AN: This chapter is sponsored by Sheep Away.
Sheep Away: The only explosive powerful enough to rid your lawn of those woolen pests.
(Please note that 'Sheep Away' and all of its subsidiaries are fictional.)
Headmaster's Office (Evening)
"You called for me, Professor?" Ivy said as she stepped out of the elevator. Sitting opposite Ozpin was Pyrrha, who looked back to face the younger girl.
"Ah, yes. Miss Verdant. Please, take a seat." Ozpin said, gesturing to a chair beside Pyrrha. Ivy sat down, still out of the loop on what was happening. "As I was saying, Miss Nikos, it's no surprise your team chose you for the finals. Your performance thus far has been exemplary."
"Wait, what?" Ivy said, turning to her classmate. "That's amazing, Pyrrha!"
"It's nothing, really. Honestly, I would've preferred if it was Jaune, but..." the redhead said, trailing off.
"Say no more. I understand." Ivy said, aware that Team JNPR's leader was a few thorns short of a rose.
"Personally, I think it's the other way around." a new voice said. Ivy turned around to see Qrow leaning on a pillar.
'When did he enter the room?' the Maiden wondered. "Eh, who are you?"
"Name's Qrow." the man said.
"Oh, Dominic and Gregory's uncle." Ivy said, remembering the name.
"Qrow is a trusted colleague of mine." Ozpin explained.
"Professor, if you don't mind me asking, why have you called Ivy and I here?" Pyrrha asked the headmaster.
"What is your favorite fairytale?" the white-haired man asked in response.
Those five words made Ivy freeze. The girl squeezed the bottom of her seat, hoping nobody saw her reaction.
"I'm sorry?" Pyrrha said, confused.
"Fairytales. Stories from your childhood." Ozpin explained. "Surely you must remember some of them."
"Well, there's the tale of the Two Brothers, the Shallow Sea, the Girl In The Tower..." Pyrrha listed.
"What about the story of the Seasons?" Ozpin asked.
'He knows. He knows. He knows.' Ivy repeated in her head, her breathing getting more erratic. Still, she attempted to hide it.
"Oh, of course." Pyrrha said. "A callous old man who refuses to leave his home is visited by four traveling sisters. The first understands the man's reclusive nature, and urges him to use his time and solitude to reflect and meditate. The second brings him fruits and flowers, tending to his crops and revitalizing his garden. The third warms the man's heart, convincing him to step outside and embrace the world around him. And the fourth and final sister begs him to look at all that he has and be thankful. In return to their kindness, the man grants the maidens incredible powers, so that they may help others all over the world. They graciously accept, and promise to share their gifts to the people and Remnant until the end of days. Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. The four Maidens. My mother loves that story."
'Mine did too.' Ivy thought to herself, a lone tear falling down her face.
"Would you believe me if I told you that one's been around since I was a boy?" Ozpin asked.
"You're not that old, Professor." Pyrrha said.
"Well, would you believe me if I told you it was true?" Ozpin asked again, making the redhead's eyes widen.
"I beg your pardon?" Pyrrha asked, unsure if she heard her headmaster correctly.
"What if I were to tell you that there were four Maidens existing in this world that could wield such tremendous power without Dust?" Ozpin asked.
"You mean like a Semblance?" Pyrrha asked, having seen firsthand what Connor and Gregory were capable of.
"Like magic." Ozpin finally said.
Pyrrha was left dumbstruck. "Yeah. First time hearing this, it was pretty crazy." Qrow said.
"You're serious?" the redhead asked.
"Do I look like I am joking?" Ozpin asked.
"Hard to tell. Your face doesn't really change." Ivy said, hoping the joke would distract from the absolute terror radiating off of her.
"Why are you telling us this?" Pyrrha asked.
"We are telling you, Pyrra Nikos, because we believe that you are next in line to receive the Fall Maiden's powers." Ozpin explained.
"Wait, we?" Pyrrha asked. Seconds later, the elevator opened to reveal Ironwood and Goodwitch standing behind the doors.
'Were they in there the entire time, waiting for a cue?' Ivy thought to herself. 'I'm overthinking this.'
"As for you, Miss Verdant, would you mind answering a question for me?" Ozpin said, staring dead into the girl's eyes.
"Uh, no sir." she said quietly, sneaking passing glances to Pyrrha. Would he reveal her secret to her classmate?
"Do you know why I allowed you to attend Beacon?" the headmaster asked politely.
That was the straw that broke the sheep's back.
Without warning, one of the glass windows behind Ozpin shattered. And then, with the swiftness of a dragonfly, she leapt out of the tower.
"IVY!" Pyrrha screamed, running to the edge of the room. She looked down, but couldn't spot any blood splatter.
"Don't worry, Miss Nikos." Ozpin said, taking another sip of coffee. "Your friend is perfectly fine. I have a feeling she just needs a bit of time."
"Ozpin, who exactly was that?" Ironwood asked the younger(?) man.
"Ivy Verdant. She's a student here." Ozpin replied, smirking. "Aside from that, she's told me nothing."
Beacon Courtyard (Night)
Ivy's mind was racing. She couldn't stay at Beacon anymore, not as long as Ozpin knew about her powers. With a trail of grass following her, she sprinted to the docking station for the airships and Bullheads.
"Hello again, Fair Spring." a male voice said, startling her. Acting on pure instinct, she threw one of her knives, only for the owner of the voice to sidestep and grab it by the hilt. Once the adrenaline faded, she recognized the figure as Shadow. "I see you've gotten faster." he complimented, tossing the weapon back.
"You." the girl said, catching the blade before sheathing it. "I thought you were dead."
"Killing me is not an easy feat." Shadow said, a slightly boastful tone in his voice.
"I never got to thank you for saving me. So, thanks." Ivy said.
"May I ask why you are outside at this hour?" Shadow asked.
"I... Something I've been keeping secret got out, and I have to leave if I want to stay safe." the Maiden explained, looking down.
"I know I cannot stop you. But at least consider this:" Shadow said. "You can either leave, and remain as alone as you were with Raven, or you can stay with your team. If you simply ask, I know they will help you."
Ivy stayed silent for a few minutes. "I'll think about it." she eventually said.
"I applaud your decision, Fair Spring." Shadow said, smiling under his scarf. "Until our paths cross again." And as quickly as he appeared, he vanished in a plume of purple smoke, leaving Ivy alone with her thoughts.
'What do I do?' she asked herself.