of his allies hurt. Yang, Ruby and the other children but a little. Qrow more. Eternity was a lonely experience, and while he had not trusted Qrow enough to reveal all his secrets, he had appreciated the man's constant presence.

And beyond that, it was nothing personal. He kept his secrets for a reason, because time and time again, those he trusted had betrayed him. Leonardo and Qrow were but the latest examples, with far more throughout history.

"Did you ever think there was a reason?" Oscar asked. "Once might be a coincidence, twice bad luck. Three times or more is a pattern. People aren't traitors for no good reason, Ozpin."

"You would not understand, Oscar."

"I won't if you refuse to tell me. You ever think the constant secrets had a part in people struggling to trust you?"

"I keep secrets because experience tells me the truth exacerbates the issue."

"And in doing so, you their mistrust a self-fulfilling prophecy."

Ozpin cut the connection once more. The cool air of Mistral's night brushed over his skin, a pleasant – if cold – sensation. There would be no warming himself by the fire tonight, as there was work to do. So much work and so little time before Salem enacted her plan.

A wave of nausea washed over him. Ozpin closed his eyes and took a deep breath, pushing those feelings away. His body would hold. It had to.

"We're here," Raven said, coming to a stop. She needn't have, for Ozpin remembered the location perfectly, even after it had been so long. "I'll open the vault and let you enter. What you do from there is your own decision."

"You've no desire for the Relic yourself?"

Ozpin wasn't sure why he asked, paranoia perhaps.

"I don't need it."

"Hmph. Strength over wisdom?"

"Not quite. There aren't questions I need the answers to. I know how everything is."

"An arrogant statement if I've ever heard one."

"Not arrogance," Raven said, with a soft sigh. "Just acceptance." She stood before the vault's entrance and tapped into her stolen power. "My tribe is safe. I could use my portals to rescue Yang from Atlas and deliver her to the Grimmlands if I wanted. Qrow's there, so it would be as simple as two portals and I could guarantee the safety of me and my tribe."

She was right. Ozpin frowned. "Then why haven't you?"

"Because I don't need to. Because, as you so easily put it, I don't matter to either of them anymore. I'm not worth their time and they've got better things to do than care about me." The vault doors rumbled and slid open. "There. It's done."

Raven stepped back, proving her intent to leave the Relic be.

Cautiously, Ozpin stepped into the vault.

How long had it been since he sealed the Relic here? How long had it been since he realised that Knowledge was neither kind nor helpful? Answers granted did not always provide relief, nor did they help solve anything. All they did was drive you further into despair, rip apart the fabric of what you considered reality.

Knowledge hurt. Those who lived in ignorance were blessed.

Ozpin knew it from experience, from times where he had greedily monopolised the Relic, using it as often as he could, as soon as it could recharge. His world had expanded greatly, the knowledge to so many secrets – too many – locked within his mind.

"How regretful that I must call upon you again, Jinn."

The Relic hummed as he touched it. The Jinn inside no doubt agreed. She, or as close to a she as so formless a being could take, had told him as much time and time before. Like so many others, she might have turned on him… were she able to. At the mention of her name, the spectral figure began to appear.

"I am Jinn, a being created-" The ethereal woman paused, regarded him. Her eyes drifted shut. "Again, Ozpin? Or do you go by another name now? Is this but another brief respite before I am to be sealed away once more?"

"Ask the Gods that question, Jinn. Not I. Perhaps at the same time, you might even ask them when I might rest."

"Is that your question? I could answer it, but I believe we both know the answer."

"We do." Ozpin sighed. "And no, it's not."

"Very well. Two questions remain this era. Ask."

Hundreds crossed his mind. Ozpin sealed his lips shut, preventing any from slipping forth. With such limited resources, he would need to consider each carefully. There could be no wasted questions when each answer might mean the survival of the entire human race. Nay, the world itself. But one pressing question came to mind, and one that he required an answer to all but immediately.

"What are Salem's current plans?"

"Is this the question you wish answered?"

"It is," he said. It was a `current` question, so Jinn could answer it. Salem's plans might change in the future but knowing them now – in this crucial moment – would allow him to better react. It would give him a chance. "Tell me her current goals that involve Remnant, her current plan for both her immediate and distant future."

"It is a question wide in scope."

It was, and intentionally so. There might be much that was needless, like Salem's intent to visit a restroom in the next hour, or even more mundane concerns. He had learned that such wide questions yielded the best answers, however.

The worse were those that could be answered with a simple yes or no.

"It is what I ask of you, Jinn."

"Very well." Jinn's eyes closed, though power flowed behind the lids, shining brightly. "Salem plans to place faith in her son, to watch what he can accomplish and, if necessary, to step in to defend him from any threats. She plans to visit Yang Xiao-Long's father and introduce herself, forcefully if necessary. She wants him to accept her and wants to see whether he is a kind man who might love her son and future grandchildren. Salem plans to visit her husband. She plans to visit her daughters, who are being kept away for their own safety."

Kept away? Ozpin's eyes narrowed. A possible future question, but not one he would make recklessly. If he was not strong enough to deal with them, then knowing where they were hidden meant little.

Still, the information was mundane thus far, even if the knowledge of a `husband` was a shock. "Go on."

"Salem plans to renovate the tower. Salem plans to hold a baby shower, even though Yang Xiao-Long is not with child in the traditional sense. Salem plans to encourage them to make with the child-making. Salem plans to do so with her own husband in celebration. Paradoxically, Salem is nervous about Qrow Branwen doing so with her daughter and plans to corner him, impress upon him the importance of being gentle with her daughter."

"Pointless information," Ozpin said. "Keep going."

Jinn frowned at the interruption, but continued, "Salem plans to encourage her other children to interact with humans if her son's push for peace proves successful."

Ozpin leaned forward. This was it!

"She plans to keep watch over them, to ensure they are protected and well-treated. Salem plans for them to find lovers and families of their own."

Nothing. Where were her plans for Remnant?

"Salem plans to have a large family. Salem plans to be surrounded by family. Salem plans to be surrounded by those she loves and who love her. Salem plans to live a long life with her husband. Salem plans to find a way to die with her husband when he grows old."

Ozpin choked. "W-What?"

"Salem plans to die surrounded by family and loved ones and be buried beside Nicholas Arc." Jinn paused, eyes closed. Her head tilted up, as if she had realised one last thing. "It is late. Salem plans to get some sleep. She plans- oh my." Somehow, someway, Jinn's cheeks became dusted with pink. "Salem plans to… use an object as a `substitute` for her husband while engaging with him in a scroll conversation. She has not planned for the fact her daughters might overhear, much to her daughters' horror."

Ozpin grit his teeth and waited. When no more came, he snapped, "And…?"

"That is all."

"Impossible! H-Her plans for Remnant, her plans for humanity. You haven't told them. What is it she plans?"

Jinn's head tilted. "Is that to be your third ques-"

"NO! I've already asked it!"

"You have, and I have granted you knowledge. You might ask me again what her intent for the world and people of Remnant is, but you and I both know the answer, Ozpin. I have already told you it."

"You've told me nothing!"

"If I have told you nothing, it is because there is nothing to tell. Do you have another-?"

"No," he snapped. "B-Back. Back in the Relic."

Jinn sighed and began to dissipate. "As you wish, Ozpin."

He was grateful for her disappearing, because it meant she didn't see him falling to his knees. His stomach rolled, vomit threatening to come up and out. He bit it back and swallowed, the foul, acrid taste clinging to his throat.

Wrong.

She had to be wrong, even if the very prospect was impossible. Jinn was a Being of Knowledge. She was not capable of being wrong, only of providing answers that did not encompass the complete truth. It was possible Salem did not plan because her plans had been passed on, perhaps to her son, Jaune Arc. P-Perhaps he was the threat now. He was the enemy.

It had to be.

Had to be…

"You know, I've waited ten years to see you like this," a voice spoke from behind. Raven. She was still there. "Waited ten years or more for a chance to say `I told you so`. I thought it would be the best moment of my life, and yet here I am and all I can feel is pity."

"Pity, Raven?" Ozpin laughed. It was a bitter, scratchy sound. "From you of all people?"

Raven sighed. "Seems like it. Trust me, you're not the only one who's surprised. You can't see it, can you? You don't realise what's happened. Or worse, you can't. Or you can, but you refuse to accept it, refuse to accept the very possibility of it being real. That you might have made a mistake."

"I am very aware of the mistakes I have made, Raven. You do not get to talk to me about mistakes. Not with the many you have made."

"I've made mistakes," Raven said, shrugging. "I admit them freely. Terrible mistakes. Mistakes that people will never forgive me for. But that's the difference between you and me, Ozpin. I've made my bed and I'm going to lay in it. I've never tried to say I was a good person. You…? You're chasing after your mistakes. You won't ever let them go."

He laughed. "How does a lifetime of good make up for a single mistake?"

"It doesn't." Raven's words came like the tolling of a bell. "But do you know what it also doesn't do? It doesn't negate that lifetime of good, either." Raven's eyes closed, and she bit back a snarl. "I know my opinion is worth shit to you. It's not worth much to anyone at the minute, let alone my advice, but I'm going to give you some, Ozpin. I'd suggest you listen."

Against his better judgement, Ozpin did.

"People make mistakes. I've made them, you make them, everyone does. Some mistakes are big, others small. Some never get forgiven, can't be forgiven. Mistakes like abandoning someone who didn't deserve to be abandoned. Turning your back on someone who trusted you with all their heart."

Although Raven meant it for herself, Ozpin could not help the flinch that wracked his body.

Her face flashed before his mind.

"You can spend your whole life trying to atone for something like that, but no matter what you do, it won't ever be enough. You just end up living your life looking backwards, not thinking of the future but trying to win forgiveness for something you did in the past. Thing is, that's a waste. The past is the past and you can't change it."

Raven sighed. "When I left Tai and Yang, they were hurt. I could feel it. I held her for a week at most, yet it was enough to form a bond. I could have gone back and tried to fix things, but I didn't. Another mistake. But they moved on and Summer moved in. Taiyang found new happiness and Yang found a new mother. One better than I could have ever been. Going back, then? It would have just hurt everyone. Instead, I moved on as well. Didn't forget, didn't try to, but didn't insult them by trying to `justify` what I did or earn their forgiveness."

Ozpin's eyes were fixed on the floor. He barely heard her but hear her he did. He didn't dare breathe, couldn't breathe.

"Maybe it's time you moved on, Ozpin."

Raven turned away.

"The lonely girl in the tower clearly has…"

Why is the chapter so short? If you're asking this, it's explained in the AN at the top.

Well, there you go. The Relic of Knowledge was revealed in more recent episodes that I have not seen yet, but it didn't really change much. A "Relic of Knowledge" was always going to be something capable of "giving knowledge". The only thing that changed in terms of this story (and even Relic) is the limit of three, and the fact that it's a blue woman called Jinn giving it.

Anyway, this is the chapter as it is, and I'll be at hospital for the rest of the day.

Next Chapter: 15th November

P a treon . com (slash) Coeur